One of the first questions every homeowner asks us is also one of the hardest to answer without details: how long will my renovation take? It’s a fair question — a renovation disrupts your daily routine, and knowing the timeline helps you plan around it. The honest answer is that it depends on the scope, but after years of renovating kitchens, bathrooms, and basements across Scarborough, Toronto, and the wider GTA, we can give you realistic ranges. Here’s how long each type of project usually takes, what happens during each phase, and what can throw a schedule off track.
How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?
A full kitchen renovation in Toronto typically takes 4–8 weeks of on-site work — not counting the design and planning phase beforehand. A straightforward cabinet-and-countertop replacement sits at the shorter end; a full gut renovation with layout changes, new plumbing and electrical, and custom cabinetry sits at the longer end.
Here’s how those weeks usually break down:
- Design and permits (2–4 weeks, before construction). The layout is finalized, materials are chosen, and a building permit is applied for if plumbing, electrical, or structural work is involved. Custom cabinets often have the longest lead time of any item, so they’re ordered early.
- Demolition (3–5 days). Old cabinets, countertops, flooring — and sometimes drywall — come out.
- Rough-in (1–2 weeks). Plumbers and electricians run new lines, followed by inspections before walls are closed up.
- Cabinets and countertops (2–3 weeks). Cabinets go in first; then countertops are templated and installed. Stone counters need a template taken after the cabinets are installed, which adds several days to this phase.
- Finishing (1–2 weeks). Backsplash tile, flooring, painting, fixture installation, and final touch-ups.
If your kitchen renovation involves moving walls or relocating plumbing, expect the longer end of the range — and make sure your contractor builds permit and inspection time into the schedule upfront.
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?
Bathrooms are compact, but they’re dense with skilled work — plumbing, waterproofing, and tile all have to happen in the right order, and none of it can be rushed. A standard bathroom renovation takes 2–4 weeks:
- Demolition (2–3 days). The old bathroom is gutted down to the studs so we can see exactly what we’re working with.
- Rough-in (3–5 days). Plumbing and electrical work, then inspection.
- Waterproofing and tile (1–2 weeks). This is the longest phase — shower membranes, floor and wall tile, and grout all need proper installation and curing time. Rushing tile work is how you end up with leaks.
- Fixtures and finishing (3–5 days). Vanity, toilet, shower glass, lighting, paint, and final details.
A small refresh — fixtures and finishes only, with no layout changes — can be done in about a week. A master ensuite with layout changes or intricate tile work can push toward five or six weeks.
How Long Does a Basement Renovation Take?
Basement renovations take the longest of the three, simply because there’s more of everything: more square footage, more trades involved, and often more surprises behind the walls. A typical basement renovation in the GTA takes 6–10 weeks:
- Design and permits (3–6 weeks, before construction). Basement layouts need careful planning around furnace rooms, support posts, and ceiling heights. Toronto requires a building permit for most basement finishing work, including new bathrooms or bedrooms — and permit review takes time.
- Demolition and prep (1 week). Clearing the space, addressing any moisture issues, and framing new walls.
- Rough-in (2–3 weeks). Plumbing (especially if you’re adding a bathroom), electrical, and HVAC work — each followed by inspections.
- Insulation and drywall (2 weeks). Insulation, vapour barrier, drywall installation, taping, and sanding.
- Finishing (2–3 weeks). Flooring, bathroom tile, trim, doors, paint, and fixtures.
Older homes in Scarborough and Toronto sometimes add time at the prep stage — we occasionally find foundation cracks, outdated wiring, or moisture issues that need resolving before finishing can begin. A good contractor plans for that possibility instead of pretending it won’t happen.
What Can Delay a Renovation?
Even well-planned projects hit snags. The most common culprits:
Permits. In Toronto, permit review can take several weeks depending on the scope and the time of year. Construction can’t legally start until the permit is issued, so this has to be factored into the schedule from day one.
Material lead times. Custom cabinets, specialty tile, and certain fixtures can take 6–12 weeks to arrive. Ordering early — during the design phase, before demolition — is the best defence against a stalled project.
Scope changes. Adding work mid-project (“while you’re at it…”) is the number one cause of delays we see. Every change means new materials, rescheduled trades, and sometimes additional inspections.
Inspections. Plumbing, electrical, and structural inspections must be booked and passed before the next phase begins. A failed inspection means rework and rebooking, which costs days.
Hidden conditions. Water damage, outdated wiring, or structural surprises behind walls are common in older GTA homes. A realistic contingency plan — and budget — keeps these from derailing the project.
How SM Builders Keeps Your Project on Schedule
We can’t control everything — no contractor can — but we can control how a project is planned and managed. Here’s our approach:
A detailed schedule before work begins. You’ll know the sequence of work, when each trade is on site, and when inspections are booked — all before demolition starts. No guessing.
Licensed trades, coordinated by one project manager. Our plumbers, electricians, and tile setters show up when scheduled, and a single project manager keeps everything moving and answers your questions.
Materials ordered upfront. We don’t start demolition until long-lead items are ordered and delivery dates are confirmed. Your project should never sit idle waiting for cabinets.
Clear communication. You’ll hear from us regularly about progress and any issues, so there are never surprises. Most of our kitchen, bathroom, and basement projects across Scarborough and Toronto finish on the timeline quoted at the start — and when something unexpected does come up, you’ll hear about it the same day, along with the plan to handle it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in my home during a renovation?
Usually, yes. Most of our clients across Toronto and Scarborough stay in their homes during kitchen and bathroom renovations — you just need a plan for cooking and washing up while those rooms are out of commission. Basement renovations barely affect daily life since the work is contained downstairs. We’ll be honest with you upfront if we think your specific project warrants moving out temporarily.
Do renovations need permits in Toronto?
Many do. In Toronto, you’ll generally need a building permit for structural changes, new or relocated plumbing, electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps, and most basement finishing projects. Cosmetic updates like paint, flooring, and cabinet refacing typically don’t need one. We handle permit applications and inspections as part of our service, so you don’t have to navigate the city’s process on your own.
When is the best time of year to renovate in the GTA?
There’s no bad season for interior renovations — kitchens, bathrooms, and basements can be renovated year-round. Spring and summer are the busiest booking periods, so it helps to schedule further ahead. Winter often means more flexible start dates. Honestly, the best time is when you’ve found the right contractor and your design and materials are ready.
Planning a renovation in Scarborough or Toronto? Whether it’s a kitchen, a bathroom, or a full basement, we’ll give you an honest timeline and a detailed, itemized quote before any work begins. Take a look at our kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, and basement renovation services — or get a free estimate to get started.
Ready to plan your dates? Start with our kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, and basement renovation services — each page explains our process and timelines in detail.
