Remodeling A 5-Bedroom Home: How Long Will It Take?

Renovating a five-bedroom house can be a lengthy and complex process, with timelines varying depending on the scope of work and size of the property. While each project is unique, a whole-house renovation typically takes anywhere from 16 weeks (4 months) to 24 weeks (6 months). This includes phases such as design and budgeting, prep and construction, demolition, electrical and plumbing work, drywall installation, flooring, painting, and finishing touches.

For a five-bedroom remodel, it's essential to consider factors such as the extent of the renovations in each room, the size of the bedrooms, the availability of materials, and whether professional contractors or DIY approaches are involved. Delays are common due to material availability, scheduling conflicts, unforeseen issues, and weather conditions.

To streamline the process, thorough planning, early finalization of design choices and material orders, and effective communication with contractors are key.

Planning and design

Choosing a Design-Build Company

The first step is to select a design-build company that aligns with your vision and requirements. Interview multiple companies to get a range of ideas and gain insights into how different firms approach projects. It's essential to choose a company with which you feel comfortable and whose designers understand your goals. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to three months.

Initial Consultation

During the initial consultation, discuss your desired project scope, renovation ideas, and budget. Come prepared with inspirational images, questions, and a general idea of your budget. The design-build company will provide ballpark costs and help refine your vision. Be honest if you don't like a particular suggestion, as a well-planned renovation is the goal.

Design Phase

The design phase typically lasts about five to six weeks but can be longer or shorter depending on your involvement and the complexity of the project. During this phase, you'll work closely with a designer to determine the structure, interior design, and finer details of your new space. It's important to finalise the design before moving forward to avoid delays and additional costs.

Pre-Construction Stage

Once the design is finalised, the project manager will take over and work with your designer to finalise plans, order materials, schedule the work crew, and provide you with updates. This phase can take eight to ten weeks, depending on sourcing materials, signing off on the work, and other factors.

Understanding Timelines

It's important to understand that renovation timelines can vary significantly depending on the scope and size of the project. A 5-bedroom remodel is likely to fall into the category of a major overhaul, which typically takes six months to a year or more to complete. However, each project is unique, and a detailed timeline will be created specifically for your renovation.

Communication and Flexibility

Effective communication with your design-build team is crucial to keeping your project on track. Be prepared for potential delays due to factors such as weather conditions, supply chain issues, or unexpected structural issues. It's also essential to have a conservative budget, anticipating potential overages due to unforeseen complications.

Demolition and prep

The length of the demolition and prep phase of a remodel will depend on the size and complexity of the home, as well as the scope of the project. For a whole home remodel, the prep phase can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, but this can stretch into several months if planning reviews and city inspections are required.

During the prep phase, the contractor or design/build firm will secure permits, order materials, lock in schedules for the crew and subcontractors, and more.

The first step of the actual remodel is demolition. This involves removing any existing structures, fixtures, or finishes that will be replaced or modified. Demolition should be the loudest part of the project and typically only takes a day, but your house will likely sound like a war zone during that time. Anything being replaced will be ripped out, such as old countertops, cabinets, bathtubs, or even walls. For complete overhauls, the room is typically "stripped down to the studs", meaning everything in the room, including the wall covering, is torn out.

After demolition, the current kitchen or plumbing and electrical will need to be prepared for construction. This involves enacting a protection plan to contain the mess to the construction area so that the rest of the home remains usable. This phase usually takes 1-2 days, depending on the size of the home and the extent of the remodel.

The length of the demolition and prep phase can also be impacted by factors such as the availability of materials and products, and unforeseen issues or discoveries such as hidden structural damage or outdated electrical or plumbing systems.

It's important to note that the entire renovation process for a 5-bedroom home can take anywhere from 4 months to a year or more, depending on the scope of work and various other factors.

Electrical, plumbing, and framing

The time it takes to remodel a 5-bedroom house will depend on various factors, including the scope of work, the complexity of the design, and the availability of materials. While it is challenging to provide an exact timeline for a project of this scale, we can focus on the electrical, plumbing, and framing aspects of the remodel.

The electrical, plumbing, and framing stages of a remodel typically take 3 to 5 days if structural or utility changes are needed. This includes the rough work, such as lighting, electrical outlets, and water lines. For a 5-bedroom house, this stage may take longer, depending on the number of bathrooms, the kitchen setup, and the complexity of the electrical plan.

The rough electrical work involves electricians running wires to outlet boxes, switches, and lighting components. They will also ensure the electrical wiring meets the state building code. Plumbers will run water lines to necessary areas, including bathrooms, the kitchen, and any additional features such as a wet bar. They will also install drain lines for the toilet and shower.

The framing phase involves building new walls, installing doors and windows, and making changes to the exterior of the house. This typically takes 3 to 5 days for a basement remodel, but for a 5-bedroom house, it may take longer, depending on the number of rooms being framed and the complexity of the layout.

It is important to note that the electrical, plumbing, and framing stages are often done concurrently or in quick succession, as they are part of the initial setup of the remodel. The entire rough work and framing phase can be expected to take 2 to 3 weeks for a project of this scale.

After the initial electrical, plumbing, and framing work is completed, inspections will be conducted to ensure the work meets the required standards. This typically takes a day, and once approved, the project can move forward with the next steps, such as insulation and drywall installation.

In summary, for a 5-bedroom house remodel, the electrical, plumbing, and framing stages can be expected to take 2 to 3 weeks, including inspections. This timeline may be extended due to various factors, such as the size of the house, the complexity of the design, and the availability of materials.

Drywall and insulation

The time it takes to remodel a five-bedroom house will depend on the scope of the project. A whole-house remodelling project can take anywhere from 16 to 24 weeks, or even longer if there are unforeseen delays.

Now, let's take a detailed look at the timeframes for drywall and insulation.

The time it takes to install drywall and insulation in a five-bedroom house will depend on various factors, including the size of the space, the number of people working, the complexity of the installation, and the experience level of the crew.

For a large house, the process of installing drywall can take several weeks. The average time to install drywall in a new house is 1 to 4 weeks, and for an unfinished basement, it can take 6 to 14 days. A crew of four workers can usually install drywall in a 1,000-square-foot house in less than a week. However, the process also includes taping, mudding, and sanding the seams and screw holes, which can easily double or triple the amount of time it takes. The drying time for the mud and paint can vary depending on the humidity and moisture levels, with higher humidity requiring longer drying times.

The complexity of the installation will also impact the timeline. For example, a wall with multiple outlets, switches, and windows will take longer than a wall with just a few features.

A larger and more experienced crew will be able to work more efficiently and complete the job faster. A team of six to eight drywall professionals can hang drywall, tape, and mud the walls in a 1,000-square-foot house in just a few days.

As for insulation, the time it takes to insulate a space will depend on the size of the space, the type of insulation used, and the location's climate and room type. Smaller spaces will take less time, but insulating around objects or in difficult-to-reach areas can extend the timeline.

Types of Insulation and Their Lifespans

The type of insulation used will also impact the overall timeframe. Here are some common types of insulation and their estimated lifespans:

• Fiberglass insulation: 15 years on average, with a possible 20-30 year span
• Cellulose insulation: 20-30 years when properly installed with air sealing
• Rock wool or mineral wool insulation: 30-100 years with correct installation
• Rigid foam board insulation: Up to 100 years
• Havelock wool insulation (made from treated sheep's wool): Up to 100 years
• Spray foam insulation: 80-100 years with correct installation

Flooring

The duration of a remodel will depend on the scope of the project and the number of rooms being renovated. A whole-house remodel can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months, while a single room may take less time. Basic flooring replacement can be done in a few days to 3 months. A major overhaul that involves gutting the entire house will take longer, possibly more than a year.

If you are planning to replace the flooring in your five-bedroom house, there are a few things to consider. The first is the type of flooring you want to install. Common options include hardwood, tile, carpet, or vinyl. Each of these has different installation processes and timelines. For example, installing hardwood floors typically involves removing the existing flooring, preparing the subfloor, and then laying and finishing the new wood floors. This process can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the area being covered and the condition of the subfloor.

Tile installation is also a time-consuming process, as it requires careful preparation of the subfloor, laying the tile, and then grouting and sealing the tiles. This can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the area and the complexity of the tile pattern.

Carpet and vinyl flooring are often faster options, as they can be installed directly over the existing flooring in most cases. However, if you are combining this with other renovations, such as painting or installing new appliances, the timeline may be longer.

In addition to the installation process, you will also need to consider the drying or curing time for the new floors. For example, newly installed hardwood floors typically need to acclimate to the environment for a few days before they can be sanded and finished. Similarly, tile grout and sealant need time to dry and cure before the floor can be walked on.

When planning your renovation timeline, it is important to factor in these drying and curing times, as they can impact the progress of other renovations. For example, if you are renovating a kitchen and installing new tile floors, you may need to wait for the tile and grout to dry before bringing in new appliances or starting to use the kitchen.

Overall, the flooring installation process for a five-bedroom house can vary depending on the type of flooring and the size of the area being covered. It is important to discuss this with your contractor to get a clear understanding of the timeline and any potential delays that may occur.

Frequently asked questions