How long can renovations take?
That of course depends on what you’re looking to get done, and whether or not in involves two of the longest time draggers: cabinets and windows. “You might be able to walk into a store and get stock windows or stock cabinets,” says Paul Ryan, host of Weekend Handyman on the DIY Network. It can take 6 to 8 weeks to get cabinets and windows, but sometimes as long as 12 to 14 weeks, says Ryan. To be sure you don’t end up in the weeds (with, uh, no windows), think about the overall project well before you break ground. “Once you find out the lead times on buying stock items or ordering custom, you can set your time frame for the project.” A general contractor or a consultant can help you with this when you’re planning the project. But if you don’t have one, follow these general timelines: “To take a kitchen down to the subfloors and studs can be done as quickly as six weeks, but if you’re living in the home, usually takes two to three months,” says Ryan. Bathrooms run faster, maybe in half the time, but just in case, remember this one vital tip: “Make sure the toilet is last thing to come out and first thing to go back in!”
-- Amy Spencer