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Whether you’re redoing a single room or a whole house, understanding the factors that go into the timetable of the project can help manage expectations and prepare for the journey. So, how long does it really take to remodel a house in Greensboro?
It All Depends on the Scope of the Remodel
The biggest factor in determining how long a remodel will take is the scope of the project. For instance:
Bathroom remodels: Bathroom remodels: Based on Wolfe Homes’ experience, a substantial bathroom remodel with new tile, a custom vanity, and a new shower or tub typically takes about two months, depending on the complexity of the design..
Kitchen remodels: Based on Wolfe Homes’ experience, a full kitchen renovation with new cabinets, countertops, and layout changes typically takes at least three months.”
Whole house remodels: For the extensive renovations Wolfe Homes typically undertakes, projects involving multiple rooms, reconfigured spaces, or significant structural changes often take six to eight months.
Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies reports that the nation’s aging housing stock is contributing to continued demand for home improvement and repair..
Wondering how to get started on your renovation? Check out our process.
Refresh vs. Full Renovation
Not every remodel requires a complete overhaul. Sometimes, you just need a refresh, which may include refinishing hardwood floors, painting, and upgrading light fixtures. These types of projects can be completed much faster—sometimes in two to three months.
On the other hand, if you plan on gutting a space, rewiring, and re-plumbing (i.e., taking the space down to the studs), expect a more significant time commitment. These projects, like kitchen and whole-house renovations, take longer due to the extent of the work involved.
Preconstruction Planning is Key to Speeding Up the Process
One of the best ways to keep your remodel on track is through thoughtful preconstruction planning. By making decisions early on and sticking with them, you can avoid delays. When everything is on-site and ready to go before demolition begins, the project manager has all the materials needed to help it proceed smoothly. Industry construction experts consistently note that remodeling schedules depend heavily on project sequencing, subcontractor coordination, and material lead times.
Working with a local contractor like Wolfe Homes will help ensure you have a solid plan in place and oversee efficient scheduling to help keep the timeline in check. You can learn about our remodeling services here.
Living in the House During a Remodel
You might be wondering: does living in the house during a remodel affect the timeline? The answer is yes—it can. While some projects allow for areas of the house to remain functional (e.g., setting up a temporary kitchen while the real kitchen is under renovation), living in a construction zone typically lengthens the project.
In Wolfe Homes’ experience, phasing a major renovation so clients can remain in the home can extend the overall timeline and increase costs because trades may need to complete their work in multiple stages. When clients move out, contractors can work on all areas at once. If not, they must tackle one room at a time, repeating setup, scheduling trades, and cleanup for each phase, which adds time.
Weather and Permits: Factors You May Not Have Considered
While most remodels happen inside the home and are not affected by weather, extreme conditions can occasionally cause delays. However, the weather is usually less of a factor in remodels compared to new home construction or additions, where weather may impact outdoor work like foundation digging or framing.
Permits are another consideration. In Greensboro, building permits are required for structural work and for many renovations involving plumbing, electrical, or mechanical changes. Projects that expand the home's footprint or involve substantial interior renovations may also require plan review before permits are issued. The City of Greensboro currently estimates 10 to 14 business days for a full residential plan review, depending on Planning Department approval of the site plan, when applicable. For additions outside the footprint of an existing residence, Greensboro also requires residential site-plan review.
Subcontractors: A Crucial Piece of the Puzzle
Reliable subcontractors are the backbone of a successful remodel. When a contractor has a trusted network of professionals who show up on time and do quality work, the project stays on schedule. That’s why we at Wolfe Homes focus on hiring experienced and dedicated subcontractors.
While hiring top-tier professionals may cost a bit more, it can actually save time and money in the long run. Avoiding rework and unnecessary delays can significantly impact how long the remodel takes.
Adjustments and Additions Along the Way
Even after the initial plan is set, it’s not uncommon for clients to make additions or changes during the process. While flexibility is part of the remodeling experience, too many last-minute decisions can restart the timeline. Once materials are ordered or work is underway, changes can cause delays, and sometimes the entire project has to be adjusted to accommodate the new request.
What Can You Do to Expedite the Process?
To keep your remodel moving smoothly and on time, here are a few tips:
- Make timely decisions: The quicker you can make selections and stick to them, the faster the preconstruction phase will be able to finish.
- Move out if possible: While not always necessary, moving out of the house during a major remodel can create efficiency. A carpenter will be able to complete all the trim at once, say, instead of having to finish one room at a time, and clean up and start over each time a room is ready to be completed.
- Don’t change your mind halfway: Once materials are ordered or construction is underway, client-requested changes can affect material orders, subcontractor schedules, and the sequence of work, potentially extending both the project timeline and budget.
- Be available for communication: Keeping in regular communication with your contractor and team is key. Make sure you’re available for meetings, updates, and quick decisions to keep the project on track.
At Wolfe Homes, we are here for all of your custom home construction and remodeling needs! We have the expertise to help you start your remodeling project and keep it running smoothly. Our in-house team of designers can help you with selections, and we work with a select team of subcontractors who provide excellence in construction. Reach out and start the conversation with us!
