What to Expect During a Whole-Home Remodel: Week by Week

Your Whole-Home Remodel, Week by Week

You have committed to a whole-home remodel. The design is finalized, permits are approved, and your builder is ready to start. Now comes the question every homeowner asks: what actually happens during construction, and when?

A whole-home remodel is not a single event. It is a carefully sequenced series of phases, each building on the one before it. Understanding this sequence removes the anxiety of not knowing what is coming next. It also helps you plan your living arrangements, manage expectations with your family, and have informed conversations with your construction team.

This guide walks through each phase of a whole-home remodel in the order it happens, with realistic timelines for each stage.

The Complete Remodel Timeline at a Glance

Before diving into each phase, here is the full construction sequence. Note that timelines assume a mid-range to gut renovation of a 1,500 to 3,000 square foot home. Cosmetic refreshes will move faster; highly complex structural projects may take longer.

Phase	What Happens	Typical Duration
Pre-Construction	Design, engineering, permits, material orders	2-4 months
Phase 1: Demolition	Selective or full tear-out of existing finishes and systems	1-2 weeks
Phase 2: Structural Framing	Wall removal/addition, beam installation, floor/roof framing	2-4 weeks
Phase 3: Rough-In	Plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC ductwork behind walls	3-6 weeks
Phase 4: Inspections	City inspections of all rough-in work before walls close	1-2 weeks
Phase 5: Insulation and Drywall	Insulation, drywall hanging, taping, mudding, sanding	2-3 weeks
Phase 6: Finishes	Cabinets, countertops, flooring, tile, paint, trim	4-8 weeks
Phase 7: Fixtures and Hardware	Plumbing fixtures, lighting, appliances, door hardware	1-2 weeks
Phase 8: Final Inspections	City final inspection and certificate of occupancy	1-2 weeks
Phase 9: Punch List and Handoff	Walk-through, corrections, final cleaning, move-in	1-2 weeks
Total Construction	Phases 1-9 combined	4-8 months (typical)

Before Construction Begins: Pre-Construction

The work that happens before demolition day is just as important as the construction itself. In fact, most remodel delays trace back to incomplete pre-construction planning, not slow builders.

During pre-construction, your team handles design development, structural engineering, permit applications, and material procurement. This is when you finalize every decision: floor plan, cabinet style, countertop material, tile selections, fixture models, appliance specs, and paint colors.

Custom Home’s two-phase design-build process devotes Phase 1 entirely to this planning. Every selection is locked in and every material is ordered before Phase 2 (construction) begins. This approach prevents the mid-project decision-making that stalls most renovation timelines by weeks or months.

Pre-construction typically takes 2 to 4 months. It may feel slow, but this investment in planning pays off dramatically once construction starts.

Phase 1: Demolition (Weeks 1-2)

Demolition is the most dramatic phase. Your home transforms from a lived-in space to a construction site in a matter of days.

What happens: The crew removes existing finishes, fixtures, cabinets, flooring, drywall, and any structural elements scheduled for replacement. Depending on the scope, demolition can be selective (removing specific walls and systems while preserving others) or a full gut (stripping the home down to studs and subfloor).

What to expect: Demolition is loud, dusty, and fast. A full gut of a 2,000 square foot home typically takes 5 to 10 working days. The crew will set up dust barriers and debris chutes, and a dumpster will be on-site for the duration.

The critical discovery period: Demolition is also when hidden conditions reveal themselves. Outdated wiring, corroded plumbing, dry rot, termite damage, asbestos, and lead paint all become visible once walls are opened. A skilled builder expects these discoveries and has a contingency process for addressing them without derailing the schedule.

In Bay Area homes built before 1980, hazardous material testing is standard before demolition begins. If asbestos or lead paint is found, licensed abatement specialists handle removal before general demolition continues.

Phase 2: Structural Framing (Weeks 3-6)

With the home stripped to its bones, the structural work begins. This phase reshapes the home’s layout and load-bearing framework.

What happens: The crew installs new beams, headers, and posts to support any walls that were removed. New walls are framed, window and door openings are created or modified, and floor and roof framing is reinforced or replaced as needed. If you are adding square footage (bump-outs, second-story additions), that new framing goes up during this phase as well.

What to expect: You will see your new floor plan take shape in three dimensions for the first time. This is an exciting milestone. It is also the phase where you can walk through your future rooms and confirm that the layout feels right before the walls are closed.

Inspections during this phase: Structural framing requires a city inspection before work can proceed. The inspector verifies that all beams, connections, and load paths match the approved engineering plans. Passing this inspection is a prerequisite for the rough-in phase.

Phase 3: Rough-In (Weeks 5-10)

Rough-in is the longest and most labor-intensive phase. Multiple trades work simultaneously to install the systems that will be hidden inside your walls, floors, and ceilings for decades.

What happens: This phase involves three major systems.

Plumbing rough-in: New supply lines and drain lines are run to every kitchen, bathroom, and laundry location. If your remodel changes the location of sinks, showers, or toilets, new pipes are routed through framing to reach those spots.

Electrical rough-in: New wiring is run for every outlet, switch, light fixture, and dedicated circuit. The electrical panel may be upgraded (common in older Bay Area homes with 100-amp panels that need 200-amp capacity for modern loads). Low-voltage wiring for data, audio, and security systems is also installed during this phase.

HVAC rough-in: New ductwork, return air pathways, and refrigerant lines are installed. If you are switching from a forced-air furnace to a heat pump or adding zones, the new system layout is built during rough-in.

What to expect: Your home will be a maze of pipes, wires, and ducts running through open walls. The trades coordinate carefully to avoid conflicts. Rough-in typically takes 3 to 6 weeks depending on the complexity of the systems and the number of bathrooms.

Phase 4: Rough-In Inspections (Weeks 9-11)

Before any walls are closed up, the city inspector returns to verify that all plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work meets code. This is a critical checkpoint.

What happens: Separate inspections are scheduled for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. The inspector checks pipe sizing, slope, and connections; wire gauge, circuit protection, and grounding; and duct sizing, clearances, and ventilation rates.

What to expect: Inspections are typically scheduled within a few days of each other, but availability varies by jurisdiction. Some Bay Area cities have wait times of one to two weeks for inspection appointments. Your builder should plan for this in the schedule.

If corrections are needed: Minor corrections are common and usually resolved within a day or two. The inspector returns for a re-inspection before the project moves forward.

Phase 5: Insulation and Drywall (Weeks 10-13)

Once inspections pass, the walls can finally close. This phase transforms the construction site back into recognizable rooms.

What happens: Insulation is installed in exterior walls, interior sound walls (between bedrooms and bathrooms), and ceiling cavities. In the Bay Area, energy code requires specific R-values for walls and ceilings, and your insulation must meet these requirements.

After insulation inspection, drywall sheets are hung on walls and ceilings. Seams are taped, joints are mudded, and surfaces are sanded smooth. This process takes multiple passes, with drying time between each coat of joint compound.

What to expect: The insulation phase moves quickly (2-3 days for most homes). Drywall hanging takes another 2-3 days. The taping, mudding, and sanding cycle takes the longest, typically 7 to 10 days with drying time between coats. Your home will start to feel like a home again once drywall is up, even though it is still unpainted and unfinished.

Phase 6: Finishes (Weeks 12-20)

The finishes phase is where your design vision becomes visible. This is the longest phase after rough-in, and it involves the most coordinated sequencing.

What happens, in order:

1. Priming and first coat of paint on walls and ceilings
2. Cabinet installation in kitchens, bathrooms, and built-ins
3. Countertop templating and installation (templated after cabinets are set, fabricated off-site, then installed)
4. Tile work in bathrooms, kitchen backsplash, and any tile flooring
5. Hardwood or other flooring installation (or refinishing of existing floors)
6. Trim and millwork including baseboards, crown molding, window casings, and door trim
7. Final paint on walls, ceilings, and all trim

What to expect: Finishes require precise sequencing because each trade’s work depends on the one before it. Countertops cannot be templated until cabinets are installed. Backsplash tile cannot be set until countertops are in. Final paint cannot happen until all trim is installed. Your builder manages this sequencing to keep trades flowing without gaps.

This phase typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Custom or specialty materials (hand-painted tile, imported stone, custom millwork) can extend this timeline.

Phase 7: Fixtures and Hardware (Weeks 18-22)

With finishes in place, the home receives its functional elements.

What happens: Plumbing fixtures (faucets, sinks, toilets, showerheads) are installed. Light fixtures and electrical devices (outlets, switches, dimmers) are connected. Appliances are delivered, set in place, and connected to utilities. Door hardware, cabinet pulls, towel bars, and accessories are installed.

What to expect: This phase moves quickly if all fixtures and materials were ordered during pre-construction and have arrived on schedule. Late-arriving items are the most common cause of delays during this phase. Custom Home’s pre-construction process ensures every item is ordered, tracked, and staged before construction begins.

Phase 8: Final Inspections (Weeks 21-23)

The city returns for a final inspection to verify that all work matches the approved plans and meets current building codes.

What happens: The building inspector reviews the completed project, checking that all permitted work is finished, all systems are operational, and all safety requirements are met. If everything passes, the city issues a certificate of completion (or final sign-off, depending on the jurisdiction).

What to expect: Final inspection is usually a single visit lasting one to two hours. If the inspector identifies issues, they provide a correction list. Most corrections are minor (a missing outlet cover, a door that needs adjustment) and can be resolved within a few days before re-inspection.

Phase 9: Punch List and Handoff (Weeks 22-24)

The punch list is your final quality review before you move back in.

What happens: You and your builder walk through every room together, inspecting every surface, fixture, and detail. Any items that need correction, adjustment, or touch-up are documented on the punch list. Common items include paint touch-ups, cabinet door alignment, grout repairs, caulking refinement, and hardware tightening.

What to expect: A thorough punch list walk-through takes 2 to 4 hours for a whole-home remodel. Your builder then schedules the corrections, which typically take 1 to 2 weeks to complete. After corrections, a final cleaning crew prepares the home for move-in.

This is also when your builder walks you through the home’s new systems: how to operate the HVAC controls, where the electrical panel is located, how to maintain your new finishes, and what warranty coverage applies.

Living Arrangements During Your Remodel

One of the most important decisions you will make is where to live during construction. Here is a straightforward assessment based on remodel scope.

Remodel Scope	Can You Stay?	Temporary Housing Duration
Cosmetic refresh (phased)	Possibly, in unaffected areas	0-2 months
Mid-range remodel	Not recommended	4-6 months
Gut renovation	No	6-10+ months

Temporary Housing Options

Short-term rentals: Furnished apartments or Airbnb rentals near your home give you proximity to check on progress. Monthly costs in the Bay Area run $3,000 to $8,000 depending on location and size.

Extended-stay hotels: Hotels designed for longer stays offer kitchenettes and weekly housekeeping. Rates range from $3,000 to $6,000 per month with extended-stay discounts.

Family or friends: The most affordable option, though it requires clear expectations about timeline. Most whole-home remodels take longer than guests and hosts anticipate.

Staying on-site (partial remodels only): If construction can be phased so you always have a functioning kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, staying on-site is possible for cosmetic updates. Expect noise, dust, and limited access to parts of your home for months.

Tips for a Smoother Transition

• Budget for temporary housing from the start. Include it as a line item in your remodel budget.
• Move belongings to storage before demolition day. A climate-controlled storage unit ($150 to $500/month in the Bay Area) protects furniture and personal items from construction dust and damage.
• Set up mail forwarding and update your address with essential services.
• Establish a communication rhythm with your builder. Weekly progress updates with photos keep you informed without requiring daily site visits.

What Causes Delays (and How to Prevent Them)

Understanding common delay causes helps you avoid them.

Incomplete material selections: If countertop material, tile, or fixtures have not been chosen before construction starts, work stops while decisions are made and orders are placed. Custom materials can take 4 to 12 weeks to arrive.

Permit and inspection wait times: Bay Area jurisdictions vary widely. Some cities schedule inspections within days; others have two-week backlogs. Your builder should factor local inspection timelines into the schedule.

Discovery of hidden conditions: Asbestos, knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, and structural damage in older homes require additional work that was not in the original scope. A 15-20% contingency budget absorbs these costs without stopping the project.

Weather (for projects with exterior work): Rain delays affect roofing, siding, and foundation work. Bay Area rainy season (November through March) can add days or weeks to exterior phases.

Change orders: Mid-project design changes are the most preventable cause of delays. Every change requires repricing, potential re-engineering, and material reordering. Custom Home’s two-phase process minimizes change orders by finalizing every decision before construction begins.

How Custom Home Keeps Your Remodel on Track

Custom Home’s two-phase design-build process is specifically structured to prevent the timeline problems that plague most whole-home remodels.

Phase 1 (Design) covers architectural design, structural engineering, detailed budgeting, material selections, permit applications, and long-lead material ordering. Every decision is made, every cost is locked in, and every material is sourced before Phase 2 begins. This phase typically takes 6 to 12 weeks.

Phase 2 (Build) executes the approved plan with a detailed construction schedule. Because all decisions and materials are already in hand, the construction team works without interruption. Weekly updates keep you informed, and a dedicated project manager coordinates all trades and inspections.

This front-loaded approach is why Custom Home’s remodel timelines consistently track closer to estimate than the industry average.

Ready to Plan Your Whole-Home Remodel?

A whole-home remodel is a major commitment, but it does not have to be a mystery. When you understand the sequence, plan your living arrangements, and work with a builder who front-loads decisions before construction starts, the process becomes manageable and even exciting.

If you are considering a whole-home remodel in the Bay Area, contact Custom Home for a consultation. We will walk you through our two-phase process, discuss your project scope, and give you a realistic timeline for transforming your home.