Most Popular Projects – How Long Will this Project Take?

New Windows

Average Cost: $8,500 to $14,800
Average Time: Three Weeks

Most users report three weeks as an average amount of time to replace all windows. Not to worry, you won’t be left in the cold for that long. Most of the time is spent upfront measuring and then after the install to ensure a tight fit. Plus, the fewer windows, the less time the job takes.

Home Addition

Average Cost: $75,000
Average Time: Three to Four Months

This project takes the cake. Those surveyed state that three to four months is about average for this project. But remember, this is only three months of construction. The planning, design, and permitting stages can make this project twice as long, even if the construction only takes a few months. The good news is that it’s new space, so for the most part you won’t have an existing space torn up. And the reward is a bigger home.

Homeowner Hint: This is a long project, and you’re basically in a temporary marriage with your contractors. Take steps like making the occasional pot of coffee, leaving bagels or buying lunch. This keeps the relationship strong and the project going smoothly.

Kitchen Remodel

Average Cost: $18,500 to $45,000
Average Time: Six Weeks

Most users reported six weeks as the average time to complete a kitchen remodel. Of course, depending on the details and size of the projects, some homeowners reported as long as four months when moving walls and rearranging plumbing, and as short as three weeks when only replacing countertops and flooring.

Homeowner Hint: Hire a designer. Whoever you hire to complete the project will need professional plans to work with.

Bathroom Remodel

Average Cost: $9,150 to $35,000
Average Time: Four to Five Weeks

Four and a half weeks, say the 1,050 homeowners surveyed. The most common advice is to have a strong marriage if you only have one bathroom. Again, if you are moving the toilet or bumping out a wall, this can significantly increase the time; however, new tile and new paint will likely be under two weeks.

Homeowner Hint: move everything out of the bathroom before the contractors arrive; it helps speed things along and shows the pro that you are trying to help the process.

New Siding

Average Cost: $6,500 to $18,500
Average Time: Two to Three Weeks

No matter which type of siding you choose – stucco, vinyl, metal or wood – you are looking at just a little over two weeks.

Homeowner Hint: move all items in your yard, remove pictures off exterior walls, and if possible, create a space for your siding pros to store the siding material. They’ll love you for it.

Wood Flooring

Average Cost: $5,250 to $12,500
Average Time: One Week

Most users reported that installing new wood flooring will take one long week.

Homeowner Hint: Remember that in most climates the wood slats need to be stored in the home for about three to five days to acclimatize to the humidity, which means that you might have to step over the material for a few days before your new floor is complete.

 

Wood Fence

Average Cost: $2,875 to $6,500
Average Time: Three Days

Most users (834) say that their new wood fence went up in about three days. One day to set the posts, one day to put up the boards, and one day to attach the gate and seal the wood. This is a popular and quick project that provides security and privacy.

Homeowner Hint: An air tight fence might be great for privacy and security, but it will damage your landscaping by obstructing the air flow through your yard. Consider having the boards staggered to keep your landscaping healthy.

 

House Painting

Average Cost: $2,975 to $12,500
Average Time: One Week

Over 1,600 homeowners reported that is took one long week to paint their home. Certainly bigger houses and multi-storied houses may take longer.

Homeowner Hint: Provide your painters with a place to wash their brushes and park their truck. It’s these extras that make them want to do a little extra for you.

 

New Shingle Roof

Average Cost: $5,900 to $18,000
Average Time: Five Days

What’s great about a new asphalt roof (besides replacing the bad shingles) is that it only takes about a week. Of the 1,249 people asked, the average time of project was a few hours shy of five days. Better still, you don’t even have to be home while they work.

Homeowner Hint: Roofers can work much faster if they can position a large dumpster next to your house for the old roofing materials. If you can create a space for this dumpster, your new roof can go on much more quickly.

 

New Deck

Average Cost: $7,650 to $25,000
Average Time: Two and a Half Weeks

Over 1,000 homeowners from across the country with new decks reported that the installation process took about two and a half weeks. To speed up the process, these homeowners were advised to get professional plans early. The deck builder needs professional plans to work off of, and if you come to the table with them, the deck will be finished sooner.

Homeowner Hint: Deck builders need a place to store their tools and the deck materials. Clear a space for them that is not only close to the deck that helps the builders, but also won’t ruin your yard.