What to Expect During a Home Renovation (Week-by-Week Timeline)
Here’s what really happens during a renovation, from demo to handover — with no sugar-coating.
Renovating your home is exciting—but let’s be honest, it’s also messy, noisy, and full of moving parts. If you’ve never been through the process before, you might be wondering: how long will it take, and what actually happens week by week?
Here’s a real-world renovation timeline NZ homeowners can expect, based on typical Key Interiors projects. No sugar-coating, just a clear guide so you can plan with confidence.
🛠️ Pre-Reno Phase (2–4 Weeks Before)
Before any work begins, we lock in:
Design decisions
Fixtures, fittings, tiles, and tapware
Finalised scope and floorplans
Council consent (if needed)
Appliance and product orders
This is the most important phase. Good prep = fewer delays.
🔨 Week 1: Demolition + Site Prep
Old cabinetry, tiles, fixtures removed
Protective floor coverings laid
Temporary walls or barriers installed
Rubbish skip delivered
Any minor framing or wall adjustments begin
Expect: Dust, noise, trades on-site from day one.
🧱 Week 2: Plumbing + Electrical Rough-In
Plumbing pipes repositioned or capped
Electrical wiring re-run for new lights, powerpoints, and switches
Underfloor heating (if included) installed
Builders complete wall framing or prep
Expect: Holes in walls and floors. It’s not pretty yet.
🧱 Week 3: GIB + Plastering
GIB board installed
Plastering, sanding, and wall prep
Ceiling lines cleaned up and boxed areas completed
Expect: A lot of dust (again) and drying time. Site starts to take shape.
🧱 Week 4: Flooring + Tiling
Subfloor or underlay prep
Tiling begins in bathrooms/laundry
Timber, vinyl, or hybrid flooring goes down in main areas
Grouting and waterproofing checks
Expect: Your finish choices start to appear—momentum kicks in.
🪵 Week 5: Cabinetry Installation
Kitchen, laundry, and bathroom cabinetry installed
Benchtop templates taken (stone may require extra time)
Appliance positions confirmed
Expect: The rooms begin to look like real spaces again.
💡 Week 6: Benchtops, Plumbing + Electrical Fit-Off
Stone benchtops installed
Tapware, sinks, vanities, and toilets installed
Lights, switches, and fans fitted
Final appliance install and testing
Expect: Your space is 90% complete—nearly move-in ready.
🧽 Week 7: Final Touches + Clean-Up
Painting touch-ups, silicone sealing, trims finished
Doors, handles, and hardware fitted
Final site clean
Quality assurance check and defect list reviewed
Expect: You’ll walk through the space and flag any final tweaks.
🏠 Week 8: Handover!
You get the keys (or the go-ahead to move back in)
We provide care instructions and warranties
Photos taken (optional)
You enjoy your new space!
Some smaller renovations may wrap up faster; larger projects may take 10–12+ weeks.
📅 Want a Visual Version?
👉 Download our Home Renovation Timeline PDF
Includes a printable week-by-week visual breakdown.
📚 Explore More Reno Guides
Planning a full house upgrade or just one room? Check out:
👉 Kitchen Renovation Cost Guide (2025)
👉 Bathroom Renovation Timeline & Tips
👉 Laundry Layouts That Actually Work
👉 Villa Renovation Advice for Auckland Homes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical renovation take in NZ?
Most mid-size renovations (kitchen, bathroom, laundry) take 6–8 weeks. Larger or structural projects can run 10–14 weeks or more depending on complexity.
Can I live in the house during the renovation?
Sometimes—if the renovation is contained to one part of the house. But expect disruption, noise, and dust. Many clients temporarily move out if multiple rooms are involved.
What causes delays in renovations?
Late product orders, unforeseen wall/floor issues, or decision changes mid-build. That’s why we lock in all selections up front.
Do I need council consent for my renovation?
Only if structural, plumbing, or layout changes affect compliance. We’ll advise you during the planning stage if consent is needed.
Can you manage the whole renovation for me?
Yes—we handle everything from design to delivery, so you don’t have to coordinate trades, suppliers, or council paperwork.