Timeline Insights for Burlington / Oakville Homes
If you’ve ever heard stories about renovations dragging on for months or not going as planned, you’re not alone. A house renovation can be exciting, but it also comes with a lot of moving parts. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or a whole home renovation, one of the first things homeowners ask is, “How long is this going to take?”
The answer depends on the size of your project, your goals, and a handful of other key factors. In this post, we’ll walk through the average renovation timeline for homes in the Burlington and Oakville area, and what you can expect at each step of the way. We’ll also chat briefly about how we’ve optimized our workflow so that when you hire us, you have a very clear schedule, updated daily and you’re able to track every stage of your project. We make your renovation a transparent process; because then everyone wins.
Start with Careful Planning – The Design + Plan Phase
Every successful renovation begins with a solid design and plan. This is the first step, and it’s where you and your design team or project manager define the scope of the project, timelines and budget. Whether you’re doing a small kitchen update or a large-scale whole house remodel, the planning stage lays the foundation for the entire process.
In this phase, we gather costs, clarify your financial resources, schedule a site visit(s), and work out the floor plan. You’ll also have an opportunity to do a one-on-one material selection where we select all your material choices and costs associated with each choice. This part can also include the discovery phase, which may reveal things like water damage, structural problems, or older home quirks that we like to know about and plan for as early as possible.
Larger projects often require more time here, especially if you’re choosing custom elements or waiting on longer lead times. It’s a good idea to allow extra time in case design choices evolve or change orders come into play.
Depending on how much decision-making is involved and how quickly it moves, this planning phase can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks.
Permits and Local Regulations
If your home renovation project involves specific electrical work, plumbing work, structural changes, or altering interior walls, we’ll likely need to secure permits, which we handle for you. Navigating local regulations and getting permit approval can take time, especially in municipalities like Burlington and Oakville where the process varies depending on the scope of your project.
We will guide you through this, submit on your behalf and handle all city follow ups and regulations to plan the renovation schedule with realistic expectations. Including this step in your timeline is essential to avoiding delays later.
Construction Begins
Once the permits are in place and materials are ordered, it’s time for the actual construction phase. This part of the remodeling process includes demolition, framing, mechanical work, and everything that brings the space to life. It’s often the longest part of the renovation schedule and may impact your daily life the most.
Here are a few average timelines:
- Kitchen renovation: 4 to 8 weeks
- Bathroom renovation: 3 to 6 weeks
- Whole home remodel: 3 to 9 months
- Structural changes or major overhauls: 6 to 12 months, or up.
Unforeseen delays like bad weather, lead times, or deviations from original plans can extend this timeline, so it’s wise to build in buffer time.
Finishing Touches
As the construction work wraps up, the focus shifts to finishing touches. This includes paint, hardware, final fixtures, trim work, and any last details that bring the design together. While this might seem like the shortest phase, it still requires care. Rushing the final stages can compromise the quality of the entire project.
This part typically takes one to three weeks depending on the size of your project and the availability of materials. It’s also a great time for a final walk-through to address any outstanding items.
How Much Time Will Your Renovation Take?
Here’s a general guide to renovation timelines:
| Project Type | Estimated Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic renovation | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Kitchen remodel | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Bathroom renovation | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Whole home renovation | 3 to 9 months |
| Projects with structural work | 6 to 12+ months |
The actual timeline will depend on the scope of your project, the condition of your home and the availability of the right materials.
What Can Affect Your Timeline?
Some of the most common factors that influence the duration of a home renovation include:
- The size of your project
- The condition of the home (especially older homes)
- Whether you’re making structural changes
- Permit approval time
- Local regulations and inspections
- Material lead times
- Unforeseen issues like water damage or long engineering takes
- Weather conditions
- Your ability to make timely decisions
Final Thoughts
Renovations take time, but when approached with thoughtful planning and the right contractor, they don’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re updating a kitchen or taking on a whole home remodel, it’s worth taking the time to get things right. Each stage plays a role in making your home more beautiful, functional, and aligned with how you want to live.
Working with a design-build team (like us!) that values open communication, realistic expectations, and expert advice can make all the difference. Instead of rushing through the process, focus on creating a home that supports your lifestyle in the long run.
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ABOUT THIS POST
This post is written by Lilla Michalski – Owner and Lead Designer at Wynwood Renovations. She specializing in optimizing space and functionality in your home, creating design solutions and spaces that are thoughtful, functional and aesthetically pleasing.
