Renovating your home is an exciting endeavor that can significantly enhance your living space and increase property value. However, in a bustling city like Toronto, home renovations can also be a complex process requiring careful planning, coordination, and patience. One of the first questions homeowners often ask is, “How long will my renovation take?”

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, this guide will help you understand typical renovation timelines, the factors that can influence them, and how you can ensure your project stays on track.

The Typical Timeline for Home Renovations in Toronto

Renovation timelines depend on the scope and complexity of the project. Here’s a breakdown of average timelines for common types of renovations:

1. Cosmetic Renovations (1-3 Months)

Cosmetic renovations are the quickest projects. These include tasks like painting, replacing flooring, or installing new light fixtures. As they don’t involve major structural changes or permits, they can often be completed in just a few weeks to a couple of months.

Examples:

Refreshing interior or exterior paint.
Installing new flooring (hardwood, laminate, or tile).
Upgrading lighting or hardware.

2. Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations (3-6 Months)

Bathroom and kitchen renovations are among the most popular home projects—and they’re also some of the most complex. These spaces involve plumbing, electrical work, and custom cabinetry, which can extend timelines.

Key tasks:

Demolition of old fixtures and finishes.
Installing or relocating plumbing and electrical systems.
Custom cabinetry and countertop fabrication.

3. Full Home Renovations (6-12 Months or More)

If you’re undertaking a full home renovation, it’s a significant commitment. These projects involve multiple trades, structural work, and often require homeowners to vacate the property during construction. Timelines can range from half a year to over a year, depending on the size of the home and the extent of the changes.

4. Custom Builds and Additions (12-18 Months)

Expanding your home or building a custom space from scratch is a large-scale project. These projects require detailed design and engineering, extensive permitting, and careful execution.

Stages include:

Planning and permitting.
Excavation, foundation, and framing.
Service rough-ins.
Interior and exterior finishes.

Key Factors That Influence Renovation Timelines

Several factors can affect how long your renovation takes. Understanding these variables can help you set realistic expectations and plan your project effectively.

1. Scope of Work

The more extensive your renovation, the longer it will take. For example, updating a single room will naturally require less time than renovating an entire home or adding a new floor.

2. Permits and Approvals

In Toronto, permits are required for many renovation projects, especially those involving structural changes, plumbing, or electrical work. The approval process can take weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the project and the backlog at city planning offices.

Tip: Partnering with an architect and builder familiar with Toronto’s permitting process can help streamline this step.

3. Seasonality and Weather

Outdoor renovations like decks, landscaping, or additions are heavily influenced by Toronto’s weather. For example, excavation and concrete work are best done in warmer months, as freezing temperatures can cause delays.

4. Material Availability

While supply chain issues have mostly resolved themselves since Covid, there can still be delays for the delivery of materials, especially custom items like cabinetry, countertops, or specialty finishes. Ordering materials well in advance can help mitigate this.

5. Contractor Expertise

An experienced contractor with a strong network of tradespeople and suppliers can make a significant difference in your renovation timeline. They’ll anticipate challenges, coordinate efficiently, and minimize delays.

6. Surprises During Demolition

One of the biggest wildcards in renovation timelines is what lies beneath the surface. Issues like outdated wiring, mold, or asbestos are common in older Toronto homes and can add unexpected time to your project.

Breaking Down the Renovation Process

To better understand why renovations take time, it’s helpful to look at the key stages involved in most projects:

1. Planning and Design (1-6 Months)

This stage includes defining the scope of work, creating a design plan, and finalizing your budget. Collaborating with a designer or architect can ensure your vision is translated into actionable plans.

2. Permitting and Approvals (1-4 Months)

Depending on the project, obtaining permits from the City of Toronto can take significant time. Delays often occur when revisions are needed, so submitting accurate and detailed plans is crucial. If the size of the home is being expanded, either through an addition or converting attic space, you may be required to go through the Committee of Adjustments to obtain approval for the zoning variances. This can add several months depending on their backlog.

3. Demolition (1-4 Weeks)

Once the permits are in place, demolition begins. This stage can reveal unexpected issues, so contingency plans are essential.

4. Construction (3-12 Months)

The construction phase includes all the heavy lifting, from structural work to installing finishes. The timeline depends on the project size and complexity.

5. Inspections and Final Touches (2-6 Weeks)

Finally, inspections ensure the work meets safety standards and building codes. Once approved, final touches like painting and cleaning bring the project to completion.

How to Keep Your Renovation on Track

While some delays are unavoidable, there are ways to keep your renovation moving forward efficiently:

1. Hire a Professional Team

Choosing an experienced contractor with a proven track record in Toronto can save you time and stress. Look for a company that offers comprehensive services, from preconstruction planning to project management.

2. Plan Ahead

Start your renovation planning early and have a clear timeline in place. The more details that are decided ahead of construction the more efficiently the construction can be executed.

3. Communicate Regularly

Working with a contractor that prioritizes communication ensures any issues are addressed promptly. Regular updates can help you stay informed about progress and potential delays.

4. Build Flexibility into Your Timeline

Even with the best planning, surprises can happen. Adding a buffer to your timeline can help you manage expectations and reduce stress.

The Toronto Advantage

Toronto is a unique city when it comes to home renovations. The mix of heritage properties, modern condos, and suburban homes means every project is different. Working with a team that understands Toronto’s building codes, bylaws, and market dynamics is crucial for a smooth renovation experience.

Conclusion

Renovation timelines in Toronto depend on the project’s size, complexity, and various external factors like permitting and weather. While cosmetic updates may take just a few weeks, large-scale projects like full home renovations or custom builds can stretch into months or even a year.

Partnering with an experienced and reliable contractor is the key to staying on track. At Lighthaus Built, we specialize in managing Toronto renovations with precision and care. From pre-construction planning to final inspections, we’re here to ensure your project is completed on time and to the highest standards.

Ready to start your renovation journey? Contact us today for a consultation and let us bring your vision to life!

Meet the Author

Dave Cook is co-owner of Lighthaus Built and has spent 17 years working in single-family construction in Toronto. Through the years, he has worked as a carpenter, site supervisor, and project manager for more than 60+ major, high-end renovations and custom homes.

As an HCRA-licensed builder, he and his company (Lighthaus Built) are well-versed in constructing high-quality homes and take pride in what they do.

On a personal level, Dave is very active in several sports - most notably, distance running, road cycling, and tennis. He bakes bread (for personal consumption) and no, this was not a Covid thing. He grew up eating homemade bread and has made my own for the past 20 years. He has been married for 20 years and has two teenage children and a dog.

How Long Does a Renovation in Toronto Take?