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Nov 12, 2025
🕒 How Long Will Your New York City Renovation Really Take?
Robert Scott
4 MIN READ
One of the first questions every New York homeowner asks is:
“How long will my renovation actually take?”
It’s a fair question — because in NYC, time isn’t just money, it’s also building access, management approvals, and a hundred moving parts. The truth? The timeline depends on your building type, scope, and the efficiency of your contractor. But here’s a realistic, experience-based breakdown.
1. Design & Permits: 4–8 Weeks
This stage often takes the longest.
Before anyone picks up a hammer, your renovation must go through design finalization and approvals.
Here’s what’s involved:
Architectural drawings, interior layouts, and detailed scope of work
Board and building management reviews for co-ops and condos
Filing with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) for applicable permits
If you’re in a co-op or landmark building, this phase can easily stretch beyond 8 weeks due to additional review steps.
A well-organized GC familiar with NYC’s unique bureaucracy (and a proactive expediter) can save weeks here.
2. Demolition & Rough-In: 3–6 Weeks
Once the paperwork is complete, the exciting part begins — demolition.
During this phase, we:
Remove old finishes and fixtures
Complete any wall, plumbing, or electrical reconfigurations
Frame new layouts and perform rough-in inspections
Hidden surprises like uneven walls, old wiring, or minor structural issues can extend this phase slightly, but a strong site team keeps things moving efficiently.
3. Finishes & Fit-Out: 2–4 Weeks
This is where your home starts to look like a home again.
Tasks typically include:
Tiling bathrooms and kitchens
Installing flooring, cabinetry, and millwork
Painting and finishing carpentry
Final fixture installations (lighting, plumbing, hardware)
Material lead times can impact this phase. Choosing and ordering finishes early keeps the schedule tight and predictable.
4. Punch List & Final Cleanup: 1–2 Weeks
Every project deserves a perfect finish.
The final phase covers:
Addressing minor touch-ups and adjustments
Cleaning the entire site
Conducting the final inspection with building management and, if needed, DOB close-outs
A professional GC will handle this efficiently, ensuring you move into a fully complete and spotless space.
⏱️ The Realistic Timeline for NYC Homes
Small bathroom renovation: ~6–8 weeks
Kitchen renovation: ~8–10 weeks
Full apartment renovation: ~4–6 months (including design & permitting)
Trying to “fast-track” a renovation in New York usually causes more stress and rework than it’s worth.
The key is not just speed — it’s planning, communication, and experience.
The Say Construction Approach
At Say Construction, we plan every NYC renovation around realistic milestones and transparent communication.
We focus on:
Coordinating with management and expediters early
Minimizing downtime between trades
Ensuring top-quality craftsmanship — never rushed, always refined
Because a renovation done right, on time, and with proper oversight isn’t luck — it’s project management.
