⏱️ How Long Does a Major Remodel Really Take?
🏗️ The Three Phases of a Major Remodel
1️⃣ Design & Planning (1–3 Months)
Before any construction starts, you’ll need detailed plans, permits, and selections in place.
Key steps include:
Hiring a design-build firm or architect.
Creating floor plans and 3D renderings.
Selecting materials, fixtures, and finishes.
Submitting drawings for LADBS (Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety) review.
💡 Tip: Homeowners who finalize design decisions early can save weeks of back-and-forth later.
At Nail & Hammer, we streamline this stage with our in-house design-build process — integrating design, engineering, and estimating into one workflow to reduce downtime.
2️⃣ Permitting & Approvals (1–4 Months)
In Los Angeles, the permit process can be unpredictable. LADBS reviews each project based on complexity, zoning, and building codes.
Typical LADBS approval timelines:
Interior remodels (non-structural): 4–6 weeks.
Structural or addition projects: 8–16 weeks.
Major remodels (with multiple trades): Up to 4 months or more.
Common delays include correction notices, zoning overlays (like hillside or coastal zones), and plan revisions.
That’s why our team manages the entire permit process — tracking submittals, coordinating responses, and working directly with city plan checkers to keep things moving.
3️⃣ Construction (3–9 Months)
Once permits are issued, the physical work begins. The duration depends on the scope of your remodel:
Estimated Construction Timelines:
Kitchen Remodel: 8–12 weeks
Bathroom Remodel: 4–8 weeks
Whole-Home Remodel: 6–9 months
Additions or Second Story: 8–12 months
🧱 Factors That Impact Construction Time:
Structural complexity: Foundation, framing, or layout changes.
Material availability: Custom finishes and imported products can delay progress.
Inspection scheduling: LADBS must approve each stage before the next begins.
Client decisions: Late changes or upgrades can extend the schedule.
At Nail & Hammer Construction Corp, we use project scheduling software and daily field reports to keep everyone aligned — so work stays consistent, even when challenges arise.
⚙️ Variables That Impact Total Duration
Every remodel is unique, but the biggest time factors are:
🔧 Scope of Work
A simple cosmetic update takes weeks. A full remodel with new plumbing, electrical, or layout changes can take 9–12 months.
🏛️ Permit Complexity
Historic, hillside, or multi-family properties often require additional reviews from the city or other departments (Planning, Fire, or Environmental).
🧰 Contractor Coordination
Efficient coordination between trades — electricians, plumbers, framers, painters — keeps the job moving. Lack of coordination causes downtime and rework.
💬 Client Responsiveness
Quick approvals on change orders, finishes, or design revisions can shorten the schedule by weeks.
⏳ How Proactive Planning Reduces Downtime
The biggest time-saver isn’t cutting corners — it’s planning ahead.
Here’s how we streamline remodels at Nail & Hammer:
Preconstruction Planning: Address design, budget, and logistics before demo.
Early Material Ordering: Lock in availability for lead-time items.
Digital Scheduling: Manage every trade and inspection in one shared timeline.
Dedicated Project Management: Keep communication clear between clients, trades, and city inspectors.
By preparing properly, we minimize idle days and eliminate surprises that cause costly extensions.
🧰 Realistic Example: Full Home Remodel Timeline
Here’s what a typical 6–9 month major remodel looks like in Los Angeles:
Month 1–3: Design, architectural plans, and permit submission
Month 4–6: Permits approved, demolition begins, framing and rough-ins
Month 7–8: Inspections, drywall, and finishes
Month 9: Final walkthrough and punch list
Total duration: 8–9 months, depending on project scale and city response times.
✅ Conclusion
A major remodel isn’t an overnight project — it’s a carefully managed process that depends on planning, coordination, and communication.
When handled by an experienced general contractor, the process flows smoothly from design to inspection — with fewer delays and more predictable results.
At Nail & Hammer Construction Corp, we bring decades of experience and a design-build approach that keeps every remodel organized, efficient, and built to last.
📞 Call 424-800-3704 today to schedule your consultation and get a realistic timeline for your Los Angeles remodel.
