One of the first questions every homeowner asks is: “How long is this actually going to take?”
And honestly…the real answer is “longer than you think… but for good reason.”
Between strict village approvals, older home conditions, long-lead materials, and the natural phases of construction, Long Island renovations follow a rhythm of their own.
Here’s a clear, honest timeline so you know exactly what to expect before you start.
Why Renovations Take Longer on Long Island
Renovating here isn’t the same as renovating in areas without tight zoning or older housing stock. Long Island projects typically run longer because:
- Many homes were built 50–120 years ago
- Villages have extensive review boards (Architectural, Historical, Zoning)
- Permits require detailed documentation
- Weather impacts exterior work
- Coastal requirements add engineering and inspections
- Specialty trades and materials often have longer lead times
This doesn’t mean your project will drag, it just means the timeline must be realistic and well-planned.
Phase 1 — Pre-Construction (4–16+ Weeks)
Before any walls come down, months of planning, coordination, and village approvals happen behind the scenes. This is the phase that determines how smoothly (and predictably) the rest of the renovation will go.
Design & Planning (2–8 Weeks)
This is where your renovation starts taking shape on paper.
Your architect, designer, and contractor work together to develop:
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Layout options
- Material concepts
- Lighting plans
- Cabinet designs (for kitchens/baths)
- Revision rounds based on your feedback
On Long Island, this phase is slightly longer than in other regions because the design must align with your local village codes, zoning requirements, and lot restrictions from the very beginning.
A well-planned design minimizes costly surprises later, especially once engineering and permitting begin.
Engineering (2–4 Weeks)
Almost every project on Long Island requires some level of engineering review.
Depending on the scope, you may need:
- Structural engineering for beams, joist modifications, wall removals, foundations
- Mechanical engineering for HVAC design and load calculations
- Civil engineering if drainage, grading, or site plans are required
- Energy compliance documents based on NYS energy codes
Engineers provide stamped drawings that must be submitted to the village, and most villages won’t even accept your application without them.
Older homes often require additional calculations or reinforcements, which can add a bit of time — but it prevents mid-project structural surprises.
Permits & Village Approvals (3–12+ Weeks)
This is the biggest variable in any Long Island renovation timeline, and the part most homeowners don’t think about until they’re already deep into the process.
Even a simple renovation may require multiple permits and multiple layers of review.
Depending on your village and project scope, approvals may involve:
- Architectural Review Board (ARB)
- Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
- Tree removal permits
- Historical or Landmark review (common in Sea Cliff, Roslyn, Glen Cove)
- Engineering review by the village
- Flood zone requirements (coastal areas)
If any documents need corrections, your architect or contractor must re-submit — which can add additional weeks depending on how often your village meets.
Some villages meet monthly, some twice a month, and a few meet only as needed.
Why this matters:
- Your contractor can’t start until approvals are issued
- Ordering materials often depends on the approval date
- Delays here push the entire timeline downstream
Getting this part right is essential.
A strong pre-construction team who knows your village’s process keeps this phase moving as quickly as possible.
Phase 2 — Demolition & Prep Work (1–3 Weeks)
Once permits are in hand, the on-site work starts.
Typical tasks include:
- Removing old materials
- Identifying hidden issues
- Rough layout of mechanicals
- Installing temporary protections
Older Long Island homes often reveal surprises like outdated wiring, old plumbing, water damage, or structural issues, all of which can extend this phase slightly.
Phase 3 — Rough Construction (3–8 Weeks)
Once demolition is complete and the space is opened up, the project enters one of the most important phases: rough construction. This is where the home’s structure and core systems take shape, and where your renovation starts moving from “demo zone” to a real, buildable space.
This phase involves the framework, infrastructure, and inspections that determine the long-term safety and functionality of your home.
Framing
Framing is the skeleton of your renovation. During this stage, your contractor:
- Removes or modifies load-bearing walls
- Installs LVLs or steel beams as needed
- Reconfigures floor joists
- Builds new walls, closets, or room extensions
- Reinforces any existing structural elements identified during demo
For older Long Island homes, framing often takes a bit longer because existing structures may not be perfectly level or square — adjustments are made on-site to ensure the new layout is properly supported and aligned.
Electrical, Plumbing & HVAC (the “Rough-Ins”)
Once framing is in place, licensed trades come in to begin the “guts” of the home:
Electrical rough-in
- Wiring for outlets, switches, and lighting
- Dedicated circuits for appliances
- Low-voltage wiring (WiFi, speakers, smart home tech)
Plumbing rough-in
- Water supply lines
- Waste lines
- Venting
- Locations for sinks, showers, tubs, and appliances
HVAC rough-in
- New ductwork or modifications
- Venting for dryers, hoods, and equipment
- Mini-split or system changes
Each of these systems must be installed before insulation or drywall can go up.
Inspections are required at this point, and your village will not allow the project to move forward until electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins are approved.
Windows & Doors
Windows and doors play a major role in the rough construction timeline because:
- They often have long lead times
- Structural openings must be framed around them
- They must be installed before exterior siding, insulation, or drywall can continue
- They may require additional flashing or waterproofing (especially near coastal areas)
Any delay in window delivery can slow down this entire phase, so ordering early in pre-construction is crucial.
Rough Construction Inspections
At the end of this phase — once framing and rough-ins are complete — your village will typically require several inspections, including:
- Framing inspection
- Electrical rough-in inspection
- Plumbing rough-in inspection
- HVAC/mechanical inspection
- Fire-blocking or insulation pre-check in some municipalities
No walls can be closed until every inspection is passed.
A good contractor sequences these inspections efficiently so your project doesn’t sit idle while waiting for approvals.
Phase 4 — Insulation, Drywall & Plaster (1–3 Weeks)
Once all rough-in inspections are passed, your project moves into a highly satisfying stage — the moment when walls finally start to close up and your space begins to feel like a real room again.
This phase is quick compared to many others, but the quality of the work here has a major impact on your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and the finished look of the space.
Insulation
Your walls, ceilings, and floors are insulated to meet NYS and local village energy code requirements.
Depending on your home and project type, you may see:
- Fiberglass batt insulation (most common)
- Spray foam insulation (for higher efficiency or tricky areas)
- Soundproofing insulation between rooms or floors
- Rigid foam in exterior walls or cold spaces
Proper insulation helps regulate temperature, reduces noise, and improves long-term energy savings. After insulation is installed, most villages require an insulation inspection before the project can proceed.
Hanging Drywall
Once insulation is approved, drywall (sheetrock) goes up. This part moves quickly:
- Panels are measured, cut, and secured
- Openings for outlets, fixtures, and vents are precisely cut
- Rooms immediately start taking shape
This is also the stage where homeowners begin to get a real feel for the size and layout of the renovated space.
Taping, Mudding & Sanding
Drywall finishing is where the detail work happens — and where patience pays off.
The process includes:
- Taping seams
- Applying multiple coats of joint compound (“mudding”)
- Sanding between coats
- Creating smooth or textured finishes (depending on design)
This phase can’t be rushed. Each coat needs adequate dry time, which can lengthen the schedule during humid Long Island summers or in colder months when heat cycles affect drying.
High-quality finishing ensures walls look seamless once painted — cut corners here are very noticeable later.
Plaster or Skim Coating (If Applicable)
Some older Long Island homes benefit from plaster or skim coat finishes to create:
- Ultra-smooth walls
- Improved durability
- Better blending with existing plaster surfaces
Though optional, it elevates the finished look of the space and helps new walls match original ones in pre-war homes.
Inspections & Prep for Finishes
Before you can move on to cabinetry, tile, or painting, your village may require:
- A drywall inspection
- A fire-blocking inspection
- A final insulation verification
Once these are approved, the project moves into one of the most time-intensive stages: finish work.
Phase 5 — Finishes & Fixtures (4–12 Weeks)
This is the stage where your renovation truly comes to life. After weeks of structural work, utilities, inspections, and drywall, the finishes phase transforms the space from a construction zone into a livable, beautifully detailed room or home.
While it’s the most exciting part of the project, it’s also the longest — because so many different trades and custom elements converge here.
Cabinetry Installation
Cabinetry sets the foundation for the layout of kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and built-ins.
This step includes:
- Installing base and wall cabinets
- Adjusting for level floors and walls (common in older Long Island homes)
- Securing panels, fillers, and trim
- Preparing for appliance positioning
Custom cabinetry or semi-custom modifications often extend this portion of the timeline — especially if adjustments are needed after delivery.
Countertops & Stone Fabrication
Once cabinets are installed, countertop templates can be made. The process generally includes:
- On-site templating
- Fabrication at a local stone shop
- Delivery and installation
Fabrication times vary depending on stone type, edge detail, and fabrication complexity. Natural stone and specialty quartz styles often have longer lead times.
Tile Installation
Tile work is detail-heavy and time-sensitive. It often includes:
- Waterproofing for wet areas (showers, bathrooms)
- Laying floor tile or wall tile
- Grouting and sealing
- Creating custom niches or patterns
Master bathrooms or specialty tile designs can extend this portion of the timeline due to layout intricacy.
Flooring
Flooring installation varies based on material and condition of existing subfloors.
This may include:
- Refinishing existing hardwood
- Installing new hardwood or engineered flooring
- Laying luxury vinyl plank or tile
- Installing tile in kitchens, baths, or mudrooms
Sanding, staining, and sealing hardwood floors add drying time that must be factored into the schedule.
Trim & Carpentry Details
Finish carpentry ties everything together with:
- Baseboards and casings
- Crown molding
- Wainscoting or wall paneling
- Built-ins and shelving
- Window and door trim
This is the phase where craftsmanship really shines — details here define the polish of the final space.
Painting
Painting requires multiple passes and precision:
- Priming
- Cutting in
- Rolling walls and ceilings
- Painting trim and doors
- Touch-ups after fixture installation
If your home uses custom finishes, accent colors, or plaster treatments, expect this portion to take longer.
Plumbing & Electrical Fixtures
Once surfaces are finished, plumbers and electricians return to install:
- Sinks and faucets
- Toilets
- Showers and tubs
- Light fixtures
- Switches and outlets
- Appliances
- Smart home components
This step requires coordination between trades and often happens in stages depending on delivery dates for fixtures.
Hardware & Final Details
Hardware brings functionality and style:
- Cabinet pulls
- Door handles
- Hooks, rods, and bath accessories
- Smart locks or specialty hinges
These may seem small, but they make a big difference in the usability and final look of the space.
Why Finish Work Takes the Longest
Finishes involve:
- Multiple trades working in sequence
- Dry times (paint, grout, hardwood)
- Precise measurements
- High-touch installation
- Specialty or custom materials
Anything custom — cabinetry, stone fabrication, specialty fixtures, made-to-order doors, or high-end finishes — can extend this phase by several weeks.
This is where the craftsmanship is most visible, so careful pacing pays off in the final result.
Phase 6 — Final Touches & Inspections (1–3 Weeks)
After months of planning, building, and detail work, the final phase brings everything together. This is when your contractor fine-tunes the space, completes inspections, and ensures that every aspect of the renovation meets both your expectations and local village requirements.
Though this phase is shorter, it’s essential for delivering a clean, finished, fully functional home.
Touch-Ups & Corrections
Once all fixtures and finishes are installed, your contractor does a walkthrough to identify small imperfections or areas needing refinement. This might include:
- Paint touch-ups
- Caulking adjustments
- Correcting minor scratches or dents
- Adjusting cabinet doors or hardware
- Re-aligning trim or doors
These finishing touches make the difference between “done” and professionally complete.
Punch-List Completion
Most renovations end with a formal punch list — a final checklist of items created by you and your contractor. It typically includes:
- Small adjustments
- Minor fixes
- Missing hardware
- Final fixture placement
- Last-round corrections after move-in prep
The goal is to ensure that every detail aligns with the agreed-upon scope and quality standards.
Final Installations
During this stage, your contractor may complete:
- Remaining fixtures or accessories
- Final plumbing and electrical hookups
- Shower doors, mirrors, or glass installations
- Towel bars, hooks, or bath accessories
- Any last-minute custom work
This ensures that the space is 100% functional before final inspection.
Thorough Cleaning
Renovation dust gets into everything, even with proper containment. Before turnover, your contractor should provide:
- A deep clean of floors and surfaces
- Removal of debris and protective coverings
- Wipe-down of cabinetry and fixtures
- Window cleaning (if applicable)
- Vacuuming and HEPA filtration to reduce dust
This gives you a fresh, move-in-ready space.
Final Village Inspections
Your local village will typically require one or more final inspections to ensure everything is up to code. This may include:
- Electrical final
- Plumbing final
- HVAC/mechanical final
- General building inspection
Passing these inspections is necessary before the project can officially close.
CO or CC Issuance (If Required)
Depending on the scope, your village may issue:
- A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for additions or major structural changes
- A Certificate of Completion (CC) for interior renovations or smaller projects
This documentation confirms that the renovation was completed legally, safely, and in compliance with all building department standards.
Completion & Handover
Once the punch list is complete, the final inspections pass, and the CO/CC is issued, your renovation is officially finished. Your contractor will walk you through the completed space, review how to operate new systems or features, and ensure you’re confident using everything.
This marks the end of the construction phase — and the beginning of enjoying your newly transformed home.
Estimated Timelines by Project Type
Every renovation is unique, especially on Long Island where village regulations, home age, and material lead times can significantly impact the schedule. While no timeline is one-size-fits-all, these ranges reflect realistic averages based on hundreds of local projects.
Keep in mind:
Your exact timeline will depend on your village’s permitting process, the condition of your home, how quickly selections are finalized, and the availability of materials.
Kitchens — 12 to 20 Weeks
Kitchens are one of the most complex renovation types because they involve:
- Cabinetry (often custom or semi-custom)
- Countertop templating and fabrication
- Plumbing and electrical rough-ins
- Appliance installation
- Tile work and flooring
- Multiple inspections
Delays often stem from long-lead materials like cabinets and specialty fixtures. A well-planned pre-construction phase helps shorten overall timing.
Bathrooms — 8 to 14 Weeks
Bathrooms are smaller, but packed with detail and specialized trades:
- Plumbing and waterproofing
- Tile installation
- Custom shower enclosures
- Vanity installation
- Electrical and lighting upgrades
Master bathrooms or those with intricate tile designs often take longer than hall or guest baths.
Full Home Renovations — 4 to 9+ Months
A full renovation involves multiple rooms, systems, and phases running back-to-back. These projects typically include:
- Structural work
- New electrical and plumbing
- Multiple bathrooms or kitchens
- Flooring throughout
- Major finish work
- Inspections at every stage
Homes built before the 1970s often require additional time due to outdated infrastructure, uneven floors, or required upgrades to meet current code.
Additions / Extensions — 6 to 12+ Months
Additions involve both interior and exterior construction, including:
- Framing and structural engineering
- Foundations or footings
- Roofing and siding
- Window and door installation
- Full interior build-out
Timelines depend heavily on:
- Village permitting and zoning
- Architectural Review Board schedules
- Structural complexity
- Weather (for exterior work)
If the project requires a variance or multiple rounds of review, the timeline can extend beyond a year.
New Construction — 12 to 24+ Months
Building a home from the ground up is the most time-intensive project type because it includes:
- Full design and engineering
- Extensive permitting
- Foundation and framing
- Full mechanical systems
- Exterior and interior construction
- Landscaping and site work
- Multiple rounds of inspections
Larger custom homes, coastal builds, and projects requiring environmental review or specialized engineering typically fall at the longer end of this range.
What Causes Delays — and How to Avoid Them
Even the best-planned renovation can experience bumps along the way — especially on Long Island, where village approvals, older home conditions, and multi-trade coordination all play a role. Most delays aren’t caused by poor planning… they’re caused by predictable factors that your contractor should help you navigate.
Here are the most common causes of delays — and what you can do to minimize them.
Slow Permit Approvals
Village review boards, zoning requirements, historical review committees, and monthly meeting schedules can push approvals out weeks or months. This is the number one cause of delays on Long Island.
Material Backorders
Cabinetry, windows, stone countertops, specialty plumbing fixtures, and custom items often have long lead times. If orders aren’t placed early, the entire schedule gets pushed back.
Hidden Issues Behind Walls
Once demolition begins, hidden surprises — outdated wiring, rotten subfloors, structural issues, mold, unpermitted past work — can extend timelines while adjustments are made.
Weather Delays
Exterior work, roofing, siding, additions, excavation, and concrete all depend on weather conditions. Winter freezes, rain, and extreme heat can slow things down.
Inspection Scheduling
Villages often require multiple inspections between phases. If your village is backed up — or only inspects on certain days — work may pause temporarily.
Changes to the Scope Mid-Build
Homeowners often make new decisions once walls are opened and the new space becomes visible. While normal, scope changes add time for ordering materials, adjusting plans, and re-scheduling trades.
Tips to Keep Your Renovation on Track
Finalize Selections Early
Decide on cabinetry, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, flooring, and hardware during pre-construction to avoid backorders or last-minute design changes.
Order Long-Lead Items as Soon as Possible
Windows, doors, custom cabinetry, and stone fabrication should be ordered immediately once your plans are approved.
Avoid Mid-Project Design Changes
Small changes are fine — but big layout or finish switches cause delays and increase costs. Stick to your plan after work begins.
Hire a Contractor Who Manages Permits, Engineering & Scheduling
Coordinating all moving parts is a full-time job. A well-organized contractor will anticipate delays, communicate clearly, and keep trades moving.
Build a Timeline Cushion Into Your Expectations
A realistic timeline beats an optimistic one every time. Expect minor delays and you’ll feel far less stressed throughout the process.
By planning ahead, making timely decisions, and choosing a contractor who knows the Long Island landscape, you’ll dramatically reduce downtime and keep your project moving forward smoothly.
So… How Long Does It REALLY Take?
A Long Island renovation stays on schedule when a few key things happen:
- The design is fully finalized early
- Permits are submitted correctly and completely
- Long-lead materials are ordered upfront
- The home is properly prepped for construction
- The contractor manages the project proactively and communicates clearly
Where most homeowners get tripped up is this:
They underestimate the time required for pre-construction and overestimate how quickly the finish phase happens.
Pre-construction can take months, and finishes involve dozens of trades and detailed coordination. When you build in the right expectations from the beginning, the entire renovation becomes smoother, more predictable, and far less stressful.
A realistic timeline is essential for a successful renovation.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re thinking about renovating and want a team who sets clear timelines from day one, Saros Construction & Consulting is here to help.
Fill out our contact form and let’s talk about your project.
