Home Renovation & New Build Construction Timeline Guide

At Astaneh Construction, we always get the question “How long will my full home renovation take” or “How long will it take to build my custom home?”. The short answer is that every home and renovation is unique, resulting in varied project timelines. To help our clients better understand the renovation and custom home building process, we’ve put together a detailed timeline for each phase of construction. Take a look below to review the various phases of construction and their corresponding timelines.

Which Construction Phases are the Most Important?

The most important phases of any construction project are pre-construction and construction. The pre-construction phase sets the stage for the entire renovation or home-building project. Vital elements, including the drawings, permits, and design, are involved in the pre-construction stage. The construction phase is also very important because it involves all the demolition, installation, and finishing work.

Home Renovation & New-Build Construction Timeline

The timelines for home renovations and new home builds can change based on the type, size, and complexity of each individual project. For example, building a new custom home with Astaneh Construction can take up to 22 months from start to finish. In contrast, we can complete small kitchen renovations in as little as 6 weeks. There are a variety of factors that influence the construction timeline, including permit applications and approvals, drawing and design creations, inspections, financing, material availability, and more. At Astaneh Construction, we will be able to narrow down the estimated timeline based on information gathered through consultations and meetings.

Pre-Construction Phase Design & Permits

The pre-construction phase is the first stage of any renovation or building project. This phase involves the whole project team, including architects, engineers, designers, and project managers. During the pre-construction stage, each member of our team collaborates to finalize a project’s design details and secure fast permit approvals. We make sure every project complies with local building codes as well as safety regulations and has a realistic budget with an accurate timeline. The following chart outlines the average pre-construction timelines:

Pre-construction planning is key to keeping renovations and custom homes within budget and on schedule. We are always thorough during pre-construction planning as we want all our clients to move forward confidently, knowing we’ve competently set the groundwork for success.

Construction Timelines for Typical Renovations

Construction timelines are based on numerous factors, including project size, complexity, and customization needs. The steps that are involved in one type of renovation can also vary from the steps of another renovation. For example, finishing a basement can involve waterproofing, putting in insulation, and installing new plumbing systems. In contrast, a room addition can involve foundation and structural changes, new electrical installations, insulation, and roofing. The following includes typical renovation timelines:

At Astaneh Construction, we keep our clients updated throughout the construction phase. This includes communicating with clients about construction milestones, inspections, and potential delays. We outline the estimated timeline for each step, from the demolition and framework to the flooring and painting.

Exterior & Landscaping

While weather can indirectly affect interior renovation timelines, exterior and landscaping are more directly affected by unforeseen weather changes. Unexpected storms, heavy rain, snow, or extreme heat can cause timeline delays. The experienced contractors at Astaneh Construction will account for potential delays during the planning stage to help prevent major setbacks. Here are the typical timelines for different exterior and landscaping projects:

Exterior and landscaping work can either be a standalone project or part of a larger renovation. For example, we can perform a standalone roof replacement, or we may replace a client’s roof during a second-floor addition.

New Custom Home Build

In addition to the building phases above, custom new builds also involve site preparation before construction can begin. This can include clearing trees, rocks, and debris, followed by excavation for the foundation. Utilities, including water, gas, and electricity, will also need to be installed. Site grading is another vital step as it promotes proper drainage, stabilizes the ground, and safeguards the foundation long-term. The land and foundation size, weather, and soil conditions can affect the overall construction timeline. Here are the average timelines for new custom home builds:

Building a custom home takes time, as it includes the whole house, requires different permits, and uses custom designs and materials. Depending on the complexity of the build, specialty designers and builders may be required for the job, which can alter the timeline based on availability.

What Can Affect the Construction Timeline?

A clear overview of our construction project stages and timelines helps our clients set realistic expectations during renovations. The following factors can alter the timelines for different phases of construction:

• Scope of the Work: Structural work, such as removing walls and reinforcing foundations, can take longer as it requires specific permits and approvals, specialized expertise, and additional equipment. Conversely, cosmetic changes, such as updating wall paint and flooring, take less time as they’re not as complex and don’t require permits.
• Permit Delays: Due to the high demand, permit delays are a common challenge in Toronto and the GTA. The municipal review process can extend wait times, which can lead to project delays. Additionally, if a permit application requires adjustments, this can delay the process further.
• Material Lead Times: Ordering specialty materials and finishes, imported products, or custom cabinetry can take time. This is why custom projects often take longer than standard renovations. Materials such as drywall and paint are more common and widely available, making them easier to obtain.
• Client Decisions and Change Orders: Our client’s design, material, and finishing decisions play a key role in construction timelines. If design choices take longer than expected or when change orders are required, delays can occur.
• Access to Trades and Scheduling: Limited availability of skilled tradespeople can lead to scheduling conflicts, which alter the timelines for electrical, plumbing, and finishing work. Astaneh Construction has an excellent in-house team of trades professionals, which helps prevent delays.
• Living in the House During the Renovation: When clients live in their home during the renovations, the construction process often moves more slowly. This is because our team must accommodate client schedules while keeping disruptions to a minimum and making sure certain areas of the home, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, are accessible.