How Long Does a Home Renovation Take? Your Twin Cities Master Timeline

Planning a home renovation can be exciting—but if you're like most homeowners, one of your first questions is: “How long will it take?” Whether you're upgrading your kitchen, refreshing your bathroom, or reimagining your entire living space, understanding the home renovation timeline is essential for managing your budget, expectations, and daily routine.

At Home Visions Carpentry, we’ve helped countless Twin Cities families plan renovations that are as efficient as they are transformational. Let’s break down what to expect.

Average Home Renovation Timeline in the Twin Cities Metro: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Renovation timelines can vary based on the scope, materials, contractor availability, and even the season. However, for most residential projects, the average home renovation timeline in the Twin Cities metro follows a consistent framework that helps homeowners plan around milestones and minimize surprises.

1. Planning & Design Phase (2–6 weeks)

This phase includes visioning, measurements, layout planning, and material selections. Permits may also be submitted during this stage, especially for structural or system updates.

✅ Tip: Winter is a great time to plan, as many contractors have more availability and permit departments are less backlogged.

📌 HGTV’s Home Remodel Planning Checklist is a helpful starting point.

2. Permits & Pre-Construction (1–4 weeks)

In Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs, permit approval times vary by city. Minor updates may be approved quickly, but larger renovations requiring structural changes can take longer.

🔍 Learn more about Minneapolis residential permits here.

3. Demolition & Site Prep (1–2 weeks) 

This stage includes tearing out old materials, protecting non-renovated areas, and prepping utilities. For larger jobs like full home remodels, this could take longer depending on complexity and access. 

4. Rough Work (2–4 weeks)

This includes electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and framing. Inspections are often required before moving on to the next phase.

5. Finish Work (4–8 weeks)

Drywall, cabinetry, flooring, painting, trim, fixtures, and appliances are installed during this phase. If custom finishes or specialty materials are used, expect longer timelines.

💡 Pro Tip: Locally sourced materials can help reduce lead times and support local suppliers in the Twin Cities.

6. Final Inspection & Walkthrough (1 week)

Your contractor will schedule a final inspection (if needed), do punch list repairs, and walk you through the finished space.

How Long Does a Home Renovation Really Take?

For a full-scope project, the home renovation timeline typically runs 3 to 6 months—but smaller projects like bathrooms or basements may take only 6 to 8 weeks.

Understanding the average home renovation timeline in the Twin Cities metro gives homeowners a realistic view of what’s ahead. Winter weather delays, labor shortages, and material supply chains can all play a role, which is why working with a reliable local contractor is key.

Budgeting for Time & Cost: Why Planning Matters

The longer a renovation takes, the more likely costs can increase—especially if you’re living in the home during the process. Building a realistic timeline into your budget helps reduce stress and ensures your investment delivers the results you’re looking for.

At Home Visions Carpentry, we provide transparent, step-by-step planning to ensure your timeline, budget, and design goals align.

Ready to Plan Your Renovation?

If you're thinking about renovating your home in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the surrounding suburbs, we’re here to guide you. Contact Home Visions Carpentry today for a free consultation, and let’s turn your vision into a timeline that works for you.