How Long Does It Take to Remodel a Home?

Remodeling a home is one of the strongest investments you can make, as it will add resale value to your house while simultaneously bringing you enhanced functionality and comfort. Because remodeling projects can cause major disruptions to the lives of those living in the house, one of the most pressing questions that are asked is how long the project or construction work will take. Although there is a wide range of potential answers and time frames, this article will give you a basic idea of what to expect when beginning a remodeling job.

Types of Remodeling

A home remodel is a major project, which can range anywhere from simply upgrading a bathroom or the kitchen, to stripping down the entire property to its bare bones and beginning anew. To more accurately predict the time you’ll need to complete the job, it’s important to have a clear goal or vision that you can explain to contractors. This will save you time and money in the end, and prevent costly time-wasting mistakes or missteps that can cause delays. First, let’s look at the three types of remodeling jobs, which will have a major impact on the time scales needed.

Minor/Cosmetic Remodeling

This type of remodeling job is the easiest and is usually contained to one or two rooms. If your house is new, doesn’t have very many issues, or you’re just happy with the way it looks, this is the remodeling job for you. Some of the jobs included in this type of remodeling are:

• New appliances
• Painting interior or exterior
• Basic flooring replacement
• New countertops or cabinets
• Replacing sinks
• Basic landscaping work like fencing

These kinds of jobs can usually be done by DIY types without major contracting or inspection work required. Usually, this type of job will take between 1 week and 2 months, although if you are really dedicated, know what you are doing, and have all the material, some of these jobs can be completed in 1 or 2 days. This type of work will not extend to the core components of the house, like the carpentry joints, pipes, and wiring.

Moderate/Single Room Remodeling

The next type of remodeling job is the most common type of work that contractors undergo. Moderate jobs like this can involve moving plumbing fixtures, or completely gutting or changing one room. This type of work can add major value to a house, as updated, modern bathrooms or kitchens are a huge selling point when listing a house.

Some types of jobs included in this type of remodeling are:

• Full kitchen remodel
• Full bathroom remodel
• Adding a fireplace
• Adding an extension like a garage
• Basement creation
• Major landscaping work like building a pond

This type of work goes beyond just cosmetic or superficial work, and the bare bones of the house will have to be exposed. This increases the time and cost required, as plumbers, electricians, and inspectors will have to be involved. This type of remodeling job will usually take between a few weeks to six months.

Major/Complete Remodeling

This type of work is associated with those who want to buy houses and completely gut and redo them, then turn around and flip them for profit. You can see tons of good examples of this on many major TV shows, like Property Brothers. This type of work takes serious cash and knowledge to pull off correctly, and can escalate quickly into costing as much or more than the house itself. Complete remodeling jobs can be understood as doing several moderate jobs at once. Let’s say you want to redo the kitchen, add a bathroom, create a garage extension, put in a fireplace, and knock down a few walls. While by themselves they are fairly simple jobs, doing them all at once turns a minor remodel job into a more complicated major remodeling job. This type of work will involve stripping the house down to its basics. You’ll need knowledge of carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing in order to make sure this is done right, or you’ll need to find a contractor you really trust. Some of the jobs in this type of work are:

• Adding a second story
• Lifting the house or working on the foundation
• Structural repair
• Work that requires an architect or engineer to design plans
• Changing plumbing or electrical routes in multiple rooms at once

This type of job will take over 6 months to complete and is legally defined in some jurisdictions as work that costs over $100,000. Make sure you have a clear vision and goal for this type of work and don’t get in over your head. Remodeling work, when done correctly, is an excellent investment and will bring value to your life. You can live more comfortably, and add equity and resale value to your house. Contact a contractor today and get started making your home remodeling dreams come true!