How Long Does a Home Renovation Take?

The question we get right after "how much" is almost always "how long." Everyone wants to know when they’ll have their kitchen back or when the dust will finally settle. While every project is unique, a professional renovation in Connecticut generally follows a predictable rhythm. Understanding this timeline is the best way to keep your sanity intact while your home is under construction.

The Design and Planning Phase (4 to 8 Weeks)

The biggest mistake homeowners make is thinking the clock starts when the first hammer swings. The most important work happens before we even set foot in your house. During this phase, we’re dialing in your layouts, selecting every finish from tile to cabinet hardware, and finalizing the budget. This is where we ensure that your vision aligns with the reality of your home’s structure. Skipping or rushing this phase is a recipe for delays later on.

The Permitting and Procurement Phase (4 to 6 Weeks)

Once the design is set, we move into the "waiting" game. We have to secure permits from the local building department, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the town. Simultaneously, we are ordering your materials. With current lead times, we wait until the major item like cabinets and windows are delivered or confirmed before we start demolition. This prevents a situation where your kitchen is torn apart but we're waiting six weeks for a cabinet that didn't arrive.

The Construction Phase (8 to 16+ Weeks)

This is the part everyone sees. It starts with demolition and moves through structural framing, mechanical rough-ins (plumbing and electric), insulation, drywall, and finally, the finishes. A standard bathroom might take 4 to 6 weeks of active construction, while a major kitchen or whole-home remodel can easily span 3 to 4 months.

One thing we always tell people is that prices in Connecticut are going to average on the high side. In this market, labor, materials, and permitting fees are simply higher than in other parts of the country. We believe in pricing our projects fairly and paying our team a living wage, but we don't believe in cutting corners on things like plumbing or wiring just to hit a lower number. We've seen what happens when budget contractors ignore code requirements, and the cost to fix those mistakes later is always higher than doing it right the first time. Our renovation process is designed to give you a grounded, realistic look at the numbers and the timeline before we ever pick up a hammer.

We know that living through a renovation is a challenge. That’s why we focus on clear communication and a project schedule that actually reflects reality, not just what you want to hear. If you’re ready to start planning your timeline, we’d love to help you get started. You can reach out to us here.