How Long Does a Home Remodel Take?

When you’re ready to remodel your Boston home, the first question on your mind is likely, “How long will this take?” Your time is valuable, and at Honorato Company, we don’t believe in guesswork. We’ve perfected a step-by-step process for our remodels and custom homes to demystify timelines, from initial consultations to finishing touches. While we’re excited to walk you through our process, you’ll also note that this is a completely personalized process. You will understand your remodeling timeline precisely when we undertake a project together.

How Long Does a Home Remodel Take? A Step-by-Step Analysis

Planning 

The planning phase for a Boston area home remodel looks about the same, no matter what kind of project you’re executing. 

Step 1: Initial Call (24 Hours)

The journey begins with a quick, friendly chat to understand your project vision. We’ll ask questions about your goals, budget range, and timeline. If it’s a good fit, we’ll recommend the next step, either a discovery call for more research or an on-site visit to explore specifics.

Step 2: Discovery Call or Site Visit (Within 1 Week)

If your project needs additional research, like zoning code reviews or property valuation, we’ll schedule a discovery call to gather those details. For more straightforward projects, we’ll jump right into a site visit, taking measurements, photos, and notes about your space.

Step 3: Initial Estimate (1-2 Weeks)

After collecting the necessary information, we’ll create a preliminary estimate tailored to your space and goals. To make the process smoother, we’ll send you a video walking through every detail—what’s included, cost ranges, and potential variables.

You’ll also get an estimate review link to schedule a virtual meeting with us to ask questions and share feedback. If your project falls outside your budget, we’ll explore value-engineering options to help you reach your goals.

Step 4: Scope of Work and Selections (1-4 Weeks)

Once you decide to proceed, we’ll define the Scope of Work (SOW). This is a detailed roadmap for your remodel. We start honing in on design details and material selections. Clients who prefer visiting vendors for hands-on selections may extend this step slightly, but we’re here to keep the process efficient.

Typical Timelines for Popular Remodels

Here’s a breakdown of typical timelines for popular remodeling projects.

Full House Remodel Timeline

Expect 6-12 months. A complete transformation requires time to address structural changes, intricate designs, and finishing details. Projects that include gut renovations or involve historic homes often take longer due to permitting and challenges related to older construction.

Time for a Kitchen Remodel

On average, 8-12 weeks. Kitchens are complex spaces with many moving parts that need to align perfectly. The timeline can vary depending on whether we’re relocating plumbing, waiting on custom materials, or expanding into adjacent spaces for design continuity.

Bathroom Remodel Duration

Typically, it takes  4-8 weeks to remodel a bathroom. A standard bathroom remodel can be completed faster than a kitchen, but adding custom features like heated floors or luxury fixtures may extend the schedule.

Factors That Impact Remodeling Timelines

Do yourselves the favor of working with a team that understands how to navigate the unexpected while staying on track. Here are the key factors that influence how long a remodel takes.

• Client Decision-Making: Your availability and decisiveness in selecting materials, finishes, and design elements play a critical role. Clients who are proactive in finalizing selections help keep the project moving.
• Permitting and Local Regulations: Depending on your location, permitting can take up to 30 days or more. Working in Boston or other cities with stringent regulations may require additional time.
• Scope and Complexity: Larger projects, such as full home remodels, take longer due to structural changes, detailed designs, and the number of trades involved. Smaller updates, like bathrooms, are typically faster.
• Material Availability: Custom or imported materials can extend timelines if lead times are long.
• Unexpected Structural Realities: Older homes or gut renovations can reveal hidden issues like outdated wiring or water damage. At Honorato Company, we anticipate these possibilities and include buffers to handle them efficiently.

FAQ: Remodeling Timelines

I want to renovate my house—where do I start?

Start with a clear vision of your goals. Contact us for an initial call to discuss your ideas and budget. From there, we’ll guide you through each step, from planning to permitting to construction.

Can a project be completed faster than the average timeline?

In some cases, yes. Projects with clear designs, readily available materials, and decisive clients can move more quickly. Additionally, working with a highly organized team like Honorato Company ensures no time is wasted. However, cutting corners to save time often compromises quality, so we prioritize thoughtful execution over rushing the process.

How can I help keep my remodel on track?

Homeowners play a vital role in maintaining the timeline:

• Take your time to make careful decisions, but be prompt in making decisions about materials, finishes, and designs.
• Communicate quickly when approvals or feedback are needed.
• Trust your contractor’s expertise and avoid last-minute changes that can disrupt schedules.

What steps does the Honorato Company take to minimize delays?

We’ve refined our process to reduce the risk of delays.

• Thorough Planning: Our discovery phase ensures we account for every detail before construction begins.
• Transparency: You’ll receive regular updates through Buildertrend, our project management software.
• Proactive Communication: Our team stays ahead of potential issues and keeps you informed.
• Reliable Network: We work with trusted vendors and subcontractors who share our commitment to timeliness and quality.

What happens if I want to add changes mid-project?

Changes during construction are common, but they can impact the timeline. Here’s how.

• Adding new features may require reordering materials or adjusting the design.
• Structural changes can involve revisiting permits or modifying the SOW.

Our cost-plus contract structure ensures changes are handled transparently, and we’ll provide updated timelines if adjustments are made.

How does the timeline for a remodel differ for older or historic homes?

Older homes often require extra time. Honorato Company has extensive experience in classic home restorations, making us well-equipped to handle the unique challenges of these projects.

• Addressing outdated or unsafe electrical, plumbing, or structural components.
• Complying with additional regulations for historically preserved properties.
• Customizing materials or designs to match the home’s original aesthetic.

Your Remodeling Journey Starts Here

A home remodel is a significant step in enhancing the way you live, the value of your property, and the story your home tells. Honorato Company understands that one of the biggest concerns homeowners have is the timeline. That’s why we’ve designed a process built on transparency, careful planning, and exceptional communication.

Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us to start the conversation today. We cannot wait to help you create a home you’ll love for years to come.