Patience is a virtue when it comes to your non-reality show remodel

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Published Date 3/23/2023

It’s lovely to think your home could be remodeled within the timelines they use on HGTV “reality” renovation shows. 4 weeks? 6 weeks? Sure. If you have a team of subcontractors working 24/7 in order to fulfill a TV show deadline.

The non-reality of it is that remodels are not an exact science, time-wise or otherwise, even if it’s only one room of your home that is undergoing renovation. Realtor.com’s Meera Pal explains how, for those who have gathered the funds (and the strength) to actually tackle a remodel, dreams can quickly turn into nightmares—without an established and realistic timeline, that is. She offers insight into knowing when to bend those expectations by rounding up the four most common types of remodeling projects along with a range of how long each typically takes as well as when homeowners might expect delays along the way.

First off, know that while project time estimates are great, you would be wise to consider those estimate wishful goals. And goalposts can be moved. Depending on the scope and complexity of the project, and even if you’re working with the top contractor who boasts a detailed renovation calendar, surprise variables can and will affect your finish date. Sometimes no matter how far ahead you send for that double oven or those artistic backsplash tiles, materials shortages and/or shipping delays can ripple through a remodel while rewriting the timeline. Now add delays for permits, inspections, and zoning requirements and prepare your sanity for them. If you moved out of your house for the renovations, give yourself a ton of “slop” time. And if you stayed during a kitchen remodel either budget for lots of takeout food or get yourself to Target for a cheap tabletop microwave for a life of endless Top Ramen.

Speaking of kitchens, this is without a doubt the most complex as well as costly room of the house to transform, typically taking four to six weeks before you can unbox those pots and pans. “In general, your kitchen remodel will involve demolition, plumbing, electrical work, installing new appliances and fixtures, flooring and backsplash installation, painting, and finishing touches,” says Pal. “The top delay gremlins are unforeseen structural issues and appliance delivery delays.” Top that off with delays in cabinets or specially-ordered materials and finishes, or receiving things in the wrong size, and you’ve got the picture. Just remember reading it here.

Bathrooms are rooms that are usually completely gutted before the remodel begins. That means down to the studs for plumbing and electrical changes, plus lots of detail work installing new fixtures, tiles, and flooring, custom orders (like a stand-alone tub), and finishing touches like painting. Now freeze that portrait in time, because ripping out a bathroom can also reveal water damage that may require mold remediation. While 3-4 weeks is a lovely estimate, it will all depend on the scope of the work.

Wanna add a room? Construction experts say to plan on at least two to three months for any project that involves adding new square footage to a building. You’ve got more than one reason to expect the unexpected in permits, zoning, contractors, framing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, and flooring. As a bonus, there is exterior work, including roofing, windows, stucco or siding, and gutters. And don’t forget the weather.

Pal advises keeping your sanity intact by approaching your remodeling project with an open mind and realistic expectations. “In addition to clearly understanding the timeline, costs, and potential challenges, homeowners should do their homework and hire an experienced contractor,” she adds. Interview more than one to get specifics on timelines and budgets and make your decision from there. And remember those goalposts.

Realtor, TBWS

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