Time to answer the question we get the most: How long does a home renovation take?

If you’re planning a reno in Calgary, you’ve probably heard every answer under the sun. “It depends” is the usual one—and it’s not wrong. But it’s also not helpful when you’re trying to plan around real life, like school drop-offs, kitchen access, or vacation time.

While the exact number of weeks can vary, most Calgary renovations follow a pretty predictable path. With a bit of prep (and a good design process), you can go in with a clear renovation timeline and realistic expectations.

Let’s break down exactly what to expect.

Curious about which home renovations are best for ROI in Calgary? Find out now.

^{Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash}

When to Get Started (Spoiler: It’s Sooner Than You Think)

If you’re thinking, “We want to start renovating in May, so we’ll call a designer in April,”—we hate to break it to you, but you’re already behind.

To stay on track, you’ll want to reach out to a designer at least two to three months before you plan to start construction. That might sound early, but that’s because the design phase takes time. Anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on the size of your project.

This includes:

• Meetings to understand your goals
• Site visits and measurements
• Creating drawing packages, selecting materials & finishes, tweaks & edits, renderings
• Drawing up a full design plan your contractor can quote from

Once that’s locked in, your contractor can (accurately) quote and schedule the job. And keep in mind, some contractors may be booking months in advance. So if you’re eyeing a summer reno? Start those design convos before the snow even melts.

Speaking of contractors, here are four tips for choosing the right one.

^{Photo by Jessica Hearn on Unsplash}

Let’s Talk Timelines

Once you’ve got a designer on board, what happens next, and how long does it all take? From the planning phase to construction, here’s how it usually plays out.

Design Timeline

The design phase, or planning phase, is where your renovation vision becomes an actual plan. Over the course of four to eight weeks, your designer will guide you through a full planning process that includes:

• A deep dive into your lifestyle, goals, and must-haves
• Layout options and space planning
• Mood boards, finish samples, and product selections
• A finalized design package with all the info your contractor needs to price and build

If you’re wondering why this takes time, think about how many details go into a kitchen reno alone. Every cabinet, pull, and pot light has to be thought through. Solid design planning is what keeps your renovation timeline on track, so it’s worth taking the time to get this part right.

Construction Timeline

Once construction kicks off, the real transformation begins, but so does the waiting game. So, how long does a home renovation take once the tools come out?

As you’d expect, it depends on the scope of the project, but here’s a general idea:

Small-Scale Home Renovations

Powder rooms, repainting, or switching out finishes fall into this category. These usually land in the four to eight week range.

Larger Projects

If you’ve ever wondered “How long does it take to renovate a bathroom?” or “How long does a kitchen renovation take?”, this section’s for you.

The larger project category includes Calgary bathroom renovations, full kitchen upgrades, or anything involving layout changes, plumbing, and electrical. Expect eight to twelve+ weeks depending on complexity and material lead times.

Things that can stretch your timeline include:

• Custom cabinetry or countertops with long lead times
• Waiting on city permits or inspections
• Scope creep (aka, when you decide to “just redo the laundry room too”)

Every project is different, but these numbers help you plan realistically and prepare for what’s ahead.

If you’re having a hard time figuring out when and how to plan your home renovations in Calgary, start here.

^{Photo by Lotus Design N Print on Unsplash}

Tips to Keep It Smooth (Or Smoother, at Least)

Even with a clear renovation timeline, life can still throw curveballs. Here are a few tips to keep your Calgary renovations as stress-free as possible:

1. Move Out if You Can

Living through a reno sounds doable… until your kitchen’s torn out and the power’s off. If you’ve got the option to stay elsewhere, take it.

2. If You’re Staying Put, Prep for Chaos

Plan ahead for stretches without water or electricity. Set up a temporary kitchen, stash your essentials, and mentally prepare for dust, noise, and strangers in your house.

3. Budget for Surprises

Even with great planning, hidden issues can pop up. A good rule? Set aside 10–20% of your budget and timeline for the “just in case” moments.

Budget surprises happen. If you’re still planning, check out these seven interior design budget considerations to help you build smarter from the start.

4. Budget for Furniture & Decor

A big mistake when planning a home renovation is to only plan for the construction portion of the renovation. Once you have a brand new space, you want it to have a cohesive, fresh look with updated furnishings. Make sure to plan this into the overall budget. (PS - A designer can help with this!)

The more prepared you are, the smoother the ride, especially for bigger projects like bathroom renovations in Calgary’s older homes, where surprises are more common.

^{Photo by Alex Tyson on Unsplash}

Your Renovation Countdown Starts Now

Hopefully, we’ve given you the answer to your burning question, “How long does a home renovation take?”.

In Calgary, a realistic renovation timeline looks something like this:

• Start your design phase 2–3 months before construction
• 4–8 weeks to plan the space, select materials, and finalize drawings
• Depending on the size and scope of the project, expect 4–12+ weeks of construction

Every renovation takes time, but it’s time well spent when the result is a space that fits your life better than ever.

If you’re thinking about starting a project, don’t wait! Reach out to MMID early to start planning your Calgary home renovation.