You’re just about ready for a kitchen makeover or a transformation of your bathroom into a modern, tranquil retreat—an escape from chaos. Not so fast. Unfortunately, without understanding your project’s timeline, you could be screaming “Calgon take me away!” on the empty space where your old bath stood.
When you reconstruct an often-used part of your home, planning is necessary to minimize inconvenience and expense. It’s also important to understand that there are often months of preparation before the first hammer swings, including meetings with trades, material selections, and financial arrangements. An experienced contractor will review your timeline and advise you to begin well in advance of your desired deadline.
The first step in any project is to learn a little about what’s generally involved once a remodeling project begins. These steps apply especially to kitchens and baths, but can help to set realistic expectations even if your project is a bedroom or living room. Take a look and then feel free to call us and pick our brains about the phases, tasks, and time estimates for the project you’re considering.
| Task | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permits | 5 | Depends on municipality and your project. |
| Set-Up | 3 | Trash bins, temporary cooking area if necessary. |
| Demolition | 5-7 | May take longer depending on access. |
| Rough Carpentry | 4-7 | Necessary if underlying structure needs to change. |
| Plumbing Rough-In | 3-5 | Can take longer if relocating existing sink, tub, or toilet. |
| Electrical/HVAC | 2-4 | Electricians usually work swiftly. |
| Insulation | 1-2 | Relatively simple depending on selections. |
| Hang Drywall | 2-4 | Can begin after insulation. |
| Finish Drywall | 4-5 | Includes joint compound, sanding, texturing. |
| Tilework | 4-7 | Intricate shapes take longer. |
| Cabinetry | 5-10 | Depends on the size and quantity. |
| Flooring | 5-10 | Allow drying time for tile and wood. |
| Fixtures | 2-4 | Includes lighting. Depends on number and size. |
| Cleanup | 1-3 | Often overlooked by clients; be sure to ask your remodeler about the plan for this. |
| Finishing | 5-10 | Polish and removal of scuffs and flaws for a showroom finish. |
NOTE: This list is not all-inclusive as there are other items that may cause delays or require additional time (i.e. permits, city inspections, countertops, shower glass, etc.)
Quality work takes time, but it’s time well invested. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as the transformation of your home, especially when you know what to expect. Feel free to call on us as a resource – we love to share our knowledge. When you’re ready to begin, we’ll keep your project on track and your sanity intact!
PDF of original article. Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, August 2010
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