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Renovation Timeline Planner

Author: Home Remodel Guidance Editorial TeamFirst published

The renovation timeline planner lists the phases of a kitchen or bathroom remodel in the order the trades work: permit, demolition, rough-in, inspections, close-up, finishes and final inspection. Enter the weeks your contractor gives you for each phase and it adds them up. We publish a duration only where we could cite a primary source, which is just one cabinet manufacturer's kitchen path (8 to 16 weeks for its four timed phases). Every other phase shows its place in the order and waits for your contractor's schedule.

Renovation timeline planner

Pick the project, then type the weeks your contractor, supplier or building department gives you for each phase. Leave a phase blank if you do not have a figure yet. Results update as you type, are saved in the page address, and never leave your browser. Read the guide to planning a renovation timeline and the step-by-step remodel sequence first.

Your project

Your contractor's schedule: kitchen remodel with a layout change (weeks)

One cabinet manufacturer's path lists 2 to 4 weeks for measuring and designing (source 1).

The same path lists 3 to 6 weeks for ordering (source 1). Lead times depend on the product.

Set by your building department. Ask the department or your contractor.

Your department schedules these. Ask for the inspection slot, not only the work days.

The cabinet manufacturer's path lists 1 to 3 weeks for installing cabinets (source 1); flooring order varies by material.

Countertops are measured after cabinets are installed (source 1). Ask the fabricator for lead time.

The same path lists 2 to 3 weeks for final finishing touches (source 1).

Your timeline

How the timeline planner works

The planner puts the phases in the order the trades work and adds the weeks you enter, end to end. A phase you leave blank is listed without dates and counts as zero, so the total is a minimum, not a forecast.

Timeline from your schedule
start of phase n = sum of the weeks entered for phases 1 to n-1
end of phase n   = start of phase n + weeks entered for phase n
minimum total    = sum of all weeks entered
blank phase      = shown without dates, counted as 0 weeks

Worked example (hypothetical schedule)

Given: Kitchen remodel with a layout change; Weeks entered: design 3, ordering 4, rough-in 2, close-up 2, cabinets 2; Every other phase left blank.

  1. Measure, design and sign the contract: week 0 to week 3
  2. Order cabinets, appliances and fixtures: week 3 to week 7
  3. Rough-in: plumbing, HVAC, electrical: week 7 to week 9
  4. Insulation, drywall, taping and priming: week 9 to week 11
  5. Flooring and cabinet installation: week 11 to week 13
  6. Minimum total: 3 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 13 weeks
  7. Phases still needing a schedule: 7

Answer: At least 13 weeks, with 7 phases still to be scheduled. The weeks are made up to show the arithmetic and are not typical durations.

The one cited set of durations

One cabinet manufacturer's published kitchen path
PhaseTimeframe
Measuring, designing and collaborating (design documents and construction agreements signed) 2 to 4 weeks
Order cabinets, appliances and fixtures 3 to 6 weeks
Install cabinets (countertops and backsplash start to appear) 1 to 3 weeks
Final finishing touches and walkthrough 2 to 3 weeks

Source 1. The four timed phases add up to 8 to 16 weeks. The path also lists "Say hello to your team" at 1 to 2 weeks before these phases. It does not cover permits, demolition, rough-in or inspections, and it describes one manufacturer's process.

Order rules from the model code

What the International Residential Code says about order
StepRuleSection
Permit before work An owner who intends to construct, alter, repair or demolish a building, or to install or replace electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, must first make application and obtain the required permit.R105.1
Rough inspection before covering Rough inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems is made prior to covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set, and prior to framing inspection.R109.1.2
Frame inspection after rough Framing inspection is made after the rough plumbing, mechanical and electrical inspections are approved.R109.1.4

Source 2. This is the 2021 model code. Your city or county adopts its own version and sets the inspections printed on your permit.

Assumptions and limits

  • The phase order follows our step-by-step remodel sequence. Real projects overlap some phases, and the planner adds them end to end.
  • Durations come from you, except for the one cabinet manufacturer's path above. We found no primary source stating durations for the other phases, so we show none.
  • Permit review and inspection waits are set by your building department. Ask it, and ask your contractor which inspection slots are booked.
  • The total is a minimum. Add your own buffer for hidden damage, late deliveries and re-inspections.
  • This is a planning tool. Ask your contractor for a written schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a kitchen or bathroom remodel take?

There is no national figure we can cite, and we do not make one up. One cabinet manufacturer's published path for a cabinet-led kitchen lists 2 to 4 weeks to measure and design, 3 to 6 weeks to order, 1 to 3 weeks to install cabinets and 2 to 3 weeks to finish, about 8 to 16 weeks in all, and it does not include permits, demolition or other trades. Ask your contractor for a written schedule.

Why does the planner not give a duration for every phase?

Because durations depend on your contractor, your building department, your supplier and the condition of the house, and we found no primary source that states them for most phases. Showing an invented number would look precise and be wrong. Enter your contractor's weeks instead.

What order do the trades work in?

Permit first, then demolition and any framing, then plumbing, HVAC and electrical rough-in, then rough inspections, then insulation and drywall, then flooring, cabinets, tile, trim and paint, then fixtures and appliances, and last the punch list and final inspection. Hidden work goes before visible finishes. Our order of operations guide explains each step.

Why do inspections come before the walls are closed?

The model International Residential Code (R109.1.2) says rough inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems is made before covering or concealment and before fixtures or appliances are set. Your local building department adopts its own version of the code and sets its own inspection list, which is printed on the permit.

Do I need a permit before demolition?

Often yes. The model code (R105.1) says an owner who intends to alter, repair or demolish a building, or to install or replace electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, must first apply for the required permit. Local rules differ, so call your building department.

Do phases overlap in a real project?

Yes. Cabinets are often ordered while the permit is under review, and some trades overlap. The planner adds phases end to end, so the total is a cautious upper figure unless you enter shorter weeks for overlapping work.

Should I add extra time for delays?

Yes. Hidden damage found at demolition, late deliveries and a missed inspection slot are common causes of delay. Add a buffer of your own to the total, and put your contractor's dates in writing.

Sources

  1. Project Timeline (Woodmark Cabinetry) (pre-aemcs.woodmarkcabinetry.com) A manufacturer's kitchen path with a timeframe for each phase. Accessed 2026-11-13.
  2. 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 1 Scope and Administration, R105.1 and R109.1 (ICC) (codes.iccsafe.org) Model code; local departments adopt and amend it. Accessed 2026-11-13.

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