How Long Does It Take To Renovate a House?

You’ve seen the horror stories. Renovation projects that drag on for months, blowing past deadlines and budgets. Maybe you’ve even heard about them from a neighbor or friend who’s still recovering from the experience.

Here’s the truth: renovations don’t have to be a nightmare.

At Builders Group Construction, we’ve spent over 5 years of combined experience helping Dayton homeowners understand exactly what to expect when they remodel their homes. As your trusted local contractor, we know that one of your biggest questions is simple: how long will this actually take?

Let’s break down realistic timelines, what causes delays, and how you can plan for a smooth renovation from start to finish.

Average Renovation Timelines by Project Type

Every home remodeling is different, but most projects fall into predictable timeframes. Here’s what you can expect:

Project Type	Timeline Range
Cosmetic Updates	1–12 weeks
Kitchen Remodel	6–12 weeks
Bathroom Remodel	3–10 weeks
Basement Renovation	1–2 months
Room Additions	3–5 months
ADU Builds	6–9 months
Full Gut Remodel	6–12+ months

These ranges include the planning, permitting, and construction phases. Your specific project may vary based on size, complexity, and material choices.

When you work with BGC, you get a detailed schedule before we ever pick up a hammer. Our design-build remodeling approach means we map out every phase so you know exactly what’s happening and when.

Key Factors That Influence Timeline

Several variables affect how long your renovation takes. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations:

Size and scope of the project: Larger projects take more time. A powder room update moves much faster than a full house renovation.

Material availability and product lead times: Custom cabinets, specialty tile, and imported fixtures can take weeks to arrive. Ordering early prevents delays.

Permitting and inspection delays: City approvals usually take 2 to 4 weeks but can take longer during busy seasons or when revisions are required.

Contractor availability and crew size: Quality contractors often book out weeks or months ahead. Starting early gives you more flexibility.

Weather in Ohio: Rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can slow outdoor work. Here in Brookville and across the Dayton area, winter weather sometimes pushes timelines back a week or two.

Weather in Ohio: Rain, snow, and temperature swings slow exterior work. Across Dayton and Brookville, winter conditions can push timelines back.

Surprises during demo: Older homes can hide water damage, outdated wiring, and mold. These discoveries require additional time to fix.

Changes to the original plan mid project: Design changes require reordering materials, adjusting schedules, and extending the timeline.

At BGC, our project manager Justin Vaughn brings military precision to every job. He builds time buffers into the schedule to keep projects moving even when the unexpected happens.

From Planning to Punch List: The Typical Renovation Timeline

Understanding the phases of a home renovation helps you see where time gets spent:

Design & Planning: 1–3 months

This includes consultations, designing layouts, creating budgets, selecting materials, and choosing a contractor. Rushing this phase leads to avoidable changes later.

Permitting: 2–4 weeks

Once plans are finalized, we submit them to local authorities for approval. Some projects need multiple permits for electrical, plumbing, or structural work.

Material Ordering & Prep: 2–6 weeks

After plans are finalized, we submit them for approval. Some projects require multiple permits for electrical, plumbing, or structural work.

Construction Phase: Varies by project type

This is where you see real progress. Timelines range from a few weeks for a bathroom remodel to several months for additions or whole house renovations.

Final Walkthrough: Last 1–2 weeks

We complete punch list items, conduct thorough cleaning, and walk through every detail with you before calling the project finished.

Our proven 12-step process ensures zero surprises from consultation to final walkthrough. You’ll always know what’s next.

How Long Does It Take To Remodel a Kitchen, Bathroom, or Basement?

Let’s get specific about the most common renovation projects:

Kitchen: 6–12 weeks

A typical kitchen remodeling project involves demolition, new plumbing and electrical, cabinet installation, countertops, and flooring. Custom cabinetry can add 2–4 weeks to this timeline. If you’re opening up walls to create an open concept layout, expect to be closer to the 12-week mark.

Bathroom: 3–10 weeks

Bathroom remodeling move faster than kitchens but still require careful coordination. Plumbing relocations, custom tile work, and new fixtures all take time. A simple vanity and tub swap might finish in 3 weeks, while a luxury master bath with steam shower and heated floors needs the full 10 weeks.

Basement: 1–2 months

Finishing a basement includes framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, and possibly adding egress windows. If you’re adding a bathroom or wet bar, factor in additional plumbing work.

Additions: 3–5 months

Home additions require extensive permitting and structural work. Foundation work alone can take several weeks, followed by framing, roofing, and interior finishing.

ADU or Garage Conversions: 6–9 months

Building an accessory dwelling unit is similar to constructing a small home. You need permits, foundation work, full mechanical systems, and complete finishes.

How Long Does It Take to Renovate an Entire House?

Whole home renovations are the most involved projects we tackle at BGC. Most take 6–12+ months from initial planning to move-in day.

Here’s how that breaks down:

Design Phase: 1–3 months

We work with you on architectural plans, layout changes, material selections, and a full budget.

Permitting: 1 month

Whole house renovations typically require multiple permits. We handle all the paperwork and coordination with local building departments in Dayton, Centerville, Kettering, and surrounding areas.

Construction: 4–9 months

Timelines vary depending on whether you’re doing a cosmetic refresh or a full gut renovation. Living in the home during construction often extends the schedule because crews must work around your routines.

Several factors can push whole house renovations toward the longer end of the timeline:

• You’re living in the home during construction, which requires careful sequencing of work.
• Scope creep happens when you add features or change plans mid-project.
• Structural surprises appear once walls are opened.
• Custom elements like built-ins or specialty finishes require longer lead times.

Choosing a builder with process discipline keeps complex projects on track. Our award winning team has completed hundreds of renovations across southwest Ohio, and we know how to maintain quality without dragging out the schedule.

Why Renovations Take Longer Than Planned

Even with careful planning, some delays are common. Here are the usual reasons:

Permit holdups: Building departments get backed up, especially during busy seasons. We submit permits early and follow up regularly to keep things moving.

Change orders: Changing your mind on tile, cabinet color, or layout requires reordering materials and adjusting schedules. Making final decisions before construction starts prevents this.

Weather: Heavy rain can delay exterior work like deck remodeling or foundation pours. We build weather buffers into schedules, especially for fall and winter projects.

Material delays: Custom cabinets, specialty lighting, and imported tile can have lead times of 8 to 12 weeks. Long lead items are ordered first so they don’t hold up construction.

Labor shortage: Quality subcontractors book quickly. Our established relationships with electricians, plumbers, and finish carpenters help us schedule reliable teams when you need them.

At BGC, we front load planning so construction stays on track. Our team coordinator David Schulte manages material ordering and crew scheduling to prevent bottlenecks.

7 Ways to Avoid Renovation Delays

You have more control over your timeline than you might think. Follow these tips to keep your remodel on schedule:

Finalize all design choices early: Pick your tile, paint colors, fixtures, and finishes before demolition begins. Changing your mind later causes delays.

Order materials before demo: We order all long lead items weeks before construction starts. This prevents crews from waiting on deliveries.

Hire licensed contractors like BGC: Experienced contractors anticipate problems and build solutions into the schedule. We’re fully insured, so inspections go smoothly.

Have a buffer in your budget: Setting aside 10 to 15% for unexpected issues lets you fix problems immediately instead of stopping work while you rebudget.

Avoid mid-project changes: Every change order requires new materials, adjusted schedules, and often rework. Stick to your plan whenever possible.

Stay in communication with your team: Regular check-ins catch small issues before they become big delays. We provide schedule updates and are always available for questions.

Don’t DIY the complex parts: Trying to save money on electrical or plumbing often backfires. Inspectors can red tag DIY work, causing expensive corrections and extending your timeline.

Living Through a Renovation: What to Expect

Should you stay or go during your remodel? It depends on the project.

Pros of staying home:

• No moving costs or temporary housing expenses
• You can monitor progress daily
• Easier to make quick decisions

Cons of staying home:

• Dust, noise, and disruption to your routine
• Limited access to kitchen or bathrooms
• Safety concerns with active construction

For kitchen or bathroom remodels, many homeowners stay in their homes. You’ll need to set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave and mini fridge. Plan on eating out more often.

For full gut renovations, moving out is usually the better option. Construction moves faster and cleaner when crews have full access. You’ll also avoid breathing dust or dealing with temporary utility shutoffs.

BGC can help coordinate temporary setups during construction. We’ve worked with hundreds of families in Springboro, Beavercreek, and across the region. We know how to minimize disruption to your daily life.

Renovation Timelines Are Flexible, But They Don’t Have to Be a Mystery

Here’s what to remember about home renovation timelines:

Planning gives you control over the schedule. The more decisions you make upfront, the smoother construction goes.

Choose a contractor who values your time. At BGC, we provide detailed schedules and regular updates so you always know where things stand.

Expect some flexibility, but not chaos. Minor delays happen, but major timeline overruns usually stem from poor planning or inexperienced contractors.

With 75+ years of combined experience, a licensed and insured team, and a focus on client satisfaction, Builders Group Construction takes the mystery out of renovation timelines.

We serve Dayton and over 20 cities across southwest Ohio, including Kettering, Centerville, Miamisburg, and Brookville. Our veteran-led team brings military precision and artisan craftsmanship to every project.

Ready to get started? Schedule a free consultation with Builders Group Construction today. Call us at 937-800-4409 or visit bgcnow.us to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions