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Home Renovation Project Timeline 

Rachael Provost

By Rachael Provost
Published September 20, 2024

Knowing when certain steps are going to take place in a home remodeling project and what you need to do to ensure the process goes smoothly can save you a lot of stress and help you be more prepared. We’ve put together a general timeline to show you what to expect during your project. 

Home Improvement Planning

Whether it’s a small update or a full remodel, household renovations can increase your home value and create spaces that look great and work for the flow of your home and your lifestyle. Some projects don’t require much work to give a space a new look. Changes as simple as new fixtures or cabinet hardware can instantly and easily refresh the room and are usually DIY friendly. But if you’re looking to make bigger changes, hiring a professional may be the way to go. Lowe’s can help you with many home remodeling projects, from the initial design process all the way to the installation. To highlight what goes into these projects, we’ve created a general timeline — but keep in mind that your specific project and timeline will vary. Use this timeline only as a general guide and adjust yours accordingly.  

What Can Affect My Timeline?

In general, here are some things to keep in mind that can affect timelines: 

Project Scope: Bigger updates, like major structural changes, have more moving pieces and need more time to complete.

Shipping Times for Materials: Keep in mind longer shipping times for product that is backordered or delayed.

Contractor Availability: Your project can’t begin until there’s a contractor available to do it. This also applies to any additional contractors you may need for other parts of the project.

Material Storage: Having a dedicated place to keep project materials before they’re installed is important. For example, flooring needs to acclimate before being installed and should be stored in or near the general area of installation so it’s easy to access.

General Household Renovations Timeline

1. Planning and Design: Whether you’re updating your kitchen, bathroom or flooring, browse for and compile your inspiration for the space. This can include shopping samples for new flooring, saving images of spaces that you love the look of, exploring different cabinet or countertop options and more — anything that will help bring your vision to life.

2. Set Up a Consultation: Once you feel confident in your ideas, set up a consultation with a Lowe’s specialist. You’ll meet with them to discuss your vision and depending on your project, they’ll provide you with things like 3D renderings and other important project details. This is a good time to ask for a list of any additional work that needs to be scheduled before Lowe’s can do the job.

3. Get Measurements: An independent installer will come out to measure your space, if necessary.

4. Move Forward With Installation: With the measurements and design finalized, you’ll receive your quote for the project and schedule your installation with a local, licensed and insured professional independent installer.

5. Ordering Material: Place orders for the materials you’ve chosen for your project.

6. Arrange for Additional Contractors: Your project might need other contractors for certain parts of the job. For example, for a sink installation you’ll need a plumber to disconnect and reconnect water lines.

7. Prepare for Installation: This can include clearing out cabinets and drawers, moving furniture, creating a clear path to the room or area where installation is taking place, etc.

8. Demolition: You'll need to allow time for old elements and features to be removed so the new ones can be put in.

9. Rough-In Construction: If necessary, plan for any plumbing and electrical work that needs to happen before the new elements of your space are installed. Your installer might need to collect permits and set up inspections with the local building authority, which can add time to your project.

10. Construction: Flooring, cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, appliances, toilets, etc. are installed and new paint is put on the walls.

11. Finishing Touches: Complete the home remodeling project with elements like new fixtures, hardware, lighting, etc.

Project Resources for Home Improvement Planning

Lowe’s has an assortment of tools and resources to help you plan and prepare for different projects.

Digital Tools

In addition to the resources above designed for specific areas and elements of your home, other helpful tools include:

Manage My Home – This feature is found in your Lowe’s account and can be a great tool in tracking progress of projects. Don’t have a Lowe’s account? Sign up for one today before getting started on your project.

Calculators – Our calculators help you estimate just how much material you need to purchase so you can avoid having to make another trip to the store or ending up with a lot more than you need.

Style Your Space – Use this Lowe’s App feature to see how décor can look in your own space. If you don’t already have the app, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).