How Long Does a Home Renovation Take? Realistic Timelines by Project

You're ready to renovate. But before you start picking cabinet colors, there's a question most homeowners forget to ask: How long will this actually take?

Underestimating timelines is the #1 source of renovation stress. You thought the kitchen would be done for Thanksgiving. Now it's Christmas and you're still eating takeout in the living room.

Let's fix that with honest, realistic timelines for every major renovation project.

Quick Reference: Renovation Timelines

The pattern: Planning takes longer than you expect. Construction takes longer than contractors promise.

What Affects Renovation Timeline?

Permit Requirements

Some projects require permits (more on that here). Factor in:

• Simple permits: 1-2 weeks
• Complex permits (structural, electrical): 2-6 weeks
• Variance or special approval: 4-12 weeks

Material Lead Times

This is where 2024-2026 has been rough. Current lead times:

• Stock cabinets: 2-4 weeks
• Semi-custom cabinets: 6-12 weeks
• Custom cabinets: 12-20 weeks
• Windows: 4-12 weeks
• Appliances: In stock to 8 weeks
• Custom doors: 6-12 weeks

Pro tip: Order materials BEFORE construction starts. Don't assume everything is in stock.

Contractor Availability

Good contractors are booked 4-12 weeks out. That's not including the actual work—just getting on their schedule.

If someone can start next week, ask why.

Inspection Scheduling

Inspections can add days or weeks:

• Inspection availability: 1-5 business days wait
• Failed inspection + fix + re-inspect: 1-3 weeks added

Your Decision-Making Speed

Sounds harsh, but it's true. Every time you take a week to pick tile, that's a week added to the project.

Kitchen Renovation Timeline (Detailed)

Total time: 10-20 weeks

Planning (4-8 weeks)

• Week 1-2: Design meetings, layout decisions
• Week 2-4: Material selection (cabinets, countertops, appliances, fixtures)
• Week 3-6: Order cabinets and appliances (long lead items)
• Week 4-8: Permits, contractor scheduling, final timeline

Construction (6-12 weeks)

• Week 1: Demo existing kitchen
• Week 2-3: Rough electrical, plumbing, gas
• Week 3: Inspection
• Week 4-6: Drywall, paint
• Week 6-8: Cabinet installation
• Week 8-9: Countertop template and install (granite/quartz need 1-2 weeks)
• Week 9-10: Appliance installation
• Week 10-12: Backsplash, fixtures, finishing touches, final inspection

Living tip: Set up a temporary kitchen (microwave, coffee maker, mini fridge) in another room. You'll thank yourself.

Bathroom Renovation Timeline

Total time: 5-10 weeks

Planning (2-4 weeks)

• Design and fixture selection
• Material ordering (especially vanity, tile)
• Permits if moving plumbing

Construction (3-6 weeks)

• Week 1: Demo, rough plumbing
• Week 1-2: Electrical, inspection
• Week 2-3: Waterproofing, tile
• Week 3-4: Vanity, toilet, fixtures
• Week 4-6: Paint, trim, final touches

The catch: One bathroom? You're living without it during construction. Plan accordingly.

Basement Finishing Timeline

Total time: 8-14 weeks

Planning (2-4 weeks)

• Design layout
• Permits (usually required for adding living space)
• Address any moisture issues FIRST

Construction (6-10 weeks)

• Week 1-2: Framing, HVAC rough-in
• Week 2-3: Electrical, plumbing
• Week 3: Inspection
• Week 4-5: Insulation, drywall
• Week 5-6: Flooring
• Week 6-8: Paint, trim, fixtures
• Week 8-10: Final details, inspection

Warning sign: If your basement has water issues, add 2-4 weeks for waterproofing. Don't skip this or you'll regret it.

Room Addition Timeline

Total time: 12-24 weeks

Room additions are mini-construction projects:

• Week 1-4: Design, engineering, permits
• Week 4-6: Foundation work
• Week 6-10: Framing, roofing
• Week 10-14: Windows, doors, rough systems
• Week 14-18: Insulation, drywall
• Week 18-24: Finishes, final inspections

Factors That Blow Up Timelines

1. Hidden Problems

Demo reveals:

• Mold behind walls
• Outdated wiring
• Water damage
• Structural issues

Add 1-4 weeks for surprises. Budget 15-20% contingency for costs.

2. Change Orders

Every change during construction:

• Adds decision time
• May require re-ordering materials
• Can delay other trades

Make final decisions during planning. Changes mid-construction are expensive and slow.

3. Weather (for exterior work)

• Roofing can't happen in rain
• Concrete needs temperatures above freezing
• Exterior paint needs dry conditions

4. Supply Chain Issues

Still real in 2026, though improving. Always confirm lead times before starting.

How to Keep Your Renovation on Track

1. Start planning early - Begin design 3-4 months before you want to start construction
2. Make all decisions upfront - Tile, fixtures, colors—all of it before demo day
3. Order long-lead items immediately - Cabinets, windows, special-order anything
4. Build in buffer time - Add 2-4 weeks to any estimate
5. Communicate weekly - Regular check-ins catch issues before they become delays
6. Have backup choices - If your first-choice countertop is backordered, have a Plan B

The Financing Factor

Home improvement financing affects timeline too:

• Cash: No delay
• HELOC: 2-6 weeks to close
• Personal loan: 1-2 weeks
• Home equity loan: 3-6 weeks

If using a HELOC, start that process during the planning phase—not when contractors are ready to go.

Bottom Line

The project you think will take 6 weeks will take 10. The one quoted at 3 months will take 5.

That's not pessimism—that's experience.

Plan for delays. Budget for surprises. And set your "must be done by" date at least 4 weeks earlier than you actually need it.

Because no one ever complained that their renovation finished early.

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Planning a home renovation? Get a HELOC estimate to understand your financing options before you commit to a contractor.