If you’ve ever thought about renovating any part of your home, one of your biggest hesitations was likely, “but it’s going to take so much time!” This is something that a lot of my clients struggle with because a home renovation does take some time.
From the initial planning to the final product, there’s a lot that goes into a home renovation timeline, but a lot of times, my clients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly a project can actually get done if you go about it the right way.
Typically, this time hesitation in regards to home renovation comes from simply not knowing what actually happens when. If you’ve never done a home renovation before, then of course there’s no way for you to know what to expect.
But even if you have done a home renovation before, it’s important to know that every single project is different and depends on the location of the renovation.
So in this blog post, I’m breaking down the home renovation timeline for bathrooms and kitchens (since those are the two things I specialize in!) and give you more insight to what actually happens, week by week.
After reading this, my hope is that you feel a little more confident about finally taking action on that renovation project that’s been sitting on your dream board for quite some time!
Home Renovation Timeline For Bathrooms
A full bathroom renovation typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks of construction once the work actually starts. But when you add in the planning, design, and ordering that happens beforehand, you’re usually looking at 2 to 3 months from our first conversation to your first shower in the new space.
Smaller refreshes (think new vanity, fixtures, and paint) can move much faster, while larger projects that involve moving plumbing or changing the layout will land on the longer end.
To get a better understanding of the home renovation timeline for bathrooms, here’s what a typical week-by-week schedule looks like:
Before Construction: Planning, Design, and Selections (2 to 6 Weeks)
This is the part of the home renovation timeline that people tend to forget about, but it’s where a smooth project is made. During this phase, we’ll:
- Walk through the space and talk about how you use it every day
- Finalize the layout and design
- Choose your tile, vanity, fixtures, lighting, and finishes
- Put together a detailed estimate and schedule
- Pull any permits the project needs
One of the best things you can do to speed up your timeline is to make your selections early (and avoid these common bathroom remodel mistakes).
Custom vanities, specialty tile, and certain fixtures can take several weeks to arrive and we’d much rather have everything on site before demo day than wait on one missing piece halfway through!
Week 1: Demolition and Prep
This is when the fun begins! During demo week, we’ll protect the rest of your home, then remove the old tile, tub or shower, vanity, toilet, and anything else that’s being replaced.
Depending on the size of the bathroom, demo usually takes just a few days. Once everything is opened up, we get a clear look at what’s behind the walls and under the floor.
In older homes (which we’re very used to here in Buffalo!), we sometimes find surprises like water damage, outdated plumbing, or wiring that isn’t up to code. If that happens, we’ll talk you through your options before moving forward.
Week 2: Rough-In Plumbing and Electrical
With the space stripped down, our plumbers and electricians handle the “rough-in” work. That means running or relocating supply lines and drains, setting the shower valve, and adding or updating wiring for lighting, outlets, and your exhaust fan.
If your project requires a permit, this is usually when the rough-in inspection happens. The walls can’t be closed up until it passes, so we plan the schedule around it!
Week 3: Walls, Waterproofing, and Floor Prep
Next, we install new drywall and cement board, then waterproof the shower area. Waterproofing is one of the most important steps in the entire bathroom renovation. Even though it isn’t the most exciting part to look at, it’s what protects your home from leaks for years to come – which with Buffalo’s climate, this step is REALLY important!
If you’re adding heated floors (a Buffalo favorite!) that system goes in during this stage too, before any tile is laid.
Week 4: Tile
This is the week where your bathroom starts to look like the design you fell in love with as floor tile, shower walls, niches, and accent walls all get installed and grouted.
Tile is detail work, so the timing here depends a lot on your choices. A simple layout with large-format tile goes quickly, while intricate patterns, mosaics, or floor-to-ceiling tile can add a few extra days.
Weeks 5 to 6: Fixtures, Finishes, and Final Walkthrough
In the home stretch, everything starts to come together, including:
- Vanity, countertop, sink, and toilet are installed
- Faucets, shower trim, and lighting are connected
- The glass shower door is measured and installed (custom glass is often measured after tile is done, so it can take 1 to 2 weeks to arrive)
- Paint, mirrors, towel bars, and accessories go up
- Final inspection, if one is required
Finally, we’ll do a walkthrough together to make sure every detail is exactly how you want it before we call the project complete!
Home Renovation Timeline For Kitchens
Now, a full kitchen renovation tends to take a bit longer than bathrooms, because obviously the space is bigger and there’s typically more that goes into it, like custom cabinets, countertops, etc.
A typical kitchen home renovation timeline is usually about 8 to 12 weeks of construction, plus 4 to 8 weeks of planning, design, and ordering beforehand.
To get a better understanding of the home renovation timeline for kitchens, here’s what a typical week-by-week schedule looks like:
Before Construction: Design, Selections, and Ordering (4 to 8 Weeks)
The planning phase for any home renovation project is important, but it’s definitely something you don’t want to skip for your kitchen!
During this time, we’ll:
- Talk through how you cook, entertain, and move through the space
- Finalize your layout, including any walls, windows, or appliances that are moving
- Select cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, lighting, and hardware
- Choose your appliances (we need exact models to build the cabinets around them)
- Pull permits
Cabinets are almost always the longest lead item in a kitchen renovation. Semi-custom and custom cabinets can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to arrive, so we order them as soon as the design is final.
Our goal is to have them in hand, or right around the corner, before we start demo so your kitchen isn’t torn apart any longer than it needs to be.
Pro tip: Before demo day, set up a temporary kitchen somewhere else in your home with a microwave, coffee maker, mini fridge, and a few paper plates. You’ll thank yourself later!
Week 1: Demolition
During demo week, we’ll protect the rest of your home, disconnect utilities, and remove the old cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and backsplash. If walls are coming down to open up the space, that happens now too.
Just like with bathrooms, this is when any hidden issues behind the walls come to light!
Weeks 2 to 3: Structural Work and Rough-Ins
If your layout is changing, this is when any framing or structural work gets done. Then our plumbers, electricians, and HVAC team handle the rough-ins, including:
- Moving or adding plumbing for the sink, dishwasher, fridge water line, or pot filler
- Adding circuits for appliances, under-cabinet lighting, and recessed lights
- Running gas lines or venting for your range hood
The rough-in inspection happens at the end of this stage, before the walls are closed.
Week 4: Drywall and Paint Prep
Once inspections pass, new drywall goes up and gets taped, mudded, and sanded. Drywall needs drying time between coats, so this stage usually takes about a week. We’ll often prime the walls now so painting goes faster later.
Week 5: Flooring
In most kitchen renovations, we install new flooring before the cabinets go in so the floor runs continuously under everything. Tile floors take a bit longer than hardwood or luxury vinyl plank, since they need time to set and be grouted.
Week 6: Cabinet Installation
This is a big milestone! Upper and lower cabinets, the island, and any pantry or built-in units are installed, leveled, and secured. Seeing the cabinets go in is usually the moment the whole project clicks for our clients.
Weeks 7 to 9: Countertops
Countertops are the step that surprises people the most on a kitchen renovation timeline. Stone countertops like quartz and granite can’t be measured until the cabinets are fully installed. After the template is made, fabrication typically takes 1 to 3 weeks before installation.
We don’t sit around while we wait, though! Instead, we use this time to wrap up trim work, paint, and other finishing details wherever we can.
Weeks 10 to 12: Backsplash, Appliances, and Final Touches
Once the countertops are in, the finish line is in sight and includes:
- Backsplash tile is installed and grouted
- The sink, faucet, and garbage disposal are hooked up
- Appliances are installed and tested
- Light fixtures, outlets, and cabinet hardware go on
- Final paint touch-ups and cleaning
- Final inspection, if required
Then we’ll do a final walkthrough together, and you can start cooking in your brand new kitchen!
Home Renovation Timeline FAQs
What is the longest part of a home renovation timeline?
For most home renovation projects, the longest part is the planning and ordering phase, not the construction itself. Design decisions, permits, and waiting on materials like custom cabinets or specialty tile can take longer than the actual build. That’s why getting your selections finalized early is the best way to keep your project moving!
What can delay a home renovation?
The most common delays in home renovations are backordered materials, changes made after construction starts, inspection scheduling, and surprises hidden behind the walls, like water damage or outdated wiring. Older homes are more likely to have hidden issues, so we always build a little flexibility into the schedule.
Can I live in my home during a renovation?
In most cases, yes! Many of our clients stay home during both bathroom and kitchen renovations. If you only have one bathroom, we’ll talk through a plan so you’re never without a working toilet for long. For kitchens, setting up a temporary kitchen in another room makes a huge difference.
Do I need a permit for my home renovation?
It depends on the scope! Cosmetic updates like paint, new cabinet hardware, or swapping a faucet usually don’t need one, while projects that involve structural, plumbing, or electrical changes typically do. We handle the permit process for our clients and build inspection time into the schedule.
When is the best time of year to start a home renovation?
Interior projects like kitchens and bathrooms can happen any time of year. That said, spring and summer tend to be our busiest seasons, so reaching out a few months ahead of when you’d like to start is the best way to get on the schedule. Starting the planning process in the winter is a great way to be ready to go when spring arrives!
Ready to start your home renovation in Buffalo, NY?
Overall, a home renovation timeline doesn’t have to be the thing that scares you away from starting the process! Knowing what happens each week (and that most of the waiting happens before a single wall comes down), the whole process feels a LOT more doable.
Whether you’ve been dreaming about a spa-like bathroom or a kitchen that finally fits the way your family lives, the best first step is simply getting the planning started. The sooner we map out your design and order your materials, the sooner you’ll be enjoying your new space!
So if you’re ready to stop dreaming and start renovating your home in Buffalo, NY, CLICK HERE to learn more about our home renovation services here at Kendal Cavalieri Designs and schedule your consultation!
We’d love to help you bring your vision to life and give you a clear, realistic timeline for your Buffalo home renovation from day one.
