Home remodels can be a daunting task, especially since you may not be familiar with construction and its timeframes. You may be considering how long of a buffer you will need to renovate your kitchen before Thanksgiving, or you could be in the middle of a renovation hoping that it ends soon. At the end of the day, the answer varies depending on the size and complexity of your project. In addition, the completion date can be affected by the contractor’s schedule, efficiency, and integrity.

Timeframes

Typically, a whole home remodel which involves the kitchen, at least one bathroom, and other living spaces takes a minimum of three months from start to completion. Smaller projects such as a single bathroom will generally take no more than two months. Miscellaneous repairs or facelifts will usually only take a couple weeks. The crucial item to note is that these timeframes apply after a contract is signed and calendar is set. Contractors have diverse pre-construction strategies, and homeowners should be considering the additional time needed when setting expectations.

Homeowner’s Role

Contrary to popular belief, the homeowner can shorten the time needed to complete the project. If the homeowner has their finishes selected, can express exactly what they want, and do their research, the time needed can be reduced. If the client needs or wants a whole home remodel, sometimes it is best if they move out altogether. The vacating of the home allows for the team to start and end construction as they please and work diligently without trying to accommodate a homeowner. Plus, as some people have experienced, it is not always enjoyable to live amidst a kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Supplier’s Role

Every so often, suppliers can impede the workflow of the contractor. Waiting on certain supplies or items, such as cabinets, can stunt the progress of the team on the project. Unfortunately, the cabinets cannot be installed if they are not on the property. When issues like this arise, try to give your contractor a break. Usually, the tardiness of an order is not caused by the contractor, but rather by the vendor. Feel out the situation and determine whether the problem was triggered by the vendor or by the contractor.

Contractor’s Role

Unfortunately, some contractors have a reputation as being dishonest and unreliable. First and foremost, do your due diligence to find a contractor that you feel is trustworthy. Do not go with a contractor solely on price, rather choose a company that will treat you like they would want to be treated. Contractors have the responsibility to be honest with their clients, particularly with timelines and quality of work. If you select a company that does not have integrity, that can stall the project unnecessarily for months. Additionally, the result may not even be par with what you paid.
At the end of the day, there are a vast amount of unforeseen that can drastically slow down construction. The unanticipated cannot truly be avoided, but there are plenty of other mistakes that can be sidestepped. Focus on finding a quality contractor, establishing relationships with dependable suppliers, and researching what your project entails. After doing these things, you should have a much more realistic idea of how long your project will take.