What Is the Typical Timeline for a Home Remodeling Project? From First Idea to Final Walkthrough
If you’re thinking about remodeling your home, you may be wondering: How long will the entire process take—really? While most people focus on the construction timeline, the full remodel journey begins long before the first hammer swings.
Here’s a realistic look at what to expect from the moment you start thinking about a remodel to the day your project is complete.
Step 1: Early Research & Exploration (1 to 3 months)
For most homeowners, the remodel process starts with ideas. You begin noticing what isn’t working in your space. Maybe your kitchen feels cramped, or your bathrooms haven’t aged well.
During this phase, you’ll likely:
Read cost guides and remodeling blogs
Talk to family or friends who’ve remodeled
Begin exploring what’s feasible financially
Step 2: Choosing Your Approach (2 to 4 weeks)
Once you decide a remodel is likely, you’ll start exploring how to get it done. At this stage, you’ll evaluate whether to:
DIY parts of the project
Hire a general contractor
Work with a design-build firm
Most major renovations require professional help. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to design-build firms because they handle everything from design to permits to construction under one roof.
Step 3: Reaching Out to Professionals (1 to 2 months)
This is when research becomes action. You’ll typically:
Reach out to 2–3 firms (based on referrals, Google reviews, or local reputation)
Write the scope of work
Conduct discovery calls or consultations
Compare proposals or bids
Evaluate timelines, processes, and fit
Choosing the right partner can take time—especially if you’re comparing multiple service models.
Step 4: Design & Planning (4 to 5 months)
After selecting a firm, you’ll enter the design and pre-construction phase. This involves:
Working with a designer or architect
Selecting materials, layouts, and finishes
Getting engineering or structural input
Securing permits (which can take weeks in some jurisdictions)
With Ferrentino and Son Construction, this phase is fully guided and typically runs 12-16 weeks depending on project complexity and client decision-making speed.
Step 5: Construction (1 to 8 months)
Once planning is complete and permits are secured, construction begins. Typical durations:
Bathroom remodel: 4–8 weeks
Kitchen remodel: 6–12 weeks
Whole-home remodel: 4–8 months or MORE
Material delays, change orders, and weather can extend this window—though proactive planning helps mitigate many issues.
Total Timeline: 6 to 12 Months (Sometimes MORE)
From that first moment of curiosity to project completion, most full-service remodels take 6 to 12 months, depending on scope. Whole-home renovations can take longer.
That’s why if you’re hoping to remodel in 2026, now is the right time to start.
Final Thought: Don’t Rush Anything…Plan Smart
Remodeling isn’t just about the end result. It’s about the process—and a thoughtful timeline sets the stage for a successful experience. Wherever you are in your planning journey, the more time you give yourself, the more choices and flexibility you’ll have.
