What to Expect During a Full Home Renovation

Planning a full home renovation is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions we hear at Ediss Construction is: “How long is this going to take?” While the answer varies based on scope, permits, and customization, understanding a typical project timeline can help set realistic expectations and reduce stress.

Below, we break down a standard 8–10 week full-home remodel into weekly phases. This assumes you're working with a licensed general contractor, like Ediss Construction, on a professionally managed project.

Week 1: Planning, Permits & Prep

Before any demolition or dust, the groundwork must be laid:

What Happens:

Initial design finalized and approved
Permits submitted to the local building department
Material selections confirmed
Pre-construction walkthrough and measurements

Pro Tip: Start planning early. Permit approvals in places like Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale can take 1–3 weeks. Having design decisions locked in ahead of time helps prevent costly delays.

This is also the time to finalize your living arrangements, determine if a temporary move is necessary, and start preparing your space—removing furniture, decor, and clearing out any storage areas that will be affected by the work.

Week 2: Demolition Begins

This is when things start to feel real. Demolition is noisy and messy—but it's a major step forward.

What Happens:

Removal of old fixtures, flooring, walls (if applicable), cabinetry, or drywall
Dumpsters and protective coverings set up
Potential asbestos or mold testing (as needed)

Pro Tip: Make alternative living arrangements if your kitchen and bathroom are being demoed at the same time.

Demolition also gives the contractor a better look at the hidden conditions of the home. Sometimes surprises like outdated wiring, damaged subflooring, or prior water damage are uncovered—expect a potential change order here if repairs are needed.

Week 3: Framing & Structural Adjustments

If you're opening up spaces or building additions, this is when framing work begins.

What Happens:

Framing of new walls or room layouts
Installation of beams for structural support
Initial inspection of framing (if required)

Pro Tip: This is a great time to walk through the space with your contractor and double-check outlet placement, door swings, and room flow.

Even minor framing changes can significantly impact how a space feels and functions, so it’s important to ensure it aligns with your original design vision.

Week 4: Electrical, Plumbing & HVAC Rough-Ins

Now we focus on the bones of your home—hidden behind walls, but critical to how your home functions.

What Happens:

Running of new plumbing lines for kitchens, baths, and laundry
Electrical wiring, outlets, and lighting boxes installed
HVAC ductwork installed or adjusted
Rough inspections scheduled

Pro Tip: Use this time to add upgrades like USB outlets, dimmer switches, or pre-wiring for surround sound or smart systems.

Take time to review your lighting plan and discuss switch placement—these details make daily life easier and more enjoyable once the remodel is complete.

Week 5: Insulation & Drywall

With everything roughed-in, it’s time to close up the walls and see your new layout take shape.

What Happens:

Insulation installed (often required by code for exterior walls)
Drywall hung, taped, mudded, and sanded
Smooth or textured wall finishes applied

Pro Tip: This is the dustiest part of the job. Ask about dust barriers and clean-up protocols to minimize disruption.

This stage can feel like the first glimpse of your home “coming back together.” It’s also when you’ll confirm ceiling heights, wall lines, and finish textures.

Week 6: Flooring, Tile & Trim

Now the aesthetics start to shine. You’ll finally start to see your vision come to life.

What Happens:

Flooring installed (LVP, tile, wood, etc.)
Bathroom and kitchen tile work begins
Baseboards, crown molding, window and door trim installed

Pro Tip: Choose grout colors and edge profiles in advance to avoid delays when tile work begins.

The finish carpentry work during this week adds polish and detail. This is a great time to confirm custom touches like built-ins, shelving, or statement tile designs.

Week 7: Cabinets, Countertops & Fixtures

With the structure and finishes in place, your kitchen and bathrooms start coming together.

What Happens:

Cabinets and vanities installed
Countertops measured and templated (install may occur in Week 8)
Light fixtures, mirrors, and plumbing fixtures installed

Pro Tip: Countertop fabrication can take 7–10 business days. Selecting materials early keeps the schedule moving.

You’ll begin to see the final look emerge—colors, finishes, and layout now become tangible. This is also a high-traffic week on-site, with multiple trades working in coordination.

Week 8: Paint & Final Touches

Walls, ceilings, and trim get their final coats. Your home is nearly ready.

What Happens:

Interior painting completed
Final electrical and plumbing finishes
Touch-ups and adjustments to fit/finish

Pro Tip: Walk through the home with your contractor for a preliminary punch list. Flag anything that doesn’t look right.

Paint color selections should be confirmed weeks earlier. This week is often fast-paced but incredibly satisfying, as the home begins to feel complete.

Week 9–10: Final Inspections, Punch List & Cleaning

The last 1–2 weeks are all about fine-tuning, safety checks, and making sure you're 100% satisfied.

What Happens:

Final inspections by city or county
Punch list items corrected (paint touch-ups, hardware alignment, etc.)
Full clean-up and debris removal
Final walkthrough and sign-off

Pro Tip: Keep a running list of small details throughout the process so you don’t forget them during your final walkthrough.

Your contractor should walk you through new systems, warranties, maintenance needs, and hand over documentation. The space is now ready for furniture, decor, and, of course, celebrating your brand-new home.

Final Thoughts: Timelines Are a Team Effort

Every renovation is unique, and timelines can shift due to material delays, permit holdups, or client changes—but with clear communication and a good contractor, you’ll stay on track.

At Ediss Construction, we help homeowners in South Florida plan and execute stunning remodels with realistic schedules, expert project management, and personal attention.