This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a home renovation company.
In October 2025, the average end-to-end timeline for a typical home renovation—from first idea to final inspection—ranges from 3.5 to 12 months, depending on scope, permitting, and material lead times.
Plan on 1–6 months before any demolition (planning, design, and permits), then 8–12 weeks for core construction on a mid-scale project, plus 10–20% buffer for delays. Larger, structural, or custom-heavy remodels regularly push to the high end of these ranges.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for a home renovation company. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our home renovation financial forecast.
Below is a concise overview of average timelines by phase for a mid-scale home renovation business managing projects in 2025. Use this as your baseline for proposals, schedules, and client expectations.
Durations assume organized procurement, standard inspections, and no major design changes; add a 10–20% contingency across the board.
| Stage | Typical Duration | Scheduling Notes for a Home Renovation Business |
|---|---|---|
| Planning & Concept | 2–8 weeks | Client goals, budget alignment, site visit, ballpark schedule, risk register. |
| Design Development | 4–16 weeks | Architectural drawings, selections, value engineering; lock long-lead items early. |
| Permitting & Approvals | 2–12 weeks | Simple non-structural permits can be 2–3 weeks; structural/historic 6–12+ weeks. |
| Material Procurement | 2–16 weeks | Stock goods 1–3 weeks; custom windows/cabinetry/appliances 8–16 weeks. |
| Demo & Site Prep | 1–4 weeks | Selective demo is fast; full gut + hazmat abatement or leveling extends to 3–4 weeks. |
| Framing / Structural | 1–4 weeks | Small jobs finish in days; additions and load changes need up to a month. |
| Rough-ins (MEP) | 2–3 weeks total | Electrical, plumbing, HVAC often overlap; schedule inspections mid-phase. |
| Insulation & Drywall | 1–2 weeks | Drywall hang, tape, mud, sand; control humidity to keep pace. |
| Flooring & Cabinetry | 1–3 weeks | Sequence with paint/trim; protect floors from follow-on trades. |
| Paint, Trim & Finishes | 1–2 weeks | Final color coats, casings, hardware, punchlist emergence. |
| Final Inspections & Closeout | 1–2 weeks | Municipal sign-offs, corrections, O&M handover, warranties. |
| Recommended Buffer | +10–20% | Weather, backorders, change orders, inspection backlogs, surprises. |
What is the typical timeline for planning a home renovation before any physical work begins?
Most home renovation projects require 1–6 months of upfront planning before demolition begins.
Expect 2–8 weeks for goals, budget, site measurements, and initial scope; add 4–16 weeks for drawings, product selections, and contractor pricing. Larger or structural scopes trend to the high end because design iterations and cost reconciliation take longer.
Lock your decision gates: concept sign-off → schematic estimate → detailed selections → final budget and schedule. Assign owners for each deliverable and use a shared decision log to prevent churn.
You’ll find templated pre-construction workflows in our home renovation business plan.
Only start demo after all critical materials with 8–16 week lead times are ordered and confirmed in writing.
How long does the design and permitting phase usually take, including architectural drawings and approvals?
Design plus permitting typically spans 6–20 weeks for a mid-scale renovation.
Drawings and selections usually require 4–16 weeks, depending on client speed and complexity. Permitting adds 2–12 weeks based on jurisdiction, scope (structural vs. non-structural), and whether zoning or heritage reviews are required.
Submit for permit as soon as code-compliant drawings are ready; parallel-path interior selections and shop drawings to compress the calendar. Book required engineer stamps early if you are moving load-bearing walls or altering egress.
This is one of the strategies explained in our home renovation business plan.
Where available, use online portals and pay for expedited reviews when ROI justifies it.
What is the average duration for securing permits and inspections from local authorities?
Simple permits are often 2–3 weeks; complex or structural permits commonly take 6–12 weeks.
Inspection timelines vary, but plan 2–5 business days to schedule rough-in and final inspections, with possible re-inspection adding 3–7 days. Historic districts, coastal zones, or projects involving multiple agencies can extend timelines further.
Build an inspection calendar in your Gantt the day you submit for permit and align trade rough-in targets to inspector availability. Keep a pre-inspection checklist for each discipline to minimize re-visits.
We cover permit risk management checklists in the home renovation business plan.
For budgeting accuracy, present clients a base range and a “worst-case” estimate backed by local precedents.
How much time should be expected for ordering and receiving materials, fixtures, and custom items?
Procurement spans 2–16 weeks depending on stock vs. custom items.
Commodity materials (lumber, drywall, fasteners) usually land within 1–3 weeks; custom windows, cabinetry, and premium appliances often require 8–16 weeks. Overseas shipping or factory shutdowns can add variance.
Issue POs immediately after design sign-off; confirm ship dates in writing and track with a weekly logistics report. Reserve on-site storage or just-in-time delivery to protect finishes.
Get expert guidance and ordering sequences inside our home renovation business plan.
Below is a lead-time matrix you can paste into your ops manual.
| Category | Typical Lead Time | Notes for Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Stock lumber, drywall, fasteners | 3–10 days | Order per phase; minimal storage needs. |
| Standard fixtures (faucets, sinks, lights) | 1–3 weeks | Verify finish availability; batch orders to reduce freight. |
| Flooring (LVP/engineered wood/tile) | 2–6 weeks | Hold 5–10% attic stock for repairs and pattern continuity. |
| Cabinetry (semi-custom/custom) | 8–14 weeks | Shop drawings add 1–2 weeks; measure after drywall. |
| Windows & exterior doors (custom) | 8–16 weeks | Critical path item; order immediately post-design. |
| Appliances (premium) | 6–12 weeks | Confirm electrical/venting specs with MEP rough-ins. |
| Stone countertops | 2–4 weeks | Template after cabinets; coordinate with plumbing set. |
What is the typical timeline for demolition and site preparation before construction starts?
Demolition and site prep take 1–4 weeks.
Selective interior demo on a single floor can finish in 3–7 days; full-gut projects with structural shoring, abatement, or site grading typically need 2–4 weeks. Utility shut-offs and temporary protections should be scheduled before demo starts.
Install dust control, temporary walls, floor protection, and dumpster logistics on day one. If asbestos/lead is suspected, plan certified testing and, if needed, abatement before general demo.
Document existing conditions with photos and video to reduce disputes and streamline change orders.
Coordinate dumpster swaps to avoid idle crews.
How long does the structural and framing stage generally take?
Framing and structural work typically run 1–4 weeks.
Minor interior reframing can be completed in 3–7 days, whereas additions, roof reframing, or shear upgrades extend to 3–4 weeks. Lead time on engineered beams or trusses can also impact start dates.
Sequence framing inspections mid-phase to avoid rework; verify rough opening sizes against window/door submittals. Maintain moisture control to protect framing and drywall schedule.
This is one of the many elements we break down in the home renovation business plan.
Update the critical path whenever structural surprises surface.
What is the usual timeframe for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins?
All rough-ins typically complete in 2–3 weeks when trades overlap efficiently.
Each trade often needs 5–10 working days, but concurrent scheduling compresses the total duration. Inspection availability can add several days between start and close-up.
Hold a coordination meeting with trade foremen before walls close: confirm penetrations, blocking, and fixture counts. Pre-label circuits, valve locations, and duct branches to speed future service calls.
For clarity in proposals, use the table below.
| Trade | Typical Duration | Key Coordination Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical rough-in | 5–10 days | Panel capacity check, arc-fault/GFCI mapping, low-voltage runs. |
| Plumbing rough-in | 5–10 days | Vent layouts, fixture placement, pressure tests, stub-outs. |
| HVAC rough-in | 5–10 days | Duct sizing, return paths, condensate planning, exterior penetrations. |
| Mid-phase inspections | 2–5 days | Schedule sequentially; plan for re-inspection slots. |
| Firestopping & sealing | 1–2 days | Meet energy code and fire code before insulation. |
| Issue resolution | 1–3 days | Address conflicts discovered during inspection. |
| Close-up readiness | 1 day | QC checklist signed by PM before insulation. |
How much time should be allocated for insulation, drywall, and basic finishes?
Insulation and drywall usually take 1–2 weeks for typical single-family scopes.
Insulation is fast (1–2 days) once inspections pass; drywall hang + tape + mud + sand typically takes 3–10 days, influenced by room count, ceiling height, and drying conditions. Dehumidifiers and airflow keep the schedule tight.
Protect newly installed boards from moisture; confirm sound ratings and fire assemblies per plan. Schedule primer immediately after final sand to reveal imperfections early.
Use a drywall punchlist walk with strong raking light to catch flaws before paint.
Do not overlap heavy trades on fresh drywall days 1–3.
What is the average timeline for flooring, cabinetry, and built-in installations?
Finish installations for floors and millwork average 1–3 weeks.
Pre-finished floors drop in 2–5 days; site-finished hardwood adds curing and can push to 7–10 days. Cabinetry installs in 3–7 days, plus 1–3 days for countertops after templating.
Sequence: floors → cabinets → tops → appliance set → plumbing trim. Protect floors with breathable coverings and control foot traffic to avoid rework.
The table below helps you present a client-ready schedule block.
| Item | Typical Duration | Scheduling / Quality Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-finished hardwood / LVP | 2–5 days | Acclimate products; maintain temperature/humidity. |
| Site-finished hardwood | 7–10 days | Includes sanding and finish cure; low dust plan required. |
| Tile floors | 3–6 days | Allow for mortar and grout cure times; layout approvals. |
| Cabinetry install | 3–7 days | Verify plumb/level; punch for door/drawer adjustments. |
| Countertop template → set | 3–10 days | Template after cabinets fixed; schedule sink/faucet set next day. |
| Built-ins / closets | 2–5 days | Coordinate with electrician for lighting and outlets. |
| Appliance set & hookups | 1–3 days | Confirm venting, clearances, and power requirements. |
How long does the painting, trim, and interior finishing phase usually take?
Painting, trim, and final interior finishes take 1–2 weeks on average.
First coat often reveals drywall touch-ups; plan 1–2 days for patching before final coats. Trim carpentry (casings, base, shelving, hardware) overlaps near the end if protection is solid.
Maintain dust control to protect finishes; require clean boots and cover plates during final week. Schedule a light fixture and hardware day immediately before the punch walk.
It’s a key part of what we outline in the home renovation business plan.
Close with a detailed punchlist signed by client and PM.
What is the standard duration for final inspections and walkthroughs before completion?
Final inspections and walkthroughs usually require 1–2 weeks.
Allow 2–5 business days to book municipal finals after mechanical trims; corrections and re-inspections can add 3–7 days. A structured punchlist can compress this window by reducing callbacks.
Deliver closeout documents at walkthrough: permit sign-offs, warranties, O&M manuals, paint schedules, appliance registrations. Schedule a 30-day follow-up for minor settling items.
Present a clear “substantial completion” vs. “final completion” definition in your contract to avoid disputes.
Have all access panels and labels in place before calling inspectors.
How much buffer time should typically be added to account for unexpected delays or changes?
Add a 10–20% time contingency to your baseline schedule.
For a 16-week core schedule, that equals 2–3 additional weeks on average; for complex custom work, hold closer to 20%. Communicate this buffer transparently so clients view it as professional risk management, not padding.
Common delay drivers: long-lead items, inspection backlogs, hidden conditions, weather, and change orders. Use a weekly risk review to downgrade or escalate items and adjust the Gantt in real time.
Below is a prioritized list you can include in proposals.
- Material lead times (windows, cabinetry, appliances)
- Permitting/inspection backlogs or re-inspection cycles
- Hidden conditions (rot, asbestos, non-compliant wiring)
- Weather impacts on exterior or delivery logistics
- Client-driven changes after ordering or rough-in
What is the typical overall timeline most clients should expect?
Most mid-scale home renovations span 5–9 months from first meeting to handover.
That breaks down to 1–6 months pre-construction and 8–12 weeks of core build, plus buffer. High-end, highly customized, or addition-heavy projects can extend to 9–12 months.
Anchor your contracts to milestones (deposit, design completion, permit issued, rough-in passed, substantial completion) rather than calendar dates alone. This protects cash flow if the municipality or suppliers slip.
This is exactly how we structure timelines and payment schedules in the home renovation business plan.
Show clients a Gantt with dependencies so they can visualize critical path.
What tasks can overlap to shorten the schedule without risking quality?
Several tasks can safely overlap when coordination is tight.
Examples include parallel selections during permit review, trade rough-ins in different zones, and paint priming during millwork fabrication. The goal is to keep the critical path fed while protecting finished surfaces.
Use zone maps, lockout tags, and daily huddles to avoid conflicts. Require each trade to sign a two-page scope and protection protocol before starting.
Below is a quick concurrency guide you can hand to your PMs.
| Overlap Opportunity | Time Saved | Control Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Selections during permit review | 1–3 weeks | Weekly approvals; frozen spec list before POs. |
| Staggered MEP rough-ins by zone | 3–5 days | Zone map, daily walk, shared clash log. |
| Primer while millwork is fabricated | 2–4 days | Dust control and masked floors. |
| Countertop templating next day after cabinets | 2–5 days | QC cabinet level/plumb before template. |
| Order long-lead items at 50% design | 2–4 weeks | Allow for minor field-verify adjustments. |
| Schedule inspections mid-phase | 2–3 days | Inspector windows reserved in advance. |
| Punchlist pre-walk three days early | 1–2 days | Internal QC catches defects before client walk. |
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Looking to refine your scheduling playbook?
These resources go deeper into pricing, value, and profitability so you can set realistic timelines and deliverables for clients.
Sources
- Remodel Boise — How Long Does a Whole Home Remodel Take?
- Buildrite — Knockdown Rebuild Timelines
- LinkedIn — Kitchen Remodel Timeline & Lead Times
- Sweeten — Prevent Order & Delivery Issues
- Felix Homes — How Long to Frame a House
- Corinthian — Drywall Phase for Remodeling Projects
- City of Saskatoon — Building Permit Timelines
- Matterport — Home Renovation Checklist
- Sims Builders — Whole Home Renovation Duration
- Barn Pros — Permitting: What to Expect
- How Much Does a Home Renovation Cost?
- Estimating Labor Costs for Home Renovations
- Home Renovation Pricing Guide
- How to Maximize Project Value in a Renovation
- Is a Home Renovation Business Profitable?
- Is a Renovation Company Worth Starting?