Realistic timelines for kitchen, bathroom, and basement renovations, and what affects project duration.
Every project is different, but here are typical timelines for common renovation types in Hamilton and surrounding areas:
A simple refresh (new tile, vanity, toilet, fixtures) typically takes 1-2 weeks. A full gut renovation with plumbing or layout changes takes 3-4 weeks.
A cabinet refresh (new cabinets, countertops, backsplash) takes 2-3 weeks. A full gut renovation with layout changes, moving plumbing, and custom cabinets takes 6-8 weeks.
A typical basement finishing project (framing, drywall, flooring, electrical, no bathroom) takes 4-6 weeks. Adding a bathroom or separate entrance adds 2-3 weeks.
Installing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or laminate in a typical room takes 1-3 days. Whole-home flooring projects (multiple rooms, stairs, transitions) take 3-5 days.
These estimates cover construction time only — from the day work starts to the day it's finished. They don't include design time, material ordering, or permit approval (which happen before construction starts).
If your project requires permits (most kitchen, bathroom, and basement renovations do), you'll need inspections:
Inspections can add 1-3 days to the timeline depending on inspector availability. Learn more about Ontario renovation permits.
Some materials have longer lead times:
Material lead times happen before construction starts, so they don't extend the construction timeline — but they do delay when work can begin.
Renovation projects occasionally uncover unexpected problems:
Good contractors budget contingency time for unforeseen issues, typically adding 10-15% to the timeline.
Choose all finishes (tile, paint colors, fixtures, hardware) before the project starts. Material delays or last-minute changes are the most common cause of timeline extensions.
A general contractor coordinates all trades (electricians, plumbers, drywall, tile) and ensures work happens in the right sequence. DIY or hiring individual trades directly often results in scheduling delays when one trade isn't available when needed.
Learn more about what a general contractor does.
Small delays happen — a backordered faucet, weather delaying a dumpster delivery, or an inspector running behind schedule. Most projects finish within a few days of the original estimate.
Timeline estimates are similar across the Hamilton area, but some local factors affect scheduling:
We'll assess your space and give you an accurate timeline based on your specific project.
Or call: (416) 526-4116