If you’re planning a home renovation or new build, one of the first things you probably want to know is, how long will it take? Timing can be tricky. Between designs, permits, and actual construction, things can stretch out. But don’t worry—we’re breaking it all down so you have a better idea of what to expect. Whether you’re working with a general contractor in Wenatchee, WA, or somewhere else entirely, project timelines tend to follow the same basic pattern.
Every Project Starts With Planning
Before a contractor picks up a hammer, there’s usually a good chunk of time spent in planning mode. This is when ideas get translated into drawings, budgets get reviewed, and schedules are sketched out. If your job needs permits, factor in even more time for those to get approved. For something simple like a bathroom remodel, planning might take a few weeks. For a full custom home, planning could take a few months.
The Scope of Work Affects Everything
One of the biggest things that affects how long your project will take is the size of the job. A small kitchen refresh with new counters and cabinets might take three to six weeks. But if you’re tearing everything out and starting over, you’re probably looking at two to three months. On the other hand, full-scale builds or home additions can easily run six months or more.
Remodeling vs. New Construction
Remodels are often faster to plan but slower to complete, especially if the contractor runs into surprises behind the walls. New construction might take longer up front in design and permitting, but it tends to move along once the build begins—especially if weather and supply chains cooperate.
Interior Jobs Move Faster
If your project stays inside, it’s usually less likely to be delayed by weather or outdoor conditions. Interior remodels—like flooring, lighting, or basement finishing—can be completed in shorter time frames, assuming materials and crew are available.
Permits Can Be a Wild Card
Waiting on city or county permits can add anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on the area. Some places move quickly. Others? Not so much. If you’re in a more rural area like Wenatchee, you might think things would go faster, but smaller municipalities can still have slow turnaround if they’re backed up.
Inspections Add Extra Days
Most permitted jobs will need inspections at different stages—foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, and final. Each inspection can add a day or two of downtime to the job, especially if something needs to be corrected.
Crew Availability Plays a Role
A solid general contractor will have a good team, but even the best can run into scheduling issues. If subcontractors are booked on other jobs or there’s a delay in one phase (like electrical), that can push the whole schedule back. The more trades involved—plumbers, electricians, drywallers—the more potential for things to slow down.
Material Delays Can Stall Progress
If materials don’t arrive on time, everything stops. A contractor might build a schedule assuming certain deliveries, and one missing shipment can hold everything up. This has gotten better recently, but custom orders can still take longer than expected.
Communication Helps Things Move
One of the best ways to keep your project on track is by staying in touch with your contractor. Delays often come from miscommunication or unclear expectations. If you’re clear on your must-haves from day one, there’s less back and forth down the road.
Make Decisions Early
The earlier you lock in your choices on flooring, cabinets, tile, and fixtures, the smoother the build will go. When clients change their minds mid-job, it doesn’t just affect design—it affects timing, materials, and labor schedules too.
Seasonal Timing Matters
Construction tends to move slower in winter months, especially in colder regions. Weather delays, shorter days, and holidays can all play a part. Spring and summer are usually busier, which can mean longer wait times to get started—but the work itself may move faster.
Average Timelines by Project Type
While every job is different, here’s a rough idea of what you might expect for common contractor projects:
- Bathroom remodel: 3–6 weeks
- Kitchen remodel: 6–12 weeks
- Home addition: 3–6 months
- New custom home: 6–12 months
- Basement finishing: 2–3 months
- Roofing or siding: 1–3 weeks
These timelines can change based on permit speed, crew size, design changes, and whether the job uncovers surprises (which happens more often than you’d think).
When Timelines Change—And Why
Even with the best planning, things can shift. Maybe the weather holds up exterior work. Maybe the city requires an extra inspection. Or maybe the drywall crew is backed up on another job. Delays aren’t always anyone’s fault—they’re just part of the process.
The Final Walkthrough and Wrap-Up
Once the work is done, there’s usually a punch list—a final round of small fixes to wrap things up. This can add another week or two, depending on the size of the list and how quickly the contractor responds. After that, you’re good to go.
Final Thought
If you’re planning a project with a general contractor, the best advice is to stay flexible and patient. Ask questions, communicate often, and remember—good work takes time. Rushing the job can cost more later, so give your contractor room to do it right.
