The first two questions that a homeowner asks when they’re considering remodeling their home is, “How long is this renovation going to take?” And how much will this cost? As you would imagine, the answer is complex – just like any construction project! Every home renovation is a one-of-a-kind project with its own set of unique scope, variables, challenges, and expenses. Because of that, each home renovation will have its own unique construction schedule and expenses.
The short, but VERY incomplete, answer to the question “How long does it take to renovate a home?” It takes 4 to 12 months to complete a remodel on a home. However, some single-space renovations can take less than 4 months and some whole-home remodels with or without additions can take longer than 12 months. The cost of the remodel is wildly different with every home.
TYPICAL HOME RENOVATION PROCESS
Our home renovation process takes 6 steps. If optimizing your timeline is a priority for you, we suggest involving a homebuilder very early on in the process. Oftentimes, you can combine Steps 2 and 3 by interviewing your builder candidates as you walk them through your existing home and share what your renovation wish list entails. Once you’ve selected your builder, they will usher your project through the architectural design phase, the pre-construction phase, and the construction phase.
WHAT YOUR BUILDER CAN DO TO STAY ON SCHEDULE
Although there are many things that are outside of a builder’s control, like weather, unexpected material delays and homeowners behind schedule making decisions, there are many more that are within their control. Here we share several ways that your builder can proactively keep everything moving smoothly during the architectural design, pre-construction, and construction phases of your home renovation.
During the Architectural Design Phase, your builder should:
Thoroughly assess the existing structure of your home as much as possible by analyzing any existing architectural and engineering plans and by cutting a few exploratory holes in strategic locations of your walls/ceilings.
Thoroughly analyze your renovation plans to foresee and mitigate potential constructability issues.
Consult with a building performance specialist to perform a home forensic analysis to find out how your house is performing with heat gain and heat loss, and to find if there have been moisture intrusion issues in your home.
Build a comprehensive budget by assembling and vetting hard bids from every trade and supplier that will be part of your renovation scope.
Connect you with a qualified interior designer who fits your desired aesthetic, timeline, and budget.
Provide you and your interior designer with a selections schedule that clearly sequences the material selections and decisions that will be required for your renovation.
During the Pre-Construction Phase, your builder should:
Minimize HOA and permitting delays by proactively researching each entity’s requirements and by ensuring that application packages are fully complete before submission. Typically, the homeowner will need to work with their HOA for application and approval process.
Build a realistic construction schedule and communicate that clearly to all trades involved in your renovation.
Collaborate closely with your interior designer to ensure timely progress is being made on all material and finish selections needed. This step is crucial for budgets and to meet construction the schedule.
Order materials that have a long lead time to ensure they arrive before they are needed.
During Construction Phase, your builder should:
Keep an effective procurement schedule that ensures all materials are ordered to prevent any construction schedule delays.
Require regular onsite meetings with you and your interior designer to keep the flow of decision-making moving smoothly.
Continue effective collaboration and communication with you, your design partners, and all trades.
Keep a well-run closeout phase that involves a continually updated schedule, quality control walk-throughs with the builder, checking all mechanicals to ensure proper functionality, and proper protection of finishes following each phase of installation.
WHAT HOMEOWNERS CAN DO TO STAY ON SCHEDULE
Along with your builder, there are many things that you as the homeowner can do to keep your home renovation on schedule. Here they are:
Select the right builder (renovation contractor) very early in the process.
Hire an interior designer when you start the architectural design phase. Make sure your interior designer and builder are on the same page and work well together, otherwise this will be a rough road ahead.
Limit the size and scope of your renovation to match your desired budget and timeline.
Start with a budget and build in a contingency for unforeseen necessities.
Understand the lead time for products and materials when making selections, selections with long lead times will add time to the schedule.
Finalize selections before construction begins.
Stick to your original renovation scope and plans as much as possible.
Avoid making changes to your material selections during construction.
As you can see, how long a home renovation takes depends on a variety of factors. The most important of which is partnering with an organized and effective home builder with experience in renovations to meet your scope. From there, you and your builder will work together to keep your home renovation moving smoothly and you will end up with the home you hoped for and an experience you can remember fondly.