How Long Does It Take to Renovate the Inside of a House?

Before beginning a remodel, one of the most common homeowner questions is “How long will it take?“

Knowing realistic timetables is crucial if you intend to remodel the interior of your home, whether it’s a kitchen makeover, bathroom renovation, or a whole makeover. Depending on the extent of the work, the condition of the house, and the quality of the project’s planning, house renovation timelines can vary significantly.

We have assisted homeowners with hundreds of interior improvements at Extend A Home. In this tutorial, we’ll break down how long interior renovations typically take, what factors affect the timeframe, and how you can avoid delays.

The Short Answer: How Long Do Interior Renovations Take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all response, but as a general guide:

• Small interior renovations: 2–6 weeks
• Medium internal renovations: 6–12 weeks
• Full internal house renovations: 3–6+ months

Searches like “how long does an internal renovation take” often boil down to scope, complexity, and planning — not just the build itself.

What Counts as an Internal House Renovation?

An internal renovation can include one or more of the following:

• Kitchen renovations
• Bathroom renovations
• Laundry improvements
• Flooring replacement
• Internal wall modifications
• Electrical and plumbing upgrades
• Painting and finishing
• Complete reworking of the internal layout

The more trades involved, the longer the renovation timeline.

House Renovation Timelines by Project Type

Kitchen Renovation Timeline

A kitchen remodel normally takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the intricacy.

Typical stages include:

• Demolition: 2–5 days
• Rough-in plumbing and electrical: 1–2 weeks
• Cabinet installation: 1 week
• Benchtops, appliances, finishes: 1–2 weeks

Custom cabinetry or stone benchtops can add time due to manufacturing lead times.

Bathroom Renovation Timeline

Bathroom renovations normally take 3–6 weeks.

Key stages:

• Demolition and waterproofing: 1 week
• Plumbing and electrical rough-ins: 1 week
• Tiling: 1–2 weeks
• Fit-off and finishing: 1 week

Waterproofing and curing processes cannot be hurried since bathrooms require a lot of attention to detail. 

Flooring Replacement Timeline

Replacing flooring across a house might take 1–3 weeks, depending on:

• Flooring type (carpet, tiles, hybrid, and wood)
• Floor preparation is necessary.
• If moving furniture is necessary

Full Internal Renovation Timeline

A full internal house remodelling normally takes 3 to 6 months, occasionally more for intricate projects.

This often includes:

• Structural changes
• Multiple wet areas
• New flooring throughout
• Electrical and plumbing upgrades
• Custom joinery

This is where professional project management makes the biggest difference.

What Affects How Long an Interior Renovation Takes?

1. Scope of Work

The biggest factor is how much you’re changing.

• Cosmetic updates = faster
• Structural or layout changes = longer

Knocking down walls, relocating pipes, or rewiring an entire property takes significant time. 

2. Planning and Design Phase

The length of pre-construction planning is often underestimated.

Before construction ever starts, design, selections, approvals, and scheduling can take 4 to 8 weeks, but this stage is crucial to preventing delays later.

3. Approvals and Compliance

Approvals are needed for certain internal improvements, particularly if they include:

• Structural changes
• Load-bearing walls
• Fire or safety compliance

At Extend A Home, we factor in approval time into the overall project timetable from the outset.

4. Availability of Materials

Supply delays are a common cause of renovation blowouts.

Items that can affect timelines include:

• Custom cabinetry
• Stone benchtops
• Imported tiles or fixtures
• Specialty lighting

Early selections and ordering help keep projects on schedule.

5. Trades and Scheduling

Internal renovations rely on numerous trades operating in the precise sequence.

Poor coordination can add weeks to a project. Professional builders organise trades to reduce downtime and overlap.

6. Living in the Home During Renovation

If you’re living in the house while renovating, timelines may extend slightly due to:

• Limited work hours
• Staged construction
• Safety considerations

We help homeowners plan around this to reduce disruption.

Typical Internal Renovation Stages (And Timeframes)

Here’s a simplified breakdown of a full internal house renovation timeline:

1. Design & Planning: 4–8 weeks
2. Demolition: 1–2 weeks
3. Structural & Rough-In Work: 2–4 weeks
4. Internal Linings & Flooring: 2–3 weeks
5. Joinery, Kitchens & Bathrooms: 2–4 weeks
6. Finishes & Fit-Off: 2–3 weeks

Each stage builds on the last — delays early can flow through the entire project.

Common Causes of Renovation Delays

Some of the most common reasons internal renovations take longer than expected include:

• Incomplete design decisions
• Late material selections
• Unexpected structural issues
• Budget changes mid-project
• Poor project management

Choosing an experienced renovation builder significantly reduces these risks.

How Extend A Home Keeps Renovations on Schedule

At Extend A Home, our renovation process is designed to reduce uncertainty and delays.

Our approach includes:

• Detailed upfront planning
• Clear project timelines
• Early material selections
• Professional trade coordination
• Regular communication throughout the build

We don’t just build — we manage the entire renovation journey.

Can You Speed Up an Internal Renovation?

While some factors are outside anyone’s control, you can reduce delays by:

• Finalising design decisions early
• Choosing readily available materials
• Working with an experienced renovation builder
• Avoiding mid-project changes
• Planning temporary living arrangements if needed

Preparation is the biggest time-saver.

Is a Renovation Timeline Worth It?

While internal renovations require patience, they often deliver significant benefits:

• Improved functionality
• Increased property value
• Better energy efficiency
• A home that suits your lifestyle

Understanding realistic timelines helps set expectations and reduce stress.

Final Thoughts: Plan Well, Renovate Once

The true answer to the question, “How long does it take to renovate the inside of a house?” is that it depends, but careful preparation is crucial.

With the right contractor, precise timetables, and expert supervision, an interior remodel can be an easy and enjoyable experience.

Talk to Extend A Home

If you’re planning an internal house renovation and want precise timetables and experienced direction, our team is here to help.

Contact Extend A Home right away to discuss your renovation plans and get realistic timetables from experienced professionals.

Renovation Timeline Disclaimer: Timeframes provided are general estimations only. The size of the property, the extent of the work, and unanticipated circumstances can all affect how long renovations take. Larger internal renovations may take longer than usual timelines.