Renovation Projects Take Time—Here’s What to Expect

Hey there, it’s your team at MAS Home Improvement here in Bethlehem, PA. We know you’ve been dreaming about that new kitchen, bathroom, or maybe even a full basement renovation. But one of the biggest questions homeowners ask us is:

“How long is this going to take?”

It’s a fair question. Renovation isn’t something you can do overnight—at least not if you want it done right. As Norm Abram would say: “Good work takes time. Rushed work takes twice as long.”

So let’s walk through what a realistic renovation timeline looks like for different projects.

What Affects a Renovation Timeline?

Before we get into the specifics, keep this in mind: every renovation is different. The timeline depends on a few key factors:

• The size of the project (powder room vs. full home renovation)
• Whether permits and inspections are needed
• If we’re moving plumbing or electrical systems
• Material availability (special orders can delay things)
• Unforeseen issues (looking at you, leaky pipes and uneven floors)

Kevin O’Connor puts it best: “Renovation is part science, part art, and part detective work.”

Average Timelines for Common Renovation Projects

Let’s break it down by the types of projects we do most often here in the Lehigh Valley.

Kitchen Renovation Timeline

A typical kitchen renovation takes 6–12 weeks depending on scope.

What’s involved:

• Demolition (1–2 weeks)
• Plumbing & electrical rough-in (1–2 weeks)
• Cabinetry and countertop installation (2–3 weeks)
• Flooring, backsplash, painting (2–3 weeks)
• Final finishes and inspections (1–2 weeks)

✅ If you’re adding a kitchen extension, expect the timeline to stretch closer to 12–16 weeks.

Bathroom Remodeling Timeline

Bathrooms are smaller but packed with detail. A standard remodel usually takes 4–8 weeks.

What’s involved:

• Demolition (1 week)
• Plumbing & electrical work (1–2 weeks)
• Tile installation (2–3 weeks)
• Fixtures, vanities, and finishes (1–2 weeks)

✅ For luxury bathrooms with custom showers, heated floors, or special features, add 2–4 weeks.

Basement Renovation Timeline

Turning a basement into livable space is a game-changer—but it takes time. Average timeline: 8–12 weeks.

What’s involved:

• Waterproofing & framing (2–3 weeks)
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC (2–3 weeks)
• Drywall, flooring, ceilings (3–4 weeks)
• Painting & finishes (1–2 weeks)

✅ Adding a bathroom or in-law suite in the basement can add extra time for plumbing and permits.

Room Additions Timeline

Room additions vary the most, since we’re building new space onto your home. Expect 12–20 weeks on average.

What’s involved:

• Design, permits, and prep (2–4 weeks)
• Foundation and framing (3–4 weeks)
• Roofing, windows, and siding (2–3 weeks)
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC (2–4 weeks)
• Insulation, drywall, and finishes (3–5 weeks)

✅ Bigger projects like a second-story addition or garage conversion may take 6 months or more.

Whole-Home Renovation Timeline

If you’re tackling a full house renovation, buckle up—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. These projects can take 6–12 months depending on scale.

✅ The good news: you end up with a home that feels brand-new without moving out of Bethlehem or the Lehigh Valley.

How to Keep Your Renovation On Schedule

Here’s the truth: some delays are unavoidable, but with good planning, we can keep your project moving smoothly.

✅ Plan early – Finalize design choices before we start.
✅ Order materials in advance – Avoid waiting for backordered items.
✅ Get permits handled up front – We take care of this for you.
✅ Stay flexible – A little patience goes a long way in renovation.

Tom Silva’s advice? “Expect surprises. If you plan for them, they won’t throw you off track.”

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Renovations

Want to avoid delays? Steer clear of these pitfalls:

❌ Changing your mind mid-project (new layout = new timeline).
❌ Hiring the wrong contractor (cheap often costs more in time).
❌ Not setting a clear renovation budget.
❌ Ignoring inspections and permits.

MAS Home Improvement Keeps You Informed

One thing our clients tell us they love: we keep you in the loop every step of the way.

When you work with MAS Home Improvement, you’ll know:

• What’s happening this week on your project
• What’s coming up next
• How long until it’s finished

We’re not just here to build—we’re here to communicate.

Conclusion: Good Renovations Take Time (And That’s Okay)

Here’s the bottom line: a quality renovation is worth the wait. Whether it’s a shiny new kitchen, a spa-like bathroom, or a basement transformation, taking the time to do it right means you’ll enjoy the results for years to come.

📞 Call MAS Home Improvement today and let’s build a renovation timeline that works for you. We’ll handle the planning, the permits, and the details—so you can focus on dreaming about the finished product.