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Quick Answer
After you sign a contract, a California remodel will generally go through design, permit process, materials order, demolition, framing, inspections, and finish work in preparation for final walkthrough. Small remodel projects usually get completed in six to twelve weeks, while larger whole home remodels usually take six to twelve months, from contract signing until completion.
Key Takeaways
- The permit process varies greatly from city to city and according to the project size.
- The inspection process happens throughout the course of the project, not just at its end.
- The time it takes to get materials could be just as important as the availability of workers.
- There needs to be a contract that outlines the payments according to project milestones.
- Delays may happen but good communication with your contractor helps alleviate them.
Did You Know? Any California home improvement project worth $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials legally requires a licensed contractor, and any project needing a permit requires one regardless of price. Source: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
Table Of Contents
- Stage 1: Design Finalization and Engineering
- Stage 2: Permitting
- Stage 3: Material Ordering and Scheduling
- Stage 4: Demolition
- Stage 5: Rough Construction and Inspections
- Stage 6: Finish Work
- Stage 7: Final Walkthrough and Punch List
- Realistic Timeline by Project Type
- Real Example: A Whole-Home Remodel Timeline
- Expert Insight
- FAQs
Stage 1: Design Finalization And Engineering
Once you sign a contract, your contractor and any design or architectural team finalize drawings, structural engineering, and material selections. This stage typically takes two to six weeks depending on project complexity, and it is your last real opportunity to make major changes before permitting begins. This is also the stage where our whole-house remodeling clients lock in their final scope of work.
Stage 2: Permitting
Your contractor submits plans to the local building department. Permit timelines vary by city and by how complete your submission is. Some California cities complete plan check in a few weeks, while others take several months, particularly for projects involving structural changes or new ADUs. For an example of how this plays out regionally, see how long ADU permits take in Orange County.
Stage 3: Material Order & Scheduling
After permits are acquired, your contractor begins ordering material and scheduling subcontractors. Custom materials such as cabinetry, tile, and windows may take eight weeks or more to come in; thus, this step usually takes place alongside the last part of the permitting process.
Stage 4: Demolition
The demolition process is expected to take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, and it’s also the stage where any underlying problems such as outdated wiring or water damage will become obvious. These issues are going to prompt you to issue a change order.
Stage 5: Rough Construction & Inspections
After that, framing, plumbing, and electrical rough-in occur, with inspection necessary for each stage until the work is closed in behind the drywall. When it comes to inspection, it depends on the time of the day that the building department is available.
Stage 6: Completion Of Work
The installation of drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops, paint, and fixtures will take place in this stage. This tends to be the longest visible stage in a remodeling process and the one in which homeowners notice most change from day to day. Our guide detailing how long a bathroom remodel takes covers this stage room by room.
Stage 7: Final Walk-through And Punch List
This final step involves walking through the completed space with you and the contractor and creating a list of what needs to be done at this point in the project.
Stage | Typical Duration |
Design finalization | 2-6 weeks |
Permitting | 4 weeks to several months |
Material ordering | Overlaps with permitting, 4-8+ weeks for custom items |
Demolition | Few days to 2 weeks |
Rough construction | 3-8 weeks |
Finish work | 4-10 weeks |
Final walkthrough | 1-2 weeks |
Realistic Timelines by Project Type
Single room renovation, such as a kitchen or a bathroom renovation, is normally completed within 6 to 12 weeks after the permit has been approved. Full home renovation with structure change is normally done within 6 to 12 months, including design and permit process. ADU project timeline will generally be in that same range, although the permit process could differ depending on how fast the city would approve the permit.
Example Real Timeline of Whole-House Remodeling
The homeowner in Chino Hills signed a contract for whole house remodeling, involving kitchen expansion, and two bathroom remodeling. Four weeks were needed for the design process, nine weeks for the permitting process (structural review was required), and five months were needed for construction. The project was completed in less than eight months from signing of the contract, which fits into the range predicted initially by the contractor.
Expert Insight
“When homeowners get upset, it isn’t because of delays, it’s because they don’t know when the delays will be. We create a realistic timeline in every contract and notify the client of any changes – from extra time waiting for permits to materials getting delayed – as soon as those changes happen. It’s better to be predictable than save a week in the schedule.” When entering into a contract, it is always a good idea to look at these questions to ask an ADU contractor, or even a whole house remodel contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will construction begin following the signing of a contract?
Construction normally starts after the design is finalized, permits are obtained, and all materials are ordered, a process which may take between six weeks and several months.
Why does obtaining permits take so long in some California municipalities?
The time frame for permits depends on the workload of the local building department, as well as the nature of the project and the completeness of your initial application.
Can I make any design changes during construction?
Yes, but making changes halfway through the construction process normally involves a change order.
How many inspections are there during the average remodel?
This varies from one project to another, but most remodeling projects involving structural work, electrical, or plumbing usually require more than one inspection at various construction phases.
What is the cause of most frequent remodeling delays?
The review period of the permit, material delivery time, and discoveries during demolition are the most common causes of delays.
Do I have to move out during the renovation?
Whether you will have to move out during your renovation will depend on whether it is a kitchen and bathroom-only remodel or a whole-home renovation.
What is the meaning of punch list?
A punch list is a list of minor things to be done in order to complete a project.
How long does it take to do a typical kitchen remodel?
Kitchen renovations usually take between 6 and 12 weeks after permits have been obtained.
Should my remodeling contract have milestones-based payment schedule?
Yes. It should protect both you and your contractor.
How can I reduce the chances of delays on my project?
Working with an experienced local contractor, submitting a complete permit application, and ordering custom materials early all help keep the project on schedule.
