4 Min Read
Are you planning to remodel your home soon? Do you know how long it will take? If you don't know much about remodeling timelines, you're not alone. Many homeowners across East Texas often run into less-than-clear estimates about how long remodeling really takes.
You need better answers, and that is the purpose of this guide. Inside, we'll cover the different phases of a large remodeling project and how long they will take. Plus, we will look at what can derail your timeline and how to keep it on track.
Jump to sections you want to read by clicking the links below:
- What Happens Before Construction Starts?
- How Long Does Permitting Take in East Texas?
- How Long Does Construction Really Take?
- What Shapes a Remodel's Timeline?
- Does the Design-Build Model Save Time?
- Your Pre-Construction Checklist
- Frequently Asked Questions About Remodeling Timelines
What Happens Before Construction Starts?
Before you can remodel your home, your project needs to move through design and permitting. This phase typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can take longer depending on the complexity of your project. During this stage, you'll walk through your home with a builder and talk about what needs to change and what it's likely to cost. From there, a designer will work out the layout and finishes for your space. If your project involves moving a wall, an engineer will need to sign off before your plans can be submitted to a permit office.
Once your design is finalized, the next step is getting your permit approved, and that process comes with its own timeline.
How Long Does Permitting Take in East Texas?
Once your plans are ready, they'll need to be submitted to your local permitting office. Texas state law requires municipalities to act on permit applications within 45 days. This is outlined in Local Government Code Section 214.904, and a 2023 update to the law maintained the same 45-day window.
In Longview, a remodel permit usually takes about 2-4 weeks to clear, which is well within that legal window. If your project includes structural changes, expect the review process to take longer, since more of your plan will need to be reviewed.
What About Permitting Outside Longview?
If your project is in Henderson, Marshall, or one of the smaller communities nearby, keep in mind that each city runs its own permitting process. This means your timeline could look a little different depending on where your project is located.
Once your permit is approved, construction can begin.
How Long Does Construction really Take?
Construction on a large remodel typically takes five to nine months, depending on the scope of your project. Where your project falls in that range depends largely on whether it involves structural changes, premium materials, an addition, or updates to your home's electrical and plumbing systems.
| Project Type | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | 1–2 months | 2–4 months |
| Bathroom Remodel | 4–6 weeks | 2–3 months |
| Whole-Home Remodel | 4–6 months | 8–12 months |
Weather, material availability, and inspection scheduling can also shift your timeline, so plan accordingly for these variables.
Why Kitchens and Bathrooms Take the Longest
Kitchens and bathrooms take longer because these areas often need the most plumbing and electrical work, which has to be inspected before work can proceed. In addition, custom features like cabinetry and countertops can also add to the timeline since they have to be special-ordered.
What Shapes a Remodel's Timeline?
Beyond design, permitting, and construction, a few other factors can add time to your project. Most come down to the age of the home, material availability, or decisions made along the way.
- The age of your home. Older homes in Gregg, Harrison, and the surrounding counties often need updated electrical or plumbing, which adds time to the schedule.
- Material lead times. Custom cabinetry and specialty tile can take months to arrive. Ordering them as soon as your design is finalized helps prevent delays later.
- Changes made after demolition begins. Changing a layout after demo starts adds real time to your project.
- Slow communication. Slow responses to a builder's questions can add time to your timeline as well, so try your best to be prompt and work with a team that is too.
Does the Design-Build Model Save Time?
The design-build approach works differently than the traditional model, where you hire a designer first and a separate contractor later, often after a round of competitive bidding. With design-build, one team handles both design and construction from the start, so building can begin before every design decision is finalized.
According to the Design-Build Institute of America, design-build projects are typically completed significantly faster than comparable design-bid-build projects, based on a study of 212 completed projects. Because the same team manages both phases, there's no handoff between a separate designer and builder, no rebidding process, and less time lost waiting on approvals between two different companies.
Your Pre-Construction Checklist
The weeks between signing your contract and demolition day still matter, even though construction hasn't started. There are some key actions you can take to protect your project's timeline. Here's what to prioritize:
- Secure financing early, before your design phase wraps up
- Lock in your selections as soon as they're due
- Build in a contingency of two to three weeks in case of unexpected delays
- Confirm your homeowner's insurance covers renovation work
- Arrange alternative living space if your kitchen or bathroom will be out of use
- Set up a regular check-in schedule with your builder
- Order long-lead appliances and fixtures as soon as they're approved
Frequently Asked Questions About Remodeling Timelines
Plan Your Remodel With Bort Custom Homes
A remodel is a big undertaking, and knowing your timeline shouldn't be a guessing game. Every project with Bort Custom Homes starts with a walkthrough of your home, where Gary, Michael, or Matthew will get to know your priorities and build a realistic schedule that you're comfortable with. Because we're a design-build team, you have the guarantee that you'll have one point of contact for the duration of the project. No back and forth between different teams, just results you can count on.
If you're curious to see what's possible, check out our recent projects for inspiration, or request a renovation estimate to see where your own project might land.
Contact Us
We'd love to hear about your project. Reach out to our team to schedule a free consultation.
