Learn how long full home renovations timeline can take. Explore the timeline from start to end about how to start your whole home renovation.
Planning Your Full Home Renovations Timeline: First Steps
Starting a major house transformation begins with creating a solid plan. First, assess which areas need updating and consider your lifestyle needs. Are you expanding for a growing family? Creating an open concept living space? Or updating outdated features?
When planning full home renovations timeline, research and interview several contractors. Look for professionals with excellent reviews and ask to see past projects similar to yours. This initial planning phase typically takes 1-3 months, depending on how quickly you make decisions and find the right team for your project.
Budgeting and Design: What to Expect During Pre-Construction
Once you’ve selected your contractor, the design phase begins. This is when dreams meet reality through detailed plans and budget discussions. Expect to spend 2-4 weeks working with designers to create layouts, select materials, and finalize plans for your full home renovations timeline.
Your budget should include a 15-20% contingency for unexpected issues that might arise. During this phase, your contractor will help create a detailed timeline and schedule for the various stages of work. Most complete house projects require careful coordination of multiple trades, so proper scheduling is crucial for efficiency.
The Renovation Timeline: What Happens During a Whole House Renovation
The actual construction timeline varies greatly depending on your project’s scope, but here’s what to expect during typical full home renovations timeline:
- Demolition phase: 1-2 weeks to remove old materials and prepare the space
- Structural work: 2-4 weeks for any major changes to walls, floors, or roofing
- Rough-in phase: 2-3 weeks for new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
- Finishing work: 4-8 weeks for drywall, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures
- Final touches: 1-2 weeks for painting, trim, and cleanup
The entire process typically takes 3-8 months for a complete property overhaul. Weather conditions, material availability, and scope changes can all impact your timeline.
Securing Permits for Your Full Home Renovations Timeline
Before any major work begins, you’ll need proper permits from local authorities. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your location and project complexity. Your contractor should handle permit applications, but understanding the process helps manage expectations.
Some areas require separate approvals for structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC modifications. Building inspectors will visit at various stages to ensure everything meets local building codes.
Securing Building Rights With Your General Contractor
A good contractor manages the entire permitting process for you. They understand local requirements and maintain relationships with building departments. They’ll prepare necessary documentation, submit applications, and schedule required inspections.
Ask your contractor early about permit timelines in your area. Some jurisdictions have backlogs that could delay your project start date. Including this information in your overall schedule helps prevent disappointment from unexpected waiting periods.
Completing Your Project: What to Expect at the End of Your Full Home Renovations Timeline
As your project nears completion, several important steps remain. Your contractor will create a “punch list” of final items needing attention. This might include touch-up painting, hardware installation, or fixing minor imperfections.
The final walk-through is your opportunity to inspect everything carefully. Don’t rush this process – look closely at all finishes, test all appliances and fixtures, and ensure everything functions properly. Once you’re satisfied, final payments are made, and you can enjoy your beautifully transformed living space.
Remember that while full home renovations timeline can be challenging, the results are worth it. With proper planning, clear communication, and realistic expectations about timelines, your complete house transformation will create the dream space you’ve been imagining.
FAQ
How are full home renovation services different to whole home remodeling services?
Renovation services restore existing structures, fixing what’s worn or damaged. Remodeling projects transform your home’s layout and design. While renovations preserve, remodel projects create something new, helping turn your current house into your dream home.
What is the cost to remodel a house compared to renovation costs?
Home renovation costs typically range 10-30% less than remodeling. A kitchen remodel averages to more than the other option, while kitchen renovation runs a bit less. Bathroom remodel projects cost 40% more per square foot than simple renovations.
Can subcontractors help me with a home renovation project?
Yes, subcontractors are essential for specialized work. As a homeowner, you’ll benefit from experts handling electrical, plumbing, and HVAC during kitchen and bathroom renovations. They bring specialized skills for everything from siding to building a home addition.
