Renovation is a type of home improvement project that can transform a house significantly. But how long does it take? The time it takes to remodel a home can vary greatly depending on several factors. This blog will help you understand what to expect and what to consider when planning your home renovation.
Factors Affecting the Timeline
Let’s understand the factors that affect a home remodel to help you set the right expectations.
Scope of the Project
The first factor to consider is the size and scope of your project. Small updates, like repainting a room, updating interior doors, or replacing kitchen cabinet doors, typically take less time and can usually be completed in less than a month. However, larger projects, such as adding or removing an entire floor, will take several months to finish.
Size of the Home
The size of your home also determines the period of time it will take to complete the remodel. More time and more supplies are needed in larger homes as compared to small ones. So, a small cottage may probably be remodeled in a few weeks, while a large multi-story house will take longer.
Availability of Materials and Labor
One factor that has a direct influence on the duration of your project is that of availability of the materials and human resources. Delivering of material and difficulty in sourcing service providers will also affect your timeframe.
Permits and Approvals
When your project falls under specific building codes and local regulations, obtaining the necessary permits can extend the overall timeline significantly. The steps vary based on the specific state or county that the project is taking place in, as well as the size and type of the project. Any setbacks during the remodeling process can affect time as well.
Typical Phases of a House Remodel
Knowing the general stages of a house remodel will assist you in defining the time required for the process.
Planning and Design
The first step is the planning and design phase. You decide what changes you want to make, whether you need to hire an architect or designer, and create a detailed plan. Depending on the complexity of your project, this phase can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete.
Demolition
After planning, a process of demolition starts. This phase entails stripping some elements such as walls, flooring, or any other surfaces that are to be replaced or reinstated. Demolition may require a few days or even weeks but this depends on the project.
Framing and Structural Work
If the remodel includes changes to the layout of the interior, such as extension or elimination of walls, this means there will be structural changes. It may take some time, about several weeks.
Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC
Another key stage is the installation or replacement of electrical, plumbing, sewage, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It’s important to ensure that all work complies with local regulations, which is why this step is necessary. Depending on the complexity and scope of the changes, this phase can take several weeks to complete.
Drywall and Insulation
This phase involves installing and finishing the drywall, along with adding insulation. Depending on the size of the area being remodeled, this process can take several weeks in some cases.
Painting and Finishing Touches
The final stages involve painting and potentially adding features like trims, flooring, and fixtures. These typically take a few weeks, but the duration can of course vary depending on the size and complexity of the task.
Average Timeline for Common Remodels
Below is an overview of how long a typical remodel of various styles takes:
Kitchen Remodel
The improvement of a kitchen is considered one of the most common home renovations. As previously stated, timeframe for a kitchen remodeling can range from one to several months depending on the type of project, whether simple or complicated. A mid-grade kitchen remodel will take roughly six to eight weeks.
Bathroom Remodel
Remodeling a bathroom also differs from the other projects in terms of its complexity as well as working time. Essentially, some changes, such as fixing the light fixtures or tiles, can be done within few weeks. A more time-consuming transformation procedure can require up to, or even, three months, for instance a full redesigning of the bathroom remodel of the plumbing.
Whole House Remodel
There are several types of home remodeling projects and, depending on the extent of work to be done, the duration of the project can take anywhere from six months to a year or even more depending on a number of factors. This is contingent on the amount and type of work to be done to the house. You need to consider the severity of the updates, the size of the particular home, and other factors that may be discovered when doing the remodel.
Managing Your Remodel Timeline
To help you with your remodel, the following tips need to be considered:
Work with Experienced Professionals
When it comes to your project, you should consider hiring contractors and designers who have experience. They are aware of the measures to undertake in relation to permits and also challenges that may arise, and they will have a better estimation of the time required for the process.
Plan for Delays
Include a contingency plan, which accounts for issues like bad weather or delayed material deliveries that could cause construction delays. If things don’t go as planned, you’ll have extra time to address any problems without causing too much stress.
Communicate Clearly
Most importantly, stay in contact with your contractors and any other professional you are working with. Maintain contact with the contractor and update them often to ensure that any problem is detected early and solved right away without compromising the project schedule.
Set a Realistic Budget
The truth is, setting a realistic budget is essential for any remodel. Always set aside funds for contingencies, as delays can sometimes be caused by unexpected financial issues.
