One of the first questions homeowners ask me is, “How long is this renovation going to take?” Timelines matter. You need to plan your life around a renovation, and knowing what to expect takes a lot of stress out of the process. Below is a clear, realistic breakdown based on the projects we complete most often here in Kamloops, along with what it’s actually like to live in your home during each type of renovation.
Bathroom Renovation — 4 Weeks
A standard bathroom reno takes about 4 weeks. That bathroom will be out of commission the entire time. If it’s your only shower, you’ll need an alternative plan (gym, friends, or a temporary setup). Noise and dust are manageable, but the space won’t be usable until it’s fully finished — especially the waterproofing and tile work.
Kitchen + Bathroom Floor Renovation — 8 Week
This is a bigger project and usually runs around 8 weeks. Your kitchen will be down for 4–6 of those weeks. We can help you set up a temporary kitchen, but expect some disruption with appliances being disconnected, flooring installation limiting access, and different trades moving through the home.
Full Floor Renovation — 12 Weeks
Renovating your entire main floor is a 12-week process on average. This affects everyday life the most: flooring, drywall, paint, electrical, fixtures, and often a kitchen all happening at once. Large sections of the home will be unavailable at certain times. Some clients stay in the home, others leave for part of the renovation — both options work depending on your comfort level.
Home Addition — 16 Weeks
A well-planned addition typically takes 16 weeks. The good news is most of the work happens outside the existing structure. Interior disruption is minimal until we tie the new space into the old. You’ll experience noise and traffic around the property, but day-to-day living inside the home is usually manageable.
Can You Live in Your Home During a Renovation?
For most projects, yes — but your routines will be impacted. Here’s what to realistically expect: Daily noise during work hours (typically 7 AM–5 PM). Dust control measures such as poly walls, zipper doors, and air scrubbers. Walkways kept clear and safe. Areas blocked off during certain phases. Temporary kitchen or bathroom adjustments depending on the project. Pets needing secure spaces during working hours. Living through a renovation is absolutely doable — as long as you understand the day-to-day impact before things begin.
What Can Affect a Renovation Timeline
Even with solid planning, some factors can shift timelines. The most common are material lead times (cabinets, countertops, windows, specialty fixtures), inspections and permit schedules, hidden issues in older homes (rot, wiring, plumbing, asbestos), homeowner-driven changes mid-project, weather delays for additions or exterior work, and trade availability. These are normal parts of the process — planning for them prevents surprises.
How We Keep Your Project on Track
At Live Timber, clear systems and communication prevent most timeline issues. We build a detailed schedule before starting, coordinate trades well in advance, order materials early to avoid delays, provide regular updates so you always know what’s coming, keep the site clean and organized, and follow a clear sequence that keeps work moving efficiently.
How Homeowners Can Help Keep Things Running Smoothly
You don’t need to lift a finger with the work — but there are a few things that genuinely help: Approve materials and finishes early. Keep work areas clear before the project starts. Secure pets during working hours. Avoid last-minute changes unless necessary. Ensure we have access to the home when needed. Write down any in-person decisions or conversations (we do the same). Renovations run best when expectations are clear on both sides.
Final Thoughts
Timelines don’t have to be confusing. When you understand how long things take — and what to expect while living through it — you can plan properly and avoid the stress that usually comes with renovations. Whether you're updating a bathroom, redoing a kitchen, or planning an addition, having realistic expectations makes the process smoother and the outcome better. If you’re thinking about renovating, I’m happy to walk you through timelines, costs, and what your project would look like.