Thinking about gutting your whole place? Cool move, but time is money.

A full-house remodel isn’t just slapping on new paint. It’s permits, demo, waiting on that fancy tile you had to have.

Want the short answer? It can run from a few months to over a year.

But don’t stress. I’ll break it down so you can plan like a boss, dodge delays, and flex the smoothest reno on the block.

How long does a full house remodel take?

A full-house remodel typically takes 6–12+ months, depending on size and scope. Cosmetic updates can finish in 2–4 months.

Key Takeaways

Light cosmetic remodel: 2–4 months
Partial remodel (kitchen/bath): 4–6 months
Full gut job: 6–12+ months
Larger or older homes: Up to 18 months
Lock in your design, hire early, avoid mid-project changes to stay on track.

What Determines Timeline

Big plans mean big clocks. Swapping fixtures is a quick flex, but moving walls or gutting everything adds months. Old houses have secrets like hidden plumbing nightmares or weird wiring. More square footage means more time at every step.

Want that open concept? Load-bearing walls don't care about your Pinterest board. You'll need engineering plans and extra build time.

Red tape slows the drip, with cities loving paperwork and inspector sign-offs that can eat weeks.

And your dream crew? They might be booked solid. Good builders stay in demand, so line them up early or risk getting stuck with the B-team.

Typical Timeline by Remodel Type

Cosmetic updates are the easy flex, like new paint, fixtures, or flooring, and usually run 2 to 4 months if you’re cool with a laid-back schedule. Partial remodels, like kitchens and baths, while leaving bedrooms alone, tend to land in the 4 to 6 month zone, especially if you’re picky about those custom finishes.

Go for a full gut renovation and you’re in big-league territory, stripping everything down and reworking layouts for 6 to 12+ months. Older or historic homes love surprises, from ancient plumbing to cracked foundations, pushing you into 9 to 18 months, especially with extra approvals.

And if you’re dreaming of open concept, knocking down walls means engineering plans, city permits, and more time on the clock.

Bottom line? The more you change, the longer you’ll be crashing in the guest room or bribing friends for their couch.

Step-by-Step Timeline Breakdown

Planning and Design

Flex your vision here.
2 to 6 weeks meeting with designers, sketching plans, picking your vibe.
Decisions now save time later.

Permits and Approvals

Red tape isn’t sexy but it’s necessary.
2 to 8 weeks waiting on city permits.
Get these lined up early so you’re not stuck.

Demolition

Time to swing the hammer.
Usually 1 to 2 weeks.
Hidden rot or weird wiring can slow the party.

Structural and Major Changes

Opening walls or adding rooms?
Budget 2 to 8 weeks for framing and big moves.
Load-bearing walls need extra engineering love.

Systems Work

Plumbing, electrical, HVAC.
2 to 6 weeks for the guts of your home.
Don’t cheap out here unless you like surprise leaks.

Framing and Drywall

Starts to look like a house again.
2 to 4 weeks hanging, taping, sanding.
Dust everywhere. Mask up.

Finishes and Fixtures

The fun flex.
Cabinets, flooring, paint, tile, lighting.
4 to 8 weeks, especially if you’re importing that bougie Italian marble.

Final Inspections and Punch List

Last step before you move in.
1 to 2 weeks fixing small stuff and getting sign-off.
Call it the final boss fight of remodeling.

Average Timelines by Home Size

Small homes under 1500 square feet are quicker to gut and redo, usually landing in the 3 to 6 month zone if you keep changes simple. It’s the cheat code for budget and speed. Medium homes between 1500 and 3000 square feet need more love, so plan for 6 to 9 months on a full redo.

Good planning keeps it tight, but custom details can slow your roll. Large homes over 3000 square feet are the big flex but come with big waits, often stretching 9 to 15 months. More space means more trades, more decisions, and more time debating which marble is the marble.

Factors That Can Delay

Weather can wreck your schedule, especially if you're messing with the roof or foundation. Permits and inspections love to move at their own chill pace, eating weeks. Changing your mind mid-build is the ultimate time-sink, forcing new plans and orders.

Contractor availability matters too—good crews stay booked. Supply chain issues are the wildcard, with backordered fixtures or materials throwing your timeline into chaos. Even hidden surprises in old walls can slow the drip, like ancient plumbing or cracked foundations. Plan ahead, lock in choices early, and be ready for a few curveballs.

How to Speed Up Your Remodel

Lock in your design choices early so you're not picking tile while crews wait. Get permits sorted before demo starts or you’ll be stuck twiddling your thumbs. Hire a solid contractor with a reliable crew—they're worth every dime for fewer delays.

Order materials ahead to dodge backorders or shipping drama. Stay on top of the schedule with regular check-ins so small issues don’t turn into big stalls. And don’t change your mind mid-build unless you want that “quick job” to drag for months.

Plan smart, act fast, and you’ll cut weeks off your timeline without losing any drip.

Timeline Example/Case Study

Picture a 2000 sq ft mid-century ranch getting the full glow-up. Design and permits took 6 weeks while they picked sleek fixtures and got city sign-off. Demo was quick at 2 weeks, but structural changes for that open concept added 4 more.

Systems work, framing, and drywall ran 8 weeks total. Finishes like custom cabinets and imported tile? Another 6 weeks thanks to shipping delays. Final inspections and touch-ups wrapped in 2 weeks.

All in, about 6 months start to finish. Smart planning and ordering early shaved weeks off what could've been an 8-month saga.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does a full house remodel really take?

Most jobs run 4 to 12 months. Size, scope, and your decision-making speed all matter.

2. Can I live in my house during the remodel?

You can, but it’s messy. Think noise, dust, random dudes in your kitchen at 7am.

3. What’s the biggest delay culprit?

Changing your mind mid-build. That fancy tile switch? It’s your timeline killer.

Conclusion

Remodeling your whole house isn’t a weekend project. You’re looking at months of planning, dust, and choices that’ll test your sanity. Want it done faster? Lock your design early, hire the right crew, and avoid last-minute changes. Remember, it’s your space and your flex. Invest the time to get it right so you’re not redoing it in five years.

How Long Does a Full House Remodel Take – What to Expect