How Long a Remodel Takes and What Changes the Schedule

No single answer fits every project. How long a remodel takes depends on the scope, how early decisions are made, permit review, material lead times, inspections, and what turns up once work starts. The most useful step is to get a written schedule for your project and to understand what could move it.

The phases most projects follow

1. Planning and design: agree on the scope, the layout and the selections.
2. Permits: where a permit is required, the local building department reviews the plans before work starts.
3. Ordering: cabinets, fixtures, windows and special-order items are purchased.
4. Demolition and rough-in: old finishes come out, then framing, plumbing, electrical and mechanical work is roughed in.
5. Inspections: where required, rough work is inspected before walls and floors are closed.
6. Finishes: drywall, tile, cabinets, counters, trim, paint and fixtures.
7. Final inspection and a punch list of small items to finish.

What changes the schedule

• Late decisions: selections not made before work starts can leave trades waiting.
• Lead times on special-order items such as custom cabinets, windows or specialty tile.
• Permit review and inspection scheduling, which depend on the local office.
• Hidden conditions found after demolition, such as rot, water damage or outdated wiring.
• Change orders that add to or alter the work.
• Weather, for roofing, siding, concrete, decks and additions.
• Testing or special work practices for lead paint or asbestos in older homes.

Steps that come before work begins

• Older homes: in homes built before 1978, the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requires firms paid to disturb painted surfaces to be certified and to use lead-safe work practices. EPA also says you may want an asbestos inspection by a trained and accredited professional if you plan to remodel.
• Digging: footings, posts and utility trenches mean digging. The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration says every digging project, even planting trees or shrubs, requires a call to 811 first. The one-call center contacts underground utility operators, who must mark their lines with flags or paint if your dig could affect them.

Get the schedule in writing

The Federal Trade Commission advises that a home improvement contract include estimated start and completion dates. Ask how the contractor will tell you when the schedule changes, and who your day-to-day contact is.

The New York Attorney General's office advises holding the final payment until all work is complete and all required inspections and certificates of occupancy are finalized. That keeps the last steps of the schedule tied to the last payment.

How to keep your project on track

• Finish your selections before work starts.
• Ask which items have long lead times and when they must be ordered.
• Plan how you will live during the work, including kitchen and bathroom access.
• Agree on how and how often you will get updates.
• Put every change in writing before the work is done.