Starting a home remodel can be an exciting project, but without knowing the basic timeline, it can get overwhelming. Whether you're renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or transforming a whole house, you need an estimate that helps smooth the process and keeps everything on track. If you are planning to remodel your home, this is the right place to be.
Renovating a single corner can take up to 4 to 5 days. If you plan to remodel on a large scale, be prepared for a longer time period. Here, we've provided you with a step-by-step guide to the whole house remodel stages, so you can be well-informed and take action accordingly.
Typical Home Remodel Project Timeline
For smaller remodeling projects, the timeline is relatively short, often ranging from 3 to 6 weeks. Larger projects, like a kitchen or bedroom remodel, can take 2-3 months to complete. For a full-scale remodel of an entire home, expect the project to span 3-6 months or more, depending on the complexity.
Here’s a general breakdown of a typical remodel timeline:
- Planning & Design: 2-4 weeks
- Demolition: 1-2 weeks
- Rough Work (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC): 2-3 weeks
- Framing & Structural Work: 3-4 weeks
- Interior Finishes (Cabinetry, Trim, Flooring): 5-8 weeks
- Final Touches & Clean-Up: 1-2 weeks
- Final Walk-Through: 1-2 days
Now, get into the details of each to understand the process entirely.
- Planning & Design
The first step towards major construction milestones is thorough planning. This phase is critical for shaping the entire project and setting clear expectations from the outset.
You'll start by discussing your vision with your contractor, design team, or architect. Whether it’s a simple kitchen update or a more extensive whole-house remodel, this phase includes finalizing your layout and selecting materials. Additionally, any necessary home remodel permits are submitted during this phase. Depending on the project’s scope, you may also need to secure approvals from your Homeowners Association (HOA) or conduct specific inspections.
The planning phase can take from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the intricacy of the remodel. Once everything is in place, you'll have a clearer picture of the project timeline and the costs involved in the home renovation.
Tip: Be clear about your non-negotiables ("must-haves") versus things that would be nice to include ("nice-to-haves") to keep both the scope and budget manageable.
- Pre-Construction Prep
Before construction can begin, a lot of behind-the-scenes work must be completed. This involves confirming all details with your contractor and finalizing material orders to avoid delays during construction.
You’ll also receive a renovation schedule template, which will lay out the entire construction timeline, including a communication schedule to keep you updated on progress. This is also the time to prepare your home. Moving furniture out of the way and covering valuables can help protect them from dust and damage during the build. If you plan to live elsewhere during construction, this phase is a good time to arrange temporary accommodations.
Tip: This is a great time to think about living arrangements and to clear out the rooms that will be affected.
- Demo Day(s)
Demo Day can be both exhilarating and messy. It's when the old materials, such as cabinets, walls, flooring, and sometimes even plumbing and electrical fixtures, are removed to make way for the new design.
During demolition, protective measures such as dust barriers will be put in place to shield the rest of the home from debris. The demo process usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the size and scope of the remodel.
Occasionally, unexpected issues such as mold or outdated wiring may surface during demolition. If this happens, your contractor will address these issues and adjust the plan as needed.
Tip: While it’s a noisy and messy stage, Demo Day marks the official start of the transformation!
- The Build Phase
Once the space is cleared, it's time to start the rebuild. The build phase is typically the longest segment of the remodel, spanning several weeks or months. It includes the rough-in work, which involves framing, electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC installation. These foundational tasks are followed by the structural work, which consists of constructing walls, floors, and ceilings.
Weeks 3-4: After the structure is set, contractors begin installing insulation, drywall, and completing any structural changes that were part of the design.
Weeks 5-8: As the project timeline home renovation progresses, work on installing flooring, cabinetry, tiling, and painting begins. These finishing touches transform the space into something that resembles the final product.
Tip: To avoid delays, it’s best to confirm all decisions (materials, colors, etc.) upfront. Any changes made later, called change orders, can add time to the schedule.
- Final Touches & Clean-Up
As your home remodel nears completion, the focus shifts to the final details that will make your space truly shine. This includes installing light fixtures, hardware, and doing any final touch-ups with paint or trim.
A cleaning crew will also be brought in to remove debris and dust from the construction process. After everything is cleaned, a final walk-through is conducted with your contractor to ensure all work meets your expectations. At this point, any last-minute adjustments are made.
You'll also receive a remodeling checklist and a binder or digital file containing warranties, care instructions, and contact information for follow-up services.
Tip: Keep a punch list handy during this phase to jot down any final tweaks or adjustments you want to be made before closing the project.
- Move Back In & Enjoy
The final stage of your home remodel is moving back in and settling into your newly renovated space. Whether you’re adding a new room, upgrading your kitchen, or transforming your entire home, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
Take time to enjoy the results of your hard work, knowing that your contractor has helped you create a home that fits your style and needs.
Tip: Celebrate your new space and make sure to leave positive feedback if you were satisfied with your contractor’s work!
Wrapping Up
A complete home remodel is a time hassle, whose fruits you enjoy for a long time. Whether you like a jacuzzi in the bathroom or a gazebo in the lawn, investing in home remodeling will be worth it in the end. However, always invest in a reliable contractor; they will understand your vision and translate your dream home into reality.
Speaking of a trusted contractor, 3D Home Improvements has been a consistent name when it comes to achieving desirable results within budget. Our experts manage every detail to provide value-adding home remodeling services tailored to your lifestyle. Request your free estimate and discover how our remodeling services can bring your home to life!
