One of the most common questions when considering a home renovation is: How long does it take to renovate an apartment? Knowing the duration of a renovation is essential for planning both the budget and the project’s logistics.
However, the duration of a renovation can vary significantly depending on several factors. In this article, we explain all the details you need to consider to estimate the renovation timeline of your apartment and how to do it efficiently.
Key factors influencing renovation time
Each renovation project is unique, and although an average duration can be estimated, several factors can affect the timeline. Here are the most important:
1. Type of renovation: partial or full
The biggest difference in renovation time lies in whether it’s a partial or a full renovation. In a partial renovation, only specific areas are remodeled, such as the bathroom or kitchen. In contrast, a full renovation completely updates all rooms and often includes the electrical, plumbing, flooring, etc.
Partial renovation: Generally, renovating individual spaces like a kitchen or bathroom takes between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the job’s complexity and chosen materials.
Full renovation: A complete apartment can take between 3 and 6 months, as it involves updating all rooms and systems in the home. Renovations of older apartments often take longer, as they may require extra work on the structure or installations.
2. Size of the apartment
Size is another key factor. Renovating a 60-square-meter apartment will not take the same time as renovating a 100-square-meter one. Larger apartments take longer to complete. In an average-sized apartment (around 80 m2), a full renovation may take between 4 and 5 months.
3. Previous condition of the apartment
The current condition of the apartment has a significant impact on the timeline. In older apartments, where electrical and plumbing systems are outdated, the process will take longer as repairs or even complete replacements may be necessary.
Additionally, structural issues or hidden problems, such as dampness, can extend the renovation if not detected beforehand.
4. Material selection
Delivery times and material availability also affect the overall duration of the project. Some custom or imported materials may take longer to arrive.
If standard materials, readily available in stock, are chosen, the waiting time—and therefore the renovation time—can be reduced.
5. Permits and construction licenses
Some renovations may require a construction permit. This is especially needed if the modifications affect the home’s layout or structure.
In these cases, obtaining permits may extend the renovation time by 1 to 2 months, depending on the municipality and the type of permit required.
How to plan a renovation to minimize time?
Good planning is essential for a smooth renovation without significant delays.
Here are some key tips to ensure your renovation is completed within the planned timeframe.
1. Choose a trusted professional team
Hiring an experienced renovation company is one of the best ways to ensure that the project won’t suffer unnecessary delays. Experienced professionals will manage any unforeseen events that may arise during the renovation and will adhere to the agreed timeline.
Moreover, a reliable company will provide a detailed schedule of the project’s phases so that you always know the work’s progress.
2. Define all materials from the start
Selecting all materials before the project begins is essential. If everything is chosen and ready to install, waiting time is minimized.
This also helps to avoid delays due to supply shortages or last-minute changes that could extend the project duration.
3. Avoid changes during the renovation
Making changes to the design or materials once the project has started can lead to significant delays.
Try to stick to the original plan to avoid interruptions.
4. Control the timeline for each phase of the work
Breaking the project down into phases will help you better manage the timeline. A well-structured project can significantly reduce timelines by allowing efficient work.
Some of the most important phases include:
- Demolition: If needed, it can take between 1 and 2 weeks.
- System installation: Updating the electrical and plumbing systems usually takes between 3 and 4 weeks.
- Finishes and details: This phase includes painting, tiling, and flooring, and can last between 4 and 6 weeks.
- Estimated duration per room: The renovation time may also vary depending on the type of room being renovated. Here is an estimate for the main rooms in the apartment:
- Kitchen: Between 3 and 6 weeks, depending on whether only the cabinets are changed or the installations are also renewed.
- Bathroom: A bathroom renovation can last between 2 and 4 weeks.
- Living room and bedrooms: These rooms are quicker to renovate, taking between 2 and 3 weeks, as they generally require less structural work.
Although most factors influencing project duration are controllable, external elements can also cause delays. These include:
External factors that may extend the renovation
- Weather conditions: If the work includes outdoor projects or structural changes, adverse weather can delay the renovation.
- Lack of coordination among contractors: Poor coordination among the various professionals can delay one phase of the work, affecting the overall timeline.
How to know if the renovation is on track?
Keeping track of the renovation is essential to ensure everything is progressing as planned. A good renovation team will keep you informed of progress and allow you to make adjustments if any unexpected issues arise.
Make sure to receive weekly or bi-weekly reports on the project’s progress.
How much does a renovation cost and how does it affect the timeline?
The total renovation cost is also related to the time it will take to complete. Larger and more expensive renovations that include structural changes and complete updates generally take longer than smaller, more economical renovations.
This is why it’s important to clarify the budget from the beginning, as it will allow better planning of the timeline and avoid surprises.
In summary, the time required to renovate an apartment can vary greatly depending on the type of work, apartment size, initial condition, and any unforeseen issues. For a partial renovation, you can expect the project to last between 2 and 6 weeks, while a full renovation may take between 2 and 6 months.
Are you considering renovating your apartment in Barcelona? At Solera Reformas, we specialize in full and partial renovations, ensuring that deadlines are met without sacrificing quality. Contact us for a personalized estimate and transform your home into the home of your dreams.
