Remodeling your home is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also be stressful if you don’t know what to expect. Whether you’re revamping your kitchen in Cary, updating a bathroom in North Raleigh, or giving your entire Durham home a facelift, knowing the remodeling timeline can help you plan better, communicate clearly, and breathe easier during the process.
At Raleigh Roofing and Remodeling, we’ve walked hundreds of Triangle homeowners through the renovation journey—from dust and demo to the big reveal. In this post, we’re breaking down the typical remodeling timeline, stage by stage, so you’ll know what’s coming and how to prepare.
Phase 1: Dreaming and Planning (1–3 weeks)
Before anything gets built (or torn down), you’ll spend time in the dreaming phase. This is where you define your goals, budget, and vision.
What happens here:
- You schedule an initial consultation with a remodeling contractor (that’s us!).
- We listen to what you want—style, layout, problems you’re solving, must-haves, nice-to-haves.
- We assess your space and discuss ideas, materials, and general cost expectations.
Pro Tip: Collect inspiration! Pinterest boards, Instagram saves, or magazine clippings can help you communicate what you love.
Timeline tip: This phase can go quickly if you already have a strong vision, but take your time—it sets the tone for everything else.
Phase 2: Design and Estimates (2–4 weeks)
Once the planning conversation is underway, we move into the design phase. This is where your ideas take shape on paper (or screen).
What happens here:
- We take detailed measurements of your home.
- Floorplans, 3D renderings, and layouts are created.
- You select finishes, cabinetry, tile, flooring, paint, fixtures, and more.
- We deliver a final proposal with a clear scope of work, budget, and projected timeline.
Timeline tip: Delays often happen in this phase if homeowners are unsure about selections. Knowing your style preferences ahead of time helps speed things up.
Phase 3: Permits and Ordering Materials (2–6 weeks)
Once the design is locked in, we shift into the prep work before demo.
What happens here:
- We apply for permits if needed (especially for structural, plumbing, or electrical work).
- Materials are ordered—this includes custom cabinets, tile, countertops, and specialty fixtures.
Timeline tip: Lead times on materials can vary. Some custom cabinetry takes 6–10 weeks, so ordering early is key. We always track product deliveries and communicate delays, but this phase may be the biggest variable.
Phase 4: Demolition (1–5 days)
Now the fun begins. Demo is the first visible step and can be noisy and messy—but it’s also oddly satisfying.
What happens here:
- We protect areas of your home that aren’t under construction (floors, furniture, HVAC vents).
- Old cabinets, flooring, tile, and non-load-bearing walls come down.
- We handle debris removal and ensure the site is clean at the end of each day.
Timeline tip: Sometimes demolition reveals surprises—like water damage, bad wiring, or structural issues. We’ll always pause, inform you, and adjust accordingly.
Phase 5: Rough-In Work (1–2 weeks)
After demo, we get to the “bones” of your remodel: plumbing, electrical, and framing changes.
What happens here:
- New walls or structural supports are framed.
- Plumbing and electrical are updated or rerouted.
- HVAC ducts may be adjusted if needed.
- Inspections (if required by code) are scheduled and passed before moving forward.
Timeline tip: This part can feel slow because not much looks “finished,” but it’s critical for functionality and safety.
Phase 6: Drywall, Flooring, and Cabinets (2–3 weeks)
Now your home starts looking like a home again. Things move quickly and noticeably in this phase.
What happens here:
- Drywall is installed, taped, and painted.
- Flooring is laid—whether that’s hardwood, LVP, tile, or carpet.
- Cabinets are installed with precision, forming the backbone of kitchens and bathrooms.
Timeline tip: Be mindful of drying and curing times—especially for flooring adhesives and paint. We don’t rush quality.
Phase 7: Finishes and Fixtures (1–2 weeks)
This is when everything starts coming together—and it’s when most homeowners start getting really excited.
What happens here:
- Countertops, sinks, and faucets are installed.
- Light fixtures, outlets, and appliances go in.
- Backsplashes are tiled.
- Trim and molding are added.
- Walls get their final coats of paint.
Timeline tip: We recommend being available during this phase for quick decisions—like confirming tile layouts or fixture placement.
Phase 8: Final Walkthrough and Punch List (1–5 days)
We’re almost there. Before we wrap, we go through every detail together to make sure everything meets your expectations.
What happens here:
- We inspect all work and identify any final touch-ups or adjustments needed (this is called the punch list).
- We walk through the remodel with you and mark anything that needs attention.
- Once the punch list is complete, we clean up the site thoroughly.
Timeline tip: Don’t be shy during your walkthrough—this is your chance to make sure everything feels just right.
Phase 9: The Reveal (and the Relaxation)
At last, it’s time to enjoy your new space. Whether it’s a sparkling bathroom retreat in Brier Creek or a modernized kitchen in Chapel Hill, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
We hand over a finished space, along with care instructions for your materials, warranty details, and a recap of the project.
Typical Remodeling Timeline Recap
| Phase | Duration |
| Planning & Design | 3–6 weeks |
| Permits & Materials | 2–6 weeks |
| Demo to Completion | 4–8 weeks |
| Total Estimate | 9–16 weeks |
(Note: Larger or more complex remodels can take longer, especially whole-home renovations.)
Ready to Remodel in Raleigh or Durham?
Whether you’re dreaming of a chef’s kitchen in North Hills, a luxurious bathroom in Hope Valley, or a full home renovation in Five Points, Raleigh Roofing and Remodeling is here to guide you through every phase—on time, on budget, and with expert craftsmanship.
We believe in transparency, consistent communication, and creating spaces that feel like home.
Let’s bring your vision to life.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get your project timeline rolling.
