If you’re planning a home renovation, you’ve probably thought about how long the actual work will take—but what about everything that happens before demo day?
From gathering multiple quotes and reviewing scopes of work to finalizing designs and ordering materials, the entire process takes longer than most homeowners expect. Understanding the full timeline—from your first outreach to the final walkthrough—can help you plan smarter and avoid stress.
Below, we break down common renovation timelines for popular projects, including key phases before work begins, and the biggest reasons projects get delayed.
🛁 Bathroom Renovation
| Scope |
Timeline |
| Cosmetic Refresh |
3–5 weeks |
| – Replace vanity, mirror, faucet |
|
| – Paint walls, lighting swap |
|
| Full Remodel |
6–10 weeks |
| – Demolition, re-tiling, new fixtures |
|
| – Plumbing/electrical changes |
|
Common Delays:
• Custom glass, tile, or vanity delays
• Permit approval for layout changes
• Water damage or mold discovered during demo
🔨 Thinking about updating your bathroom? [Post your project now] and get quotes from qualified local pros.
🍽 Kitchen Remodel
| Scope |
Timeline |
| Cosmetic Refresh |
4–6 weeks |
| – Paint cabinets, new countertops |
|
| – Replace backsplash, lighting |
|
| Full Remodel |
8–14 weeks |
| – Layout changes, wall removal |
|
| – New cabinetry, flooring, plumbing |
|
Common Delays:
• Cabinet manufacturing lead time
• Appliance backorders
• Permits and electrical work delays
👩🍳 Ready to cook in a kitchen you love? [Post your kitchen remodel project] and get matched with experienced renovators.
🛋 Basement Finishing
| Scope |
Timeline |
| Basic Finish |
6–10 weeks |
| – Open living space, drywall, paint |
|
| – Lighting and flooring installation |
|
| Full Suite |
10–16 weeks |
| – Add bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette |
|
| – Full HVAC, electrical, and plumbing |
|
Common Delays:
• Permit delays for bathrooms/suites
• Subcontractor availability
• HVAC rerouting or code compliance
📦 Looking to add more usable space? [Post your basement project today] to explore options and pricing.
🏡 Home Addition
| Scope |
Timeline |
| Small Addition |
3–4 months |
| – Sunroom, mudroom, entry extension |
|
| Major Addition |
4–6+ months |
| – Second story, garage suite, full wing |
|
| – Includes excavation, framing, utilities |
|
Common Delays:
• Zoning/permit approvals
• Weather during excavation or framing
• Engineering changes or inspections
🏗️ Need more space without moving? [Post your home addition project] and get insights from pros in your area.
🌿 Landscaping
| Scope |
Timeline |
| Softscape |
2–3 weeks |
| – Sod, plants, trees, mulch |
|
| – Basic irrigation or garden lighting |
|
| Hardscape |
3–7 weeks |
| – Patio, deck, retaining wall |
|
| – Lighting, grading, irrigation systems |
|
Common Delays:
• Rain or soil condition issues
• Stone or paver delivery delays
• Utility line locating for irrigation/lighting
🌳 Time to refresh your outdoor space? [Post your landscaping project] and get matched with local experts.
💡 Real Talk: Why Projects Get Delayed
Even the best-planned projects hit snags. The most common causes of delays include:
-
Quote back-and-forth: Comparing apples-to-oranges scopes takes time
-
Material delays: Some items (like custom cabinets or windows) have long lead times
-
Permits: Some cities can take weeks just to review your application
-
Change orders: Changing your mind mid-project can stall progress
-
Contractor backlog: Good pros are often booked out weeks—or months
✅ Pro Tips for Staying on Track
-
Request multiple quotes early and clarify what’s included
-
Be decisive—slow approvals = slow project
-
Ask about timelines and permit needs before signing
-
Build in buffer time (and budget) for surprises
-
Post your project early to get on contractor schedules
📣 Ready to Get Started?
The sooner you get your quotes, the sooner you can start planning. Post your project today and we’ll send it out to top-rated local contractors who can help bring it to life.
👉 [Post My Project Now]
Disclaimer: The timelines provided in this guide are general estimates based on typical renovation scenarios. Actual project durations may vary depending on contractor availability, permitting processes, material lead times, weather conditions, scope changes, and unforeseen issues. We are not responsible for any discrepancies between these estimates and the actual timeline of your renovation project.
This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com