How long does an apartment renovation take

Preparation (weeks -3 to 0): a site visit, a written quote, the contract, and ordering materials with long delivery times (tiles, sanitaryware, windows, kitchen units). This phase is often underestimated by clients who want to start ‘next week’. When it is skipped, the project starts without a plan – and is already running late by the halfway point.

Demolition and preparation (weeks 1–2): removing old tiles, parquet, wallpaper and kitchen units. Sometimes knocking down partition walls. Waste removal. This phase reveals the real condition of the installations, and this is often where the ‘unforeseen’ problems appear – corrosion, damp, non-compliant pipework.

Main installations (weeks 3–5): plumbing – new risers, new water supply pipes, new drainage, pressure testing. Electrical – new wiring, a new electrical panel, new sockets and switches, testing. Where needed, heating and air conditioning. These are the most critical weeks – badly installed plumbing and wiring can only be put right by breaking open finished walls and floors.

Walls, ceilings and floor screed (weeks 5–7): drywall partitions and ceilings, skim coating, levelling, waterproofing in wet rooms, self-levelling screed. Each layer needs time to dry – this cannot be hurried without consequences. Painting with primer + 2–3 finishing coats.

Flooring and tiles (weeks 7–10): ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen. Parquet or laminate in the bedrooms and living room. This is the stage that creates the visual frame of the final result – so the work is done carefully and is not rushed.

Finishing work (weeks 10–12): fitting doors, sanitaryware, taps, lighting, sockets and switches. Fitting skirting boards. Final clean. Handover with the client and fixing minor imperfections (touch-ups).

A realistic buffer: add 10–15% to the planned timeline. A delivery that arrives 5 days late, a tradesman off sick for 4 days and one change by the client in the middle of the project add up to a 2-week difference. When you plan your move-in date: day 80 in the contract, day 90 in your own plans.