Renovation Fever
It’s the beginning of a new year, and this may be the year you finally decide to take on that renovation you’ve been thinking about.
Renovating a home involves many moving parts, and once you commit, it’s essential to understand that there is a specific order to the process so that everything arrives and happens at the right time. This is where a strong partnership between a designer and a contractor becomes invaluable.
From a Designer’s Perspective
Careful planning around layout, placement, and specifications must happen early—and the designer must stay ahead of the contractor so construction is never delayed. At the same time, the contractor needs to keep the designer informed of progress every step of the way.
While delays can occur due to shipping issues or backorders, the following is a general guideline. Every project is unique, but this framework helps ensure a smooth and well-coordinated renovation.
Step 1: Foundational Selections
We begin with the foundational elements of the project. For a kitchen renovation, this includes appliances, plumbing fixtures, flooring, and tile. These selections inform nearly every decision that follows.
Once those are underway, cabinetry and countertops come next. Many fixtures and finishes can take weeks—or longer—to arrive, so early selection is critical.
General Timelines:
Flooring & tile: 2–6 weeks (depending on origin)
Plumbing fixtures: 2–6 weeks
Lighting: 3–8 weeks
Millwork (kitchen & bathrooms): 7–12 weeks
Countertops: Slabs may be selected from stock, but templating only occurs once base cabinets are installed. Expect up to 2 weeks for installation after templating.
Appliances: Installed after countertops
Kitchen sink & faucets: Installed after countertops
Step 2: Millwork & Finish Direction
Once cabinet styles and colours are selected, final drawings can be completed and delivery dates scheduled. Since the kitchen typically anchors the finish direction of a whole-home renovation, starting here helps streamline decision-making for the rest of the house.
Our mood boards bring clarity to this process. They include everything from countertops, backsplashes, and cabinet hardware to layouts and proposed furniture in adjoining spaces—helping you visualize how everything will come together.
Step 3: Construction & Demolition
Once the contract is signed with your contractor and cabinetry delivery is confirmed, demolition can begin. At this stage, your contractor creates a “work-back schedule” to ensure everything is properly timed and ready for cabinet installation.
Step 4: Furniture & Finishing Touches
Furniture sizing is addressed during the planning stages, along with preliminary selections informed by your mood boards. However, final fabric choices and sit tests are essential to creating a truly bespoke home.
If you’re replacing existing furniture, it’s important to make selections sooner rather than later—you’ll want a comfortable place to land once the dust settles.
Furniture & finishing timelines:
Upholstered furniture: 8–16 weeks
Case goods (coffee tables, side tables, lamps): 4–12 weeks, depending on availability and shipping
Lighting: 3–8 weeks
Artwork (new pieces or reframing): 4–6 weeks
Collectibles: Often introduced toward the end, mixed with your existing pieces
Window treatments:
If windows are being replaced, measurements occur once installation and trim are complete
Fabric selection and ordering follow
Expect 4–8 weeks from order
Privacy is a key consideration when moving back in
While this may seem like a daunting list, breaking the renovation process into clear, well-timed steps makes it far more manageable.
Transforming your living space can be both exciting and deeply satisfying.
Here’s to change in 2026.
Renovation Timeline
Weeks 0–4
Initial planning and design *NOTE: This can take longer depending on decision timing and meeting availability
Appliance, plumbing, flooring, tile, and lighting selections and ordering begins
Weeks 4–6
Flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures start to arrive
Cabinet design finalized
Mood boards completed
Furniture sizing and preliminary selections
Weeks 6–12
Millwork fabrication underway
Ordering all Decorative hardware, fabrics and lighting.
Contractor contract signed
Demolition begins (based on cabinet delivery timing)
Weeks 12–14
Cabinet installation
Countertop templating
Painting
Weeks 14–16
Countertop installation
Appliance, sink, and faucet installation
Window final measurements and treatments ordered
Weeks 8–16 (overlapping)
Upholstered furniture production
Case goods, lighting, artwork ordered
Weeks 16–20
Furniture delivery
Styling with artwork, collectibles, and accessories