What to Expect During a Home Renovation: A Week-by-Week Timeline for Homeowners

Introduction

Starting a home renovation is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Whether you’re upgrading a kitchen, reimagining a bathroom, or remodeling multiple rooms, it’s not always clear what the process looks like from start to finish. Understanding the typical renovation timeline can help homeowners set realistic expectations and reduce stress.

While every project varies depending on its size and complexity, most follow a similar rhythm. Knowing what happens each week gives you a roadmap to follow and allows you to better prepare your home and schedule for the journey ahead.

With the help of a qualified remodeling company, the renovation process becomes a step-by-step transformation—not a guessing game. This guide walks through a general week-by-week renovation timeline to help homeowners feel more in control from demo day to the final walkthrough.

Week 1: Pre-Construction and Site Preparation

Before any demolition begins, there’s a significant amount of groundwork that takes place. During this first week, your remodeling company will finalize designs, pull necessary permits, and prepare the home for construction.

Tasks to expect:

• Final review of drawings and material selections
• Permit approvals if required
• Setting up protective barriers (plastic sheeting, floor coverings)
• Delivering tools and initial materials to the site

This is also the time to clear out the work zone. You’ll need to remove furniture, artwork, and any valuables from the renovation area. If the kitchen or bathroom is being remodeled, you may need to set up a temporary space for daily routines.

Week 2: Demolition Begins

With preparations complete, the renovation gets off to a noisy start. Demolition involves removing old fixtures, flooring, cabinetry, or walls—depending on the project’s scope. Though messy, this stage is critical for clearing the way for new construction.

Tasks to expect:

• Tearing out cabinets, countertops, or appliances
• Pulling up old flooring or tiles
• Removing non-load-bearing walls (if included in the design)
• Dumping and disposing of construction debris

Dust is inevitable, but your remodeling company will take steps to contain it and maintain cleanliness as much as possible throughout the space.

Week 3–4: Structural Work and Rough-Ins

Once demolition is complete, it’s time to build the new bones of the project. This phase includes any framing changes, electrical updates, plumbing rerouting, and HVAC adjustments. These steps are often handled by licensed tradespeople and require close coordination.

Tasks to expect:

• Framing walls or layout changes
• Installing or adjusting plumbing lines
• Running electrical wiring and outlet boxes
• Setting up HVAC ductwork or vents (if applicable)
• Inspections by local building authorities (midweek or end of week)

This phase may take longer if your home requires significant updates to meet modern building codes or if unexpected conditions are uncovered once the walls are open.

Week 5: Insulation and Drywall

With framing and rough-ins inspected and approved, the project starts to take shape. Insulation is installed where needed, followed by drywall hanging, taping, and mudding. At this point, the room no longer looks like a construction site—it starts to look like a real space again.

Tasks to expect:

• Wall and ceiling insulation installation
• Hanging drywall sheets
• Taping, mudding, and sanding drywall seams
• Finalizing ceiling texture (if part of the design)

Be prepared for some downtime as materials cure or settle between each step. Patience during this phase pays off in smooth, finished walls.

Week 6: Flooring, Painting, and Trim

Now that the structure is enclosed and the walls are smooth, the visible details start to appear. Painting and flooring installation mark a major turning point in the renovation. The atmosphere of the room begins to change, and the design starts to come to life.

Tasks to expect:

• Priming and painting walls and ceilings
• Installing new flooring (hardwood, tile, laminate, or carpet)
• Adding baseboards, trim, and molding
• Caulking and touch-up painting as needed

Make sure any color choices for walls or finishes are finalized by the start of this week to avoid delays.

Week 7: Cabinetry and Built-In Installation

Now that surfaces are finished, the larger built-in elements can be added. Cabinets, vanities, shelving, and other custom components are installed with precision. This is one of the most visual and satisfying stages of the renovation.

Tasks to expect:

• Installing kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, or laundry room storage
• Mounting shelves, closet systems, or built-in desks
• Aligning and securing hardware like handles and hinges

If countertops are included in the project, templates are typically made this week so fabrication can begin.

Week 8: Countertops and Fixtures

Countertops typically require a lead time after the template is created. Once they arrive, they’re installed alongside plumbing fixtures, lighting, and any specialty hardware. This week wraps up most of the installation work.

Tasks to expect:

• Placing and securing countertops
• Hooking up sinks, faucets, and other plumbing
• Installing light fixtures and outlet covers
• Mounting mirrors, towel bars, or decorative accessories

Your remodeling company may schedule a mid-week walkthrough to confirm placement and adjustments before everything is finalized.

Week 9: Final Touches and Cleaning

With all major installations complete, the last step is to inspect the project and make any finishing touches. This may include minor repairs, final paint touch-ups, and deep cleaning to prepare the space for re-entry.

Tasks to expect:

• Punch list review: identifying minor items that need correction
• Paint touch-ups, caulking, or hardware adjustments
• Professional cleaning of floors, windows, and surfaces
• Final safety checks and documentation

This is also a good time to walk through the project with your contractor and discuss maintenance, warranties, and care tips for any new materials or finishes.

Week 10: Move-In and Enjoy

Your renovation is officially complete. With the construction team finished and the site clean, it’s time to move furniture and personal items back into place. Take some time to enjoy your newly transformed home and get reacquainted with your upgraded space.

You’ll likely receive a closing packet with warranty information, product manuals, and contact details for follow-up questions. Keep this in a safe place—it will come in handy down the road.

Working with a knowledgeable remodeling company like Revive & Renew Remodeling helps ensure this timeline runs smoothly, with clear communication and reliable planning from start to finish.

Conclusion

While each renovation is unique, most follow a predictable sequence that unfolds over several weeks. From demolition to finishing touches, knowing what to expect each step of the way helps homeowners feel informed and prepared.

By understanding the phases of renovation and partnering with an experienced remodeling company, you can confidently navigate the journey and enjoy the reward of a beautiful, functional living space tailored to your lifestyle.