It would depend on how involved your project is. A custom house, 3000 square feet ballpark could take 2 years to build, or 6 months to build, and can vary based on several factors from how experienced your GC is, how well everything is coordinated among trades (hvac, elec, plumbing, framing, etc), how well the trades do with work/inspections, how many changes are made along the way, and the list can go on. We’ve done custom builds from ground breaking to moving in in 60 days before, but most take between 6-9 months in the residential realm.
The best way of knowing how long project takes is to talk with a local contractor to get price and timeline. If you have plans, it will be easier to determine timeline for project.
A project completion time will very significantly depending on a few factors. The first would be the size and scope of work (specifically what you would like to have done). A tile floor will take longer to install than a peel and stick vinyl product. Knocking down walls and rerouting plumbing/electrical will take much more time than simply painting a wall a new, trendy color. Another factor could be product sourcing. Are the products and materials that you are looking to have installed ready available through a supplier? Or will they have to be special ordered to certain design specifications? A third factor will be the skill and quality of the staff completing the work. A great way to know the length of a project is by working with a knowledgeable contractor that can estimate time frames based on the work you wish to have completed. Contractors typically understand sourcing times and can give you an idea of how much time it would take to handle your specific project to the highest standard.
Hope that helps!
There are a lot of factors to that answer: the size, product availability, how long plan check will take, weather, dependable sub contractors, if employees call off sick and so on. They may sound like excuses but they are the facts - stuff happens. Hope this helps and these are just a few factors.
Clearly outline the scope of work first. Itemize and list the scope of work. You should include items like: demolition work, framing, siding, roofing, electrical etc…Below is a sample for a simple bathroom remodel:
1-) Remove and install existing tub (8 Hours)
2-) Replace toilet (4 hours)
3-) Replace estimate 30SF of floor tile (8 Hours)
4-) Clean up (2 hrs)
etc…add hours and estimate how long the project will take. Make sure to include the time for planning, job setup and protection.
Ask for references from the contractor of your choosing for similar projects he has done. Then contact as many as you can, and straight out ask all the questions that you can think of, such as:
- time in which the project proceeded
- were the price costs of the sub trades accurate
- were you satisfied with the work the subs did as well as the GC
- were there any unexpected delays
- was there any unexpected work needed
Rick
The best way to estimate how long a remodeling project will take is to ask. Ask the contractor if he has done a similar project and call the client, they will let you know how long it took and if the job progressed efficiently. Another way is to ask someone you know who has done a similar project and how long that their project took. Now if either one of these answers is not what you’re looking for, then I will tell you how I figure a project length. I am the contractor and I am asked every time I do an estimate, “Do you know how long this will take?” I can take a great educated guess based on my experience but I prefer to tell them that I will give you a time estimate when I submit my bid and the reason for that is when I am estimating the project, I am actually building it in my head and on my work sheets. I start every estimate the same, chronologically. From the first day demo to the last day of cleaning and touch-up and everything in between. Some of the variables may be weather, promptness by the subcontractors, inspection times (often towns are understaffed and in busy times may put an inspection a week of two weeks out) this is something the contractor will need to be aware of and figure in requesting inspections early. This also depends on preparation by the owner and contractor, logistics and just plain common sense. Go with a contractor with a proven track record, the business is local, and has a good reputation.
As a contractor, I identify the “critical path” on a timeline or gantt chart. The critical path is the longest series of trades/tasks that are contingent one upon another to complete the project. I then assign reasonable time estimates for each of those tasks/trades and total it all up. That should provide you with your estimate.
For example, on a kitchen remodel, that critical path may include design, permitting, demo, plumbing, electrical, drywall/paint, cabinet install, sink, counter tops, tile (floor and backsplash), appliance/finish fixture install. Some trades are not contingent upon each other and are therefore not part of the the critical path (ie. it may be possible to acquire materials during demo, or to install certain appliances concurrent with backsplash install).
I hope that helps!
It depends on the project and the size of the project. Also, how many people will be working on your project and how skillful the contractor and workers are. Too many factors.
Hello,
This is something that should be discussed with a contractor ahead of time. Usually when you pick the right contractor, the time frame is accurate.