Are you wondering about your home renovation timeline? The first question most homeowners ask is, How long will it take? Unfortunately, the answer is not always straightforward. First of all, the timeline depends on the size of the project, the scope of work, and whether any unexpected issues arise. Therefore, having a realistic timeline is essential to help you plan and avoid unnecessary frustration.

In this guide, we’ll break down how long different types of home renovations typically take. Additionally, we’ll explore common delays and offer tips to help you save your sanity during the process. Finally, we’ll explain why skipping the renovation altogether and selling your home to a buyer like O’Neill Home Buyers may be a better option for some homeowners.

1. Small-Scale Projects (1-3 weeks)

To begin with, small-scale renovations, such as cosmetic updates, are typically quick and easy. In most cases, these projects are completed within 1 to 3 weeks. For instance, a fresh coat of paint, changing light fixtures, or installing a new backsplash are relatively straightforward tasks that don’t require much disruption.

Here are a few examples:

• Repainting a room: This project usually takes 1-3 days, depending on the room size and the number of coats of paint.
• Upgrading light fixtures: In general, this takes about 1-2 days, unless rewiring or new electrical work is needed.
• Backsplash installation: Installing a new kitchen backsplash can be done in 2-3 days.
• Bathroom vanity replacement: On average, a bathroom vanity upgrade takes about 2-4 days.

As you can see, these small projects can give your home a fresh look without taking up much of your time or causing too much inconvenience.

2. Mid-Range Projects (1-2 months)

Next, we move on to mid-range projects. In comparison to small-scale renovations, these tend to take a bit more time. For example, a full kitchen or bathroom remodel, which involves multiple steps and materials, often takes between 1 to 2 months to complete.

Kitchen Remodel (4-8 weeks)

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, so it’s no surprise that a kitchen remodel can take longer. Typically, a full kitchen renovation involves design, demolition, installation, and finishing touches.

• Design and planning (1-2 weeks): First of all, you need a clear design plan. Whether you work with a designer or contractor, this phase typically takes 1-2 weeks.
• Demolition (1 week): After the design is finalized, demolition can begin. Tearing out old cabinets, countertops, and flooring takes about 1 week.
• Installation (4-6 weeks): Next comes the installation phase, which involves placing new cabinets, flooring, countertops, and appliances.
• Finishing touches (1 week): Finally, the last week is dedicated to details like painting, trim work, and backsplash installation.

In conclusion, kitchen renovations are time-consuming, but they can completely transform the space.

Bathroom Remodel (3-6 weeks)

Similarly, bathroom renovations can also be time-intensive. While smaller than a kitchen, a bathroom remodel often involves many of the same elements, such as plumbing, tile work, and fixtures.

• Demolition and prep (1-2 weeks): Tearing out old fixtures and tiles can take up to 2 weeks, depending on the size of the bathroom and the scope of work.
• Rough-in plumbing and electrical (1 week): If necessary, any updates to plumbing or electrical work will add about a week.
• Tile and fixture installation (2-3 weeks): Finally, laying new tile and installing fixtures will take another 2-3 weeks.

As with kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations require careful planning and coordination.

Flooring Replacement (1-3 weeks)

Replacing flooring throughout your home falls under the mid-range category. Depending on the type of flooring you choose, installation can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks.

• Hardwood flooring: For example, hardwood floors take about 2-3 weeks to install due to the need for prep work and drying time.
• Tile flooring: Similarly, tile installation takes about 2-3 weeks.
• Vinyl or laminate flooring: On the other hand, vinyl and laminate flooring can be installed in 1-2 weeks.

3. Large-Scale Projects Home Renovation Timeline (3-6+ months)

Moving on to larger projects, renovations like adding a new room, doing a home addition, or remodeling the entire house are far more time-consuming. Because these projects often require permits, inspections, and multiple contractors, they can take several months to complete.

Home Addition (3-6 months)

Adding a new room to your home is a major undertaking. Typically, adding extra months to your home renovation timelinehome. Additions involve complex structural work, which adds time to the project.

Here’s how the timeline breaks down:

• Design and permits (1-2 months): Before any work can begin, you need architectural plans and building permits. This phase typically takes 1-2 months.
• Site prep and foundation work (1-2 months): After permits are approved, the foundation needs to be laid. This process usually takes 1-2 months.
• Framing and exterior work (2-3 months): Building the structure and completing the exterior work—like roofing, siding, and windows—adds another 2-3 months.
• Interior work (2-3 months): Finally, plumbing, electrical, drywall, and finishing touches take another 2-3 months.

Ultimately, home additions are a long-term project, but they can significantly increase your living space and home value.

Whole House Renovation Timeline (4-8 months)

Similarly, whole-house renovations involve gutting the house and starting over. Because these projects are so extensive, they typically take 4-8 months, depending on the scope of work.

Is a Home Renovation Worth It?

Now that you have an idea of how long home renovations can take, you may be wondering whether they’re worth the effort. After all, renovations are costly, time-consuming, and full of surprises. Furthermore, delays and unexpected costs can arise, making the process even more stressful.

This is why, for many homeowners, selling their home as-is can be a more attractive option. Instead of spending months renovating, you can sell your home quickly to a buyer like O’Neill Home Buyers and avoid the hassle.

Here’s why working with O’Neill Home Buyers is a great alternative:

• No need for renovations: You can sell your home as-is, without spending time or money on repairs.
• Quick sale process: We offer a fast, cash sale so you can move on quickly.
• No unexpected costs: Unlike renovations, there are no surprise costs when selling to us.
• No disruption: Selling your home avoids the months of disruption that come with major renovations.

In conclusion, selling your home to a cash buyer like O’Neill Home Buyers can save you time, money, and stress—especially if your home needs significant repairs or upgrades.

Common Delays and How to Avoid Them

In general, home renovations can face delays for several reasons. First, getting permits approved can take weeks or even months. Second, materials may be backordered or unavailable. Additionally, weather can affect exterior work, and contractor availability may cause delays. Finally, change orders—where you change your mind mid-project—can also extend the timeline.

Tips To Keep Your Sanity During a Renovation

To help you stay sane during a renovation, here are a few tips:

1. Plan ahead: The more detailed your plan, the shorter your home renovation timeline.
2. Budget extra time and money: Always leave room for unexpected costs and delays.
3. Stay in communication: Regularly check in with your contractor to stay on top of progress.
4. Prepare for disruption: If possible, set up temporary living arrangements to minimize the impact of the renovation on your daily life.

Final Thoughts

In summary, home renovations can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the size and scope of the project. However, if the idea of months of renovation stress doesn’t appeal to you, O’Neill Home Buyers offers a hassle-free alternative. By selling your home as-is, you can skip the renovation process entirely and move forward with your plans sooner.

Contact O’Neill Home Buyers today to learn more about our fast, cash sale process and see how we can help you avoid the hassle of a home renovation!