A full-service home renovation can feel overwhelming if you’ve never been through one before. The process has a lot of moving parts, from initial planning to final finishes. However, understanding the general timeline can make the experience much more manageable. This guide walks through what typically happens and when, helping you prepare for every stage of the journey.
Planning and Design Phase
The first step is the planning and design phase. This is when ideas start to take shape. Homeowners often come into this stage with broad goals, like updating a kitchen or opening up a living room. However, this is also the time to look deeper. What problems are you solving? What parts of your home no longer work for your lifestyle?
This stage usually lasts a few weeks, sometimes longer depending on how many decisions you need to make. During this phase, you’ll likely meet with a designer or renovation consultant to discuss layout changes, product selections, and your overall vision. That is to say, this is when your renovation starts to get personal.
Next comes the planning of budget and timelines. You’ll work through details like materials, finishes, and costs. Most importantly, this is the point where drawings or renderings are finalized. Getting clear on your expectations now can save time and money later. In other words, this is your chance to get ahead of potential delays.
Permits and Preparation
After your design is approved, the renovation team moves into the permit and prep phase. Some projects require municipal permits, especially if you’re changing structures, moving plumbing, or adding electrical components. These applications can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on your city.
While permits are being processed, your renovation team may start scheduling trades and ordering long-lead items like custom cabinets or specialty windows. Meanwhile, you’ll need to prepare your home for construction. That might mean packing up entire rooms or finding temporary accommodations if the work area includes essential spaces like your kitchen or bathroom.
For example, if you’re replacing all your flooring, it’s best to clear furniture ahead of time and store items safely away from dust. Likewise, if you’re updating a bathroom and only have one in your home, alternative arrangements should be made early.
Demolition and Structural Work
Demolition is when the transformation becomes visible. It’s noisy, dusty, and can be unsettling, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Demolition can take a few days or a full week depending on the scope. Therefore, you’ll want to stay informed about how long this stage will last so you can plan around it.
Once the space is cleared, any structural work begins. This includes things like removing or adding walls, framing new layouts, or reinforcing load-bearing structures. During this phase, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical rough-ins are also installed. In other words, the skeleton of your new space is being built.
At this point, regular inspections may be required. These inspections ensure everything meets code before walls are closed up. Delays in inspection scheduling can sometimes slow progress. However, these checks are crucial to avoid larger problems later.
Drywall, Flooring, and Surfaces
With the rough-ins complete and inspections signed off, the next phase focuses on rebuilding the interior. Drywall is hung, taped, and mudded. This stage can take several days to complete and even longer if your home has complex curves, ceiling details, or specialty textures.
After drywall, flooring often comes next. It may be tempting to rush this part, but proper installation is critical. Subfloor leveling, underlayment, and acclimation periods for materials like hardwood are essential to avoid long-term issues. Most importantly, flooring should be done after any major painting or plastering to protect it from spills and damage.
This is also when tiling and wall finishes begin. For instance, bathroom and kitchen tile installations require precision and time to cure properly. Likewise, painted surfaces may need multiple coats and touch-ups between other tasks.
Cabinetry, Trim, and Fixtures
Once flooring and major surfaces are done, cabinetry and millwork are installed. Kitchens and bathrooms especially start to look real during this time. Cabinets may arrive pre-assembled or need to be built on-site depending on your selections. In addition, trim and baseboards are added, giving your home a finished feel.
Fixtures are installed once cabinetry is in place. This includes lighting, plumbing taps, sinks, and handles. In the same vein, appliances and built-ins will be hooked up and tested. Consequently, you may begin to see how your day-to-day living will improve once everything is in place.
To keep things on track, your contractor may create a checklist of finishing touches. This ensures no detail is missed, such as outlet covers, light switch plates, or soft-close mechanisms on drawers. That level of detail may seem minor, but it significantly impacts how complete and polished your renovation feels.
Final Touches and Inspections
The final stage includes quality checks, small corrections, and any remaining paint or trim work. It may seem like a slow wind-down, but these finishing touches matter. Sometimes, little things, like a sticky door or uneven shelf, are only noticeable once the space is back in use. Therefore, a thorough walkthrough is important.
You’ll also have a chance to point out any deficiencies during a final inspection or walkthrough. This is the time to be honest. If something doesn’t look right, bring it up. Similarly, take notes and confirm in writing what still needs attention.
In some cases, a second visit may be scheduled to complete the final fixes. Once everything is signed off, your renovation is officially complete. If you’re planning home renovations in Calgary, knowing this final phase helps manage your expectations during the last stretch.
Tip: Don’t Skip the Post-Renovation Cleaning
One area that often gets overlooked is the deep cleaning after renovation work. Even with daily cleanups by the crew, dust can settle in hidden corners, vents, and light fixtures. That is to say, your home might need more than just a standard vacuum.
Investing in a proper post-renovation clean ensures that your newly renovated space not only looks great but also feels healthy and fresh. Likewise, this step helps you reset the home environment before moving back into your routines.
If your renovation includes multiple rooms, it may be worth hiring a dedicated post-construction cleaning service. Alternatively, ask your contractor if cleaning is part of their final process. Either way, it’s a critical step that often gets missed in the planning stage.
Coordinating With Professionals
Timing is everything in a renovation. One delayed inspection or backordered fixture can ripple through the schedule. This is why communication with your contractor and trades is essential. Try to keep one point of contact, whether that’s a project manager or lead carpenter.
Sometimes, weather can affect timelines too, especially for exterior renovations or if any part of your home is temporarily exposed. On the other hand, good planning can reduce risks and prevent overlapping trade schedules that slow everyone down.
If you ever feel unsure about the next steps or see the schedule slipping, it’s reasonable to get in touch with your contractor and ask for a revised timeline. Updates help you stay informed and keep everyone accountable.
FAQs
How long does a full home renovation usually take?
Timelines vary, but most full-service home renovations take between 3 to 6 months. Smaller jobs may finish faster, while larger, more complex projects could take longer.
Do I need to move out during the renovation?
It depends on the scope of work. If the renovation affects essential areas like the kitchen or bathroom, you might need temporary housing. For smaller projects, you may be able to stay home.
When should I book a renovation contractor?
It’s best to book several months in advance, especially if you’re targeting a specific season. Spring and fall are popular times, so schedules fill up quickly.
What causes delays during a renovation?
Common delays include waiting for permits, backordered materials, weather issues, or scheduling conflicts among trades. Clear communication and planning help reduce the risk.
Is cleanup included after the renovation?
Some contractors include basic cleanup, but post-renovation deep cleaning may require a separate service. Always confirm what’s included in your contract to avoid surprises.
