TL;DR: Quick Summary
- Renovations typically take 3–8 weeks depending on the scope
- Kitchen remodels tend to run longer than bathroom upgrades
- Permits, inspections, and product delays are common time sinks
- Good planning, clear communication, and experienced trades = smoother timeline
- Expect dust, noise, and a few surprises—but not endless delays if done right
What Is a Renovation Timeline?
A renovation timeline outlines the stages and sequence of a remodeling project—from demolition to that sweet moment when you finally get your sink back. It keeps you, your contractor, and your sanity on the same page.
Whether you’re redoing a bathroom or gutting a kitchen, having a clear week-by-week expectation helps you:
- Plan around it
- Avoid “project fatigue”
- Know when to order materials
- Call out red flags when work stalls
Why It Matters
Homeowners often underestimate how long renovations take—thanks, HGTV. What looks like a weekend flip on TV often takes 6–8 weeks (and they never show the permit guy ghosting you for 10 days).
A well-timed reno can:
- Minimize downtime
- Prevent overbooking trades
- Catch problems before they snowball
- Help you survive without a functioning toilet or kitchen sink
A Realistic Kitchen or Bathroom Renovation Timeline
NOTE: This assumes designs, permits, and materials are already approved and ordered.
Pre-Construction (1–2 Weeks)
The calm before the demo storm.
- Finalize design and selections
- Order all materials (cabinets, tile, fixtures, etc.)
- Schedule trades and permit inspections
- Prep the space (clear out personal items, protect floors)
🛠️ Pro Tip: Never start demo until your fixtures are on-site or confirmed with delivery dates.
Week 1: Demolition
A.k.a. The loud, dusty part.
- Remove old fixtures, cabinets, tile, and flooring
- Cap off plumbing and electrical
- Haul away debris
Week 2: Rough-Ins & Framing
What’s behind the walls gets all the love.
- Plumbing rough-in (new lines, shut-offs, drainage)
- Electrical rough-in (lighting, outlets, appliances)
- Any layout framing or structural changes
- Inspections booked mid-to-late week
🔌 You may be without water or power in this area temporarily—plan ahead!
Week 3: Drywall & Painting
From bones to basic beauty.
- Close up walls
- Tape, mud, sand
- Prime and paint
- Prep floors if needed
🎨 Now’s the time to pick your color—before your cousin insists on “greige.”
Week 4: Flooring & Cabinets
It’s starting to look like a real room again.
- Install flooring (tile, vinyl, hardwood)
- Install cabinets or vanity
- Scribe and level everything
📏 Don’t rush this step—crooked cabinets = crooked countertops.
Week 5: Countertops & Tile Work
Details bring it to life.
- Measure for countertops (if stone or custom)
- Install tile (backsplash, shower, floor finishes)
- Grout and seal
🧽 Grout day = bring the patience and open a window.
Week 6: Fixtures & Trim
The fun stuff starts coming in.
- Install sinks, faucets, toilets, tub, showerhead
- Install light fixtures and outlets
- Baseboards, crown, mirrors, towel bars
- Final paint touch-ups
🚽 Yes, you can finally flush again.
Week 7: Final Inspections & Walkthrough
You’re almost there—don’t skip this!
- Final plumbing and electrical inspections
- Final clean-up and punch list
- Homeowner walkthrough (test everything!)
🔍 Bring sticky notes. Mark flaws or fixes to follow up on.
What Can Delay a Renovation?
- Permit delays
- Weather (for exterior or venting work)
- Out-of-stock materials
- Hidden problems (mold, bad wiring, surprise asbestos)
- No-show trades or poor coordination
🧰 This is why your contractor should have a schedule—not just vibes.
FAQs
Q: Can a kitchen or bathroom reno be done in 3 weeks?
A: In rare cases, yes—if it’s small, all materials are on-site, and there’s no layout change. But 4–6 weeks is more realistic.
Q: Can I use the space during renovation?
A: Nope. Plumbing and power will be disconnected during key phases. Set up a temporary kitchen or find a second bathroom.
Q: Should I stay home during a reno?
A: For minor work—sure. For major jobs, it can be noisy, dusty, and awkward (especially if the crew needs your toilet).
Expert Tip 💡
Plumber’s Pick: “Schedule plumbing rough-ins and fixture installs with a 2-day buffer. We’ve had more than one toilet show up cracked, and nobody wants a bathroom with no throne.”
Conclusion
Renovations don’t have to drag on forever—or surprise you at every turn. With a clear week-by-week renovation timeline and the right team, you can transform your kitchen or bathroom on schedule, with your budget and patience intact.
Planning a renovation and wondering how to coordinate trades like plumbing, tiling, or drywall? We’ve been through enough renos to guide you through the process—no skipped steps or sloppy finishes.
