Home renovation projects are exciting, but they also take time. If you're planning to remodel your home, one of the biggest questions you'll face is how long it takes to renovate a house.
The answer depends on several factors, from the scope of work to contractor availability. However, knowing what to expect can help you plan better, avoid surprises, and feel more confident about the process.
In this guide, we’ll examine average timelines for different renovation projects, what influences those timelines, and how to stay on track. Let’s break it down, room by room.
What Affects How Long a Renovation Takes?
Before we jump into room-by-room estimates, it’s helpful to understand the variables that impact your renovation timeline.
- Scope and Complexity of Work: A full-gut kitchen remodel will take longer than simply replacing cabinet doors. The more walls you move, systems you upgrade, and finishes you update, the more time you should plan for.
- Permits and Inspections: If your renovation involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes, you’ll likely need permits. Getting those approved (and scheduling inspections) can add time to your project.
- Material Lead Times: Some materials, like custom cabinets or specialty tiles, have longer manufacturing and delivery windows. Ordering early and finalizing choices up front can help avoid delays.
- Contractor Scheduling: Skilled contractors often book weeks or months in advance. Their availability may affect your project start date, especially during busy seasons.
Understanding these factors early on will help you set more accurate expectations and avoid common delays.
Renovation Timeline by Room
Every renovation is different, but here’s what you can typically expect for each type of project. These timelines reflect national averages and are helpful starting points for planning.
Flooring Installation: 1–3 Weeks
Flooring upgrades are usually one of the faster projects to complete.
- 1 week for a couple of rooms or smaller areas
- 2–3 weeks for full-house flooring or more complex layouts
Installation time can increase if old floors need to be removed or subfloors need repair.
Bathroom Renovation: 3–10 Weeks
Bathrooms might be small, but they require coordination between plumbing, electrical, tiling, and fixture installation.
- 3–5 weeks for a basic remodel or mid-range update
- 6–10 weeks for a full gut renovation with layout changes or high-end features
Projects tend to take longer if you're relocating plumbing or choosing custom materials.
Kitchen Remodel: 6–12 Weeks
The kitchen is often the most complicated room to renovate due to plumbing, appliances, cabinetry, and design layout.
- 6–8 weeks for a simple refresh with minimal layout changes
- 10–12 weeks for a full remodel involving new cabinetry, electrical work, and custom finishes
Ordering materials and appliances in advance can help you stay on schedule.
Basement Finishing: 1–2 Months
Turning an unfinished basement into a livable space is a smart way to add usable square footage to your home. Most projects take about 4–8 weeks, depending on the size of the area and the level of customization. If you're including features like a bathroom, kitchenette, or multiple rooms, expect the timeline to stretch a bit longer.
Room Addition: 3–5 Months
Building a new room is a major renovation that covers everything from foundation work to framing, roofing, and finishing. On average, the process takes 12–20 weeks. Factors like permit approvals, inspections, and even the weather can all impact the time it takes from start to finish.
Full-Home Renovation: 9–12 Months
A full-scale home remodel is a significant investment of time and resources. 9–12 months is typical for large projects that involve multiple systems, structural work, and custom finishes.
This timeline can shift depending on whether you’re living in the home during construction, how much is being done at once, and the complexity of your design choices.
Tips to Keep Your Home Renovation on Track
Renovation timelines can shift, but you can take steps to minimize delays and keep things moving smoothly.
- Hire the Right Team: Work with experienced, licensed contractors who have strong communication and a good track record. A solid team saves time and stress.
- Finalize Your Design Early: Make decisions about layouts, materials, and finishes before construction begins. Changes mid-project are one of the top causes of delays.
- Build in Buffer Time: Even the most well-planned projects can run into hiccups. Leave some wiggle room in your timeline, especially for larger renovations.
- Stay Involved: Check in regularly with your contractor, ask questions, and be available to make timely decisions. Your involvement can help move things forward.
These simple strategies can help your renovation stay on schedule and run more smoothly from start to finish.
Why Timeline and Renovation Budget Go Hand-in-Hand
The longer a project takes, the more it can cost. Here’s why:
- Labor hours add up: Extended timelines mean more labor costs.
- Material prices fluctuate: If you delay, materials may increase or become unavailable.
- Living expenses increase: If you're living elsewhere during renovations, extended timelines can raise temporary housing costs.
That’s why setting a clear timeline is important if you want to stay on budget.
If you’re trying to align project goals with your budget, our Home Renovation Cost Calculator can help you break it down and plan smarter.
How Experts In Your Home Can Help With Your Renovation
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Northern California navigate home renovations. At Experts In Your Home, we combine decades of technical know-how with a clear, customer-first approach.
When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a contractor, you’re teaming up with local experts who care about your home as much as you do. We’ll help you understand what to expect, keep you informed every step of the way, and deliver high-quality results with no surprises.
If you’re still wondering how long your renovation will take or how much it might cost, let’s simplify things.
Use our Home Renovation Cost Calculator to get a clearer picture of your timeline, budget, and next steps. It’s fast, free, and built to help you plan with confidence.
