The Timeline: How Long Will My Home Remodel Take?

“The sooner the better” is the motto of most homeowners during renovations. After all, it’s not easy to be patient when you’re eager to enjoy your brand new kitchen or family room addition. While it certainly would be convenient if renovations could be accomplished in just a few days, your project may take weeks or months to complete, depending on the scope and complexity.

Time estimates vary depending on which resource you consult. House Logic estimates that it will take about two to three months for a complete kitchen renovation and two to three weeks for a bathroom upgrade, while a Houzz survey of homeowners reported a five-month timeline for kitchen renovations, 3.4 months for a bathroom and 3.5 months for other interior rooms. So which source is correct? Perhaps both of them. Renovation timelines for your Northern Virginia home remodel can be affected by these factors:

Extent of the Work

Project scope is a key factor in determining the timeline for your remodel. Do you plan to use the same footprint for your new kitchen or completely overhaul the space? The more extensive your plans, the longer the project will take. Plumbing and electrical work will extend your timeline, particularly if you plan to relocate pipes or wires. Generally, kitchens and bathrooms take longer to remodel than bedrooms, family rooms, living rooms and dining rooms.

Products and Finishes

The products, appliances and finishes you choose for your renovation also affect the timeline. It can take a few weeks or even months for craftsmen to create custom-made cabinets or one-of-a-kind countertops. Although you could shave a little time off your timeline with a visit to the local home supply store, big box stores don’t offer the same level of quality you’ll find when your new space is custom designed and built to exacting standards.

Unpleasant Surprises

Once your walls are opened up, you may face a few unforeseen issues, such as termite damage, leaking pipes, mold, structural problems or outdated electrical work. These issues can certainly be corrected, but addressing them will take time.

Weather is a factor that homeowners may overlook when considering construction timelines. New additions and outdoor renovations can be delayed by snow or rain storms. Snow, ice and rain storms can also affect deliveries to the job site.

Permits and Inspections

Inspections help ensure that your remodeled home is safe, but they also have an impact on the timeline of your project. Although issuing a permit may sound like a straightforward process, you may need to wait longer than anticipated before you receive permit approval. Inspection issues may also delay your project. If the inspector isn’t happy with some aspect of the project, the problem will have to be corrected and re-inspected.

Luckily, you can prevent delays by choosing a remodeling company that’s thoroughly familiar with local building codes and has established strong relationships with officials in Northern Virginia municipalities.

Do you have a remodeling project in mind but aren’t sure how long it will take? Our design/build team can help you explore your options and create a timeline for your project. Contact us to get the process started.