How Long Does a Remodel Really Take? What to Expect Before You Start

Shower tear out project- end of week one.

A common question I get is how long will this take? With remodeling shows on t.v. misleading viewers it can be shocking when you talk with your designer or contractor about the project timeline. So I wanted to give a quick rundown of different projects timelines but little disclaimer these are general guidelines for timing and may differ based on your specific project scope.

Most important thing to having a good start to a project is to plan ahead and have realistic expectations. Remodeling isn’t a quick weekend DIY—it involves careful planning, permits, and professionals to get it right.

Factors That Affect Remodeling Timelines

• Project Scope: A small bathroom refresh vs. a full kitchen gut job.

• Material Availability: Custom cabinetry, stone countertops, and specialty finishes can have longer lead times.

• Permits & Inspections: Some projects require city approvals, which can add weeks to the timeline.

• Contractor Availability: The best pros book up fast, especially in the spring! Multiple trades may be needed so scheduling them can get hairy as one is waiting on the other finish to be able to begin in many cases. And if something unexpected happens which causes a delay well then you have a domino effect of everyone getting bumped.

• Unforeseen Issues: Older homes often reveal surprises like outdated wiring or plumbing.

  
  

  
  

  Estimated Timelines for Common Remodels

  
  

  Bathroom Remodel: 4-8 Weeks

  Bathrooms may be small, but they require careful coordination. Here’s why:

  
  

• Design & Ordering Materials (4-6 weeks, before demo even starts): Custom cabinets, tile and shower fixtures often have long lead times. Best to have all items onsite when demo begins.

• Demolition (1 week): Removing old fixtures, flooring, and possibly walls.

• Plumbing & Electrical Work (1-2 weeks): If relocating plumbing or wiring, inspections may be needed.

• Tile Work & Flooring (1-2 weeks): Custom tile patterns or specialty materials take longer.

• Fixture Installation & Finishing Touches (1-2 weeks): Cabinets, countertops, glass shower doors, and final painting.

  
  
  
  

Kitchen Remodel: 8-12 Weeks (Or More for Custom Work)

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s also one of the most complex spaces to remodel.

• Design & Ordering Materials (minimal 4-6 weeks, before demo even starts): Custom cabinets, flooring and plumbing often have long lead times.

• Demolition (1-2 weeks): Removing old cabinets, flooring, and sometimes walls.

• Structural Work, electrical, plumbing and drywall (2-3 weeks): If moving walls or changing layouts, this step can add time.

• Cabinet & Countertop Installation (3-5 weeks): Custom cabinetry takes precision, and countertops can’t be measured until cabinets are installed.

• Appliances, Backsplash, & Finishing Touches (2-3 weeks): Appliances must be installed after countertops, and backsplashes are typically last.

Whole-Home Remodel: 3-6 Months

If you’re remodeling multiple rooms or doing a major overhaul, the timeline increases significantly.

• Planning & Permitting (2-3 months, before work begins): Structural changes and zoning rules take time to approve.

• Demolition & Structural Work (4-6 weeks): Removing walls, reconfiguring layouts, and reinforcing structures.

• Electrical, Plumbing, & HVAC (4-8 weeks): Large-scale upgrades require multiple trades to coordinate.

• Finishes & Final Touches (6-12 weeks): Drywall, flooring, cabinetry, painting, and details all take time.

Basement Finishing: 6-12 Weeks

Turning an unfinished basement into a livable space requires careful planning.

• Framing & Insulation (1-2 weeks): Creating walls and insulating properly.

• Plumbing & Electrical (2-3 weeks): If adding a bathroom or wet bar, extra work is needed.

• Drywall & Painting (2-3 weeks): Drywall must be hung, mudded, sanded, and painted.

• Flooring & Final Touches (2-3 weeks): Carpet, tile, or LVP installation and final fixtures.

  
  

Real Project Example: A Look at a Remodel in Progress

To give you a real-world look at how remodel timelines play out, here’s a project we’re currently working on—a full main-floor refresh of a condo.

Where We Started

This condo needed a modern update with new finishes throughout. The plan included:

• New kitchen and dining area cabinetry

• Updated flooring throughout the main floor

• A sleek floating vanity in the powder room

• Fresh paint on walls and ceilings throughout both floors of condo for a bright, clean look

Before Demo started

Where We Are Now

At the time I took the photo shown below it had been 15 days since tear out started and we were getting the counter template done. Within two weeks, we got the upstairs and stair rails painted, vanity installed, flooring installed in main floor, new recessed lights installed and the kitchen and dining cabinets set. The counter template marks an important benchmark in the project, at this point in a kitchen remodel we have done as much as we can until the counters are installed . So the house goes quiet as everyone typically does not return until after the tops are installed. Here’s why the counters are an important benchmark:

• Measurements can’t happen until cabinets are fully installed to ensure precision.

• Custom countertops can take 3-4 weeks to be fabricated and returned to the jobsite for installation.

• Countertops need to be installed before backsplashes, sink hook ups and final touches can be completed.

• You're close to the finish line but yet it still seems far off due to fabrication time.

New flooring installed, cabinets set and template in process.

What’s Next?

Once the countertops are in, we’ll move on to:

• Installing backsplash and undercabinet lights.

• Finishing trim work and touch-ups

• Hook up sink and dishwasher

• Bring in any final design elements - artwork, accessories, etc.

This project is a great example of why patience and planning are key in remodeling. While we’d all love instant results, high-quality materials and craftsmanship take time! Total remodel time will be 6-7 weeks. I'll come back to update the blog to give exact time frame once completed.

How to Keep Your Remodel on Track

• Plan ahead: Book professionals early, especially in peak season.

• Choose materials upfront: Avoid delays by finalizing selections before construction begins. We do not start demo until all finishes are on site to help minimize delays.

• Work with an experienced team: A professional designer can streamline the process.

I hope this helps you feel a little more confident in starting your remodel. Realistic expectations and planning ahead will make the process more enjoyable and a smoother experience. If you’re thinking about remodeling this year, now is the time to start!

Need help creating a timeline and design plan? Let’s chat—schedule a consultation today.