What To Expect When Remodeling a Home in Scottsdale

Remodeling outdated or inefficient rooms can help with the overall comfort and value of your home, but it can also disrupt your daily routine.

Generally, the length of time it takes to renovate a typical home can run anywhere from several days for basic cosmetic alterations, like paint jobs, to several months for extensive remodeling.

Knowing what to expect can be half the battle when it comes to remodeling a home in Scottsdale. 

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning

Any remodeling project usually starts with interviewing the professionals who will do the work—the designers and contractors. With each expert, check for licenses and always ask for references. Never hire the first person you interview without talking to others. That first contractor might have great ideas, but a second or third may offer practical guidelines you may not have otherwise considered.

For example, a kitchen-remodeling project can cost a lot of money and time, so you should be completely satisfied with the design and the contractors involved. Remember, the work you are paying for will be done even in your most personal of spaces, personality matters.

After decide on the design plans, it’s time to order items like cabinets and appliances, before the actual work begins. Your contractor will seek permits, which could take a week to a month, depending on where you live. Construction could also take weeks or months.

Here are ballpark estimates for the time involved with various remodeling projects:

Room addition (such as a guest bedroom or den) 

Length of time: One to two months
What it involves: The designer and contractor have to examine ground conditions and work with any structural or foundation issues.
Possible pain points: A smart contractor will build the room outside of your house and complete electrical work in the room before opening the wall between your home and the new room. This way, the construction will end up being less disruptive to your family’s lifestyle.

Kitchen 

Length of time: Three to six months
What it involves: Remodeling an entire home usually means replacing all appliances, cabinets and counters—and installing the backsplash and floors.
Possible pain points: Existing conditions in your home can impact the length of time necessary to perform the job. This can include updating old plumbing or improving electrical wiring to relocating or moving ductwork.

Bathroom 

Length of time: Two to three months
What it involves: Bathroom remodels often take less time then kitchens. They are smaller and don’t always need extensive electrical and vent work. Most bathroom changes typically involve plumbing, so it’s important to spend time upfront researching and hiring good plumbing contractors.

Possible pain points: Delays can be created by unforeseen problems in the floor—or any room below the floor. Because waste plumbing is located in the floor, there is a risk of damage to the room beneath the bathroom. Proceeding with caution is key.