In This Article
Every homeowner asks the same question before starting a renovation: how long will this take? Contractors typically give optimistic estimates because shorter timelines win bids. Then reality sets in. Material delays, permit backlogs, weather, and hidden problems stretch projects well beyond the original promise.
Here are the timelines that reflect what actually happens, not what sounds good on a proposal.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?
A minor kitchen remodel takes 6-8 weeks. A major kitchen remodel with layout changes takes 12-16 weeks. Full gut renovations with structural work can extend to 20 weeks or more. These timelines assume materials are ordered before demolition and permits are secured in advance. The biggest schedule killer in kitchen remodels is custom cabinetry, which currently runs 8-12 weeks for delivery after the order is placed.
Kitchen Timeline Breakdown
Minor kitchen remodel (6-8 weeks):- Week 1: Demolition and prep
- Weeks 2-3: Electrical and plumbing rough-in
- Week 4: Cabinet refacing or installation
- Week 5: Countertop templating and installation
- Weeks 6-7: Backsplash, fixtures, appliance hookup
- Week 8: Punch list and final details
- Weeks 1-2: Demolition and structural work
- Weeks 3-4: Plumbing, electrical, HVAC rough-in
- Week 5: Inspections and drywall
- Weeks 6-8: Cabinet installation
- Weeks 9-10: Countertop fabrication and install
- Weeks 11-12: Backsplash, flooring, painting
- Weeks 13-14: Appliances, fixtures, hardware
- Weeks 15-16: Final inspections and punch list
What Extends Kitchen Timelines
- Custom cabinets (8-12 week lead time)
- Countertop fabrication (2-3 weeks after templating)
- Appliance backorders (some models 6-12 weeks)
- Permit delays in busy jurisdictions
- Discovering outdated wiring or plumbing behind walls
How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take?
A cosmetic bathroom refresh takes 2-3 weeks. A full bathroom remodel takes 4-6 weeks. Adding a new bathroom where none existed takes 6-10 weeks due to plumbing rough-in and structural work. Bathrooms are smaller spaces, but the density of plumbing, electrical, tile work, and waterproofing means the per-square-foot labor intensity is the highest of any room in the house.
Bathroom Timeline Breakdown
Cosmetic refresh (2-3 weeks):- Days 1-3: Demolition of fixtures and surfaces
- Days 4-7: Plumbing and electrical updates
- Days 8-12: Tile installation and waterproofing
- Days 13-16: Vanity, toilet, fixture installation
- Days 17-20: Painting, hardware, accessories, cleanup
- Week 1: Full demolition, assess subfloor and framing
- Week 2: Plumbing and electrical rough-in, inspections
- Week 3: Waterproofing, cement board, tile prep
- Week 4: Tile installation (shower, floor, walls)
- Week 5: Vanity, countertop, toilet, glass enclosure
- Week 6: Fixtures, accessories, paint, punch list
Critical Path Items in Bathrooms
- Waterproofing must cure before tile. Rushing this step causes long-term water damage.
- Tile grout needs 24-48 hours before sealing. This cannot be accelerated.
- Custom glass shower enclosures require templating after tile is complete, then 2-3 weeks fabrication.
- Heated floors add 1-2 days for installation and testing before tile.
How Long Does a Basement Finishing Take?
A basic basement finish takes 6-8 weeks. A high-end basement with a bathroom, bar, and theater room takes 10-16 weeks. Basement projects frequently encounter moisture issues, low ceiling clearances requiring creative solutions, and HVAC modifications that were not part of the original estimate. Waterproofing must be addressed before any finishing begins.
Basement Timeline Breakdown
Standard basement finish (6-8 weeks):- Week 1: Waterproofing, framing, egress window
- Week 2: Electrical and plumbing rough-in
- Week 3: HVAC ducting, insulation, inspections
- Week 4: Drywall hanging and finishing
- Week 5: Painting and flooring
- Weeks 6-7: Trim, doors, fixtures, lighting
- Week 8: Punch list and final inspection
Common Basement Delays
- Moisture problems requiring waterproofing solutions before work begins
- Egress window installation (required for bedrooms) affected by weather and excavation
- HVAC modifications more complex than estimated
- Permit inspections for habitable space requirements
- Concrete floor irregularities requiring leveling
How Long Does a Home Addition Take?
A single-room addition takes 3-4 months. A multi-room or second-story addition takes 5-8 months. These timelines include foundation work, framing, roofing, and finishing, but do not include the design and permitting phase, which adds another 4-8 weeks before construction begins. Weather is a major factor for additions in Indianapolis, where exterior work is limited during winter months.
Addition Timeline Breakdown
Single-room addition (12-16 weeks):- Weeks 1-2: Site prep, excavation, foundation
- Weeks 3-4: Framing and roofing
- Week 5: Windows, doors, exterior sheathing
- Week 6: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC rough-in
- Week 7: Insulation, inspections
- Weeks 8-9: Drywall, mudding, sanding
- Weeks 10-11: Flooring, trim, painting
- Weeks 12-13: Fixtures, hardware, final details
- Weeks 14-16: Exterior finish, landscaping, punch list
Pre-Construction Phase (Often Overlooked)
Before construction starts, plan for:
- Architectural design: 2-4 weeks
- Engineering (if needed): 2-3 weeks
- Permit application and approval: 2-6 weeks
- Material ordering (windows, doors): 4-8 weeks
How Long Does a Whole-House Renovation Take?
A whole-house renovation of a typical 2,000-square-foot home takes 5-8 months. Homes requiring structural repair, full mechanical system replacement, or historical restoration can extend to 10-12 months. Whole-house projects are the most unpredictable because opening every wall and ceiling multiplies the chances of finding hidden conditions that change the scope.
Phase Timeline for Whole-House Renovation
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities | |-------|----------|---------------| | Planning and permits | 4-8 weeks | Design, engineering, permit approval | | Demolition | 1-2 weeks | Gutting, hazmat abatement if needed | | Structural | 2-4 weeks | Foundation, framing, structural repair | | Rough-in | 3-4 weeks | Electrical, plumbing, HVAC | | Insulation and drywall | 2-3 weeks | Insulation, drywall, mudding | | Finishes | 4-6 weeks | Flooring, tile, cabinets, counters | | Final | 2-3 weeks | Fixtures, paint, hardware, punch list |
What Causes Renovation Delays?
The five most common delay causes are material lead times, permit and inspection scheduling, hidden conditions discovered during demolition, weather for exterior work, and homeowner decision-making during the project. Of these, homeowner indecision and late material selections cause the most preventable delays. Choosing your finishes, fixtures, and materials before demolition begins eliminates the most common bottleneck.
Delay Factors and How to Minimize Them
Material lead times (2-12 weeks depending on product):- Order cabinets, windows, and appliances as early as possible
- Have backup selections ready if primary choices are backordered
- Confirm lead times before committing to a start date
- Submit permit applications early
- Ask your contractor about current processing times in your municipality
- Schedule inspections as soon as the work is ready
- Budget time and money for the unexpected
- Older Indianapolis homes frequently reveal outdated wiring, lead paint, asbestos, or water damage
- Address discoveries immediately rather than deferring
- Plan exterior work for April through October in Indianapolis
- Foundation and concrete work has temperature requirements
- Roofing requires dry conditions
- Finalize all selections before construction starts
- Designate one household decision-maker
- Set deadlines for material choices in your contract
How Can I Keep My Renovation on Schedule?
Make every design decision and material selection before demolition begins, and put a detailed milestone schedule in your contract with specific dates. Communicate weekly with your contractor and address problems the day they surface rather than letting them accumulate. The homeowners whose projects finish on time are the ones who prepared thoroughly before the first hammer swung.
The On-Time Renovation Checklist
- All finishes, fixtures, and materials selected and ordered
- Permits submitted and approved before start date
- Detailed contract with milestone dates and accountability
- Weekly progress meetings scheduled
- Single decision-maker designated
- Contingency budget set aside for hidden conditions
- Backup material selections identified
FAQ
Should I add buffer time to the contractor's estimate?Yes. Add 20-30% to any timeline estimate. A contractor who says 8 weeks will more likely finish in 10. This is not dishonesty; it reflects the reality that unexpected issues arise on every project.
Can I live in my house during a renovation?For most single-room projects, yes. For kitchen remodels, plan to eat out or use a temporary kitchen setup. For whole-house renovations, moving out is usually necessary and actually speeds up the project because contractors can work without navigating around your daily life.
What time of year is best to start a renovation in Indianapolis?For interior-only projects, winter is ideal because contractors have more availability. For projects with exterior components, start planning in January for a spring construction start. Summer and fall are the busiest seasons.
How do I hold a contractor accountable to the timeline?Include specific milestone dates in your contract with consequences for delays not caused by you or circumstances outside the contractor's control. Tie payment to milestone completion rather than calendar dates.
What if my project is already behind schedule?Have a direct conversation with your contractor about the cause, the revised timeline, and how to prevent further delays. Document everything in writing. If the cause is within the contractor's control and they are unresponsive, you have a larger problem that may require escalation.
Set Realistic Expectations From Day One
The gap between expected and actual timelines is the number one source of homeowner frustration during renovations. Setting realistic expectations upfront, planning thoroughly, and choosing a contractor who communicates honestly about scheduling prevents most timeline-related stress.
Vetted Crews connects Indianapolis homeowners with contractors who provide honest timelines and deliver on their commitments. Our vetting process verifies not just credentials, but track records for schedule reliability.
Call (317) 850-8396 to find a contractor who will set honest expectations and meet them.