How Long Does Home Remodeling Really Take? Jennifer Reynolds, May 3, 2024April 17, 2024 Whether you are doing a full kitchen remodel or adding on a new master suite, it’s important to understand how long a home renovation will take. A reputable contractor should be able to give you a realistic idea of the project timeline. Experienced whole-house remodel contractors will have time margins built in to allow for unexpected issues during construction like weather delays, and increasingly common supply chain material hold-ups. Top-notch home remodel contractors efficiently with expert tips on this website. The Discovery Phase The discovery phase is a critical first step in the project process that helps minimize risks and remove uncertainty. It includes research and analysis, as well as discussions with stakeholders. The discovery phase is crucial for identifying and setting specific goals that contribute to project success. Analogously, when it comes to software development and UI/UX design, an effective discovery phase can prevent costly scope changes down the road. Often, such changes are the result of unexplored needs or unclear initial goals. For example, a homeowner might decide to remodel their kitchen or add a master suite addition. However, if those additions don’t increase the home’s value or functionality, they may not be worth the investment. By examining their motives, value payoff and future intentions, homeowners can make better decisions about the scope of the project. This helps avoid potential surprises and reduce the risk of budget overruns. It also ensures that the final product aligns with user needs. The Design Phase Home remodeling projects begin with a plan. Just as a person doesn’t jump in the car and start driving without a destination in mind, neither should a remodel project. Site preparation or demolition occurs during this phase if necessary. It could be things like dismantling cabinets, tearing down walls, or cleaning up a construction site. In the Design Phase, a 2D floor plan is created for client review and feedback. The designer will work back and forth with the homeowner, offering and implementing points of feedback until everyone is on board. During this time, engineering is finalized for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. The designer will also create interior and exterior elevations, section drawings, and cabinet/lighting plans. During this stage, a project schedule is created to facilitate building permits. It is at this point that homeowners may experience setbacks from unforeseen events or personal matters. This can stall the progress of a project, however, a good designer or architect will be sensitive to these issues and manage them accordingly. The Construction Phase Once all design details have been finalized, construction begins. This phase depends on the scope of the remodel and can range from a kitchen remodel taking 6-8 weeks, to a two-story addition adding a garage below and master bedroom above, to a whole-house redo requiring all interior and exterior work. It is important to have clear and concise expectations set at the beginning of this phase, including the project timeline and what will be completed in each phase. This will ensure that everyone understands what’s to be expected, helps avoid misunderstandings and allows for flexibility if unexpected issues occur during construction. It is also a good idea to decide how you’ll live during the construction process. If living in your home during remodeling will be difficult or impossible, consider renting a temporary space or staying with family or friends. This will help you stay sane during the process and save you money on hotel bills. The Completion Phase Once the design phase is complete, it’s time to get started with construction! This can take as little as a few weeks for smaller remodels, but it can be months for larger whole house remodels. During this time, it’s important to be clear with your builder about any changes that you may want to make midway through the project. Changing plans midway through the development process can add a significant amount of money and stress to your home remodeling timeline. Depending on your scope, this phase can take 4-6 months for bathroom remodels, two-story additions, or entire-house redos. It’s also the point in the process when you and your designer begin to secure permits, lock in materials orders, and set up scheduling with subcontractors. There is always an element of unpredictability when it comes to home renovation projects, but planning and pragmatism will go a long way in keeping your timeline on track. Of course, life doesn’t stop for remodeling projects, so unforeseen issues such as illnesses, vacations, or burnout can impact your progress. blogs