Full-Home Renovation Timeline: What Riverside Residents Should Expect

A full-home renovation can transform your Riverside property, breathing new life into its design and functionality. However, without a clear timeline, the process can feel overwhelming. Understanding the home renovation timeline Riverside CA homeowners can expect will not only help you plan better but will also help you navigate each phase of construction with ease. In this guide, the team at Kirmina Construction breaks down every stage of a full-home renovation, from the initial consultation to the final inspection.

1. Initial Consultation and Design Phase (1-4 Weeks)

The first step in any home renovation timeline Riverside CA is the initial consultation. This is when you meet with your contractor, discuss your goals, and explore design possibilities. During this phase, the focus is on:

• Discussing the scope of your project: What areas of the home do you want to renovate? Are you looking for an open-concept layout, or do you want to update specific rooms, like the kitchen or bathroom?

  
  

• Understanding your vision: Share any design inspiration, mood boards, and your preferred materials.

  
  

• Consulting with architects and designers: If necessary, your contractor will bring in a design team to draft detailed plans and 3D models.

  
  

• Initial rough budget estimate: Based on the scope, a rough budget estimate will be

  created.

The initial phase typically lasts between 1 to 4 weeks depending on the complexity of your project and how quickly decisions are made. The more information you provide upfront, the smoother this phase will go.

2. Permitting & Planning (2-6 Weeks)

Once the design plans are finalized, the next step in your home renovation timeline Riverside CA is obtaining the necessary permits. In Riverside, this process can be time-consuming, as it involves submitting your plans to the city’s Building & Safety Division. This includes:

• Filing for permits: Structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work all require specific permits in Riverside. Your contractor will submit the required documents for approval.

  
  

• Title 24 and CALGreen compliance: These energy and sustainability standards ensure that your home is efficient and environmentally friendly, and they must be considered during the design process.

  
  

• Zoning approval: If you are making significant structural changes, your contractor will need to ensure your project complies with Riverside’s zoning laws.

This phase can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the project’s size and complexity, as well as the efficiency of the local permit office. Having a contractor experienced with Riverside's permitting process can help speed up this stage.

3. Demolition and Structural Work (2-4 Weeks)

Once your permits are approved, construction begins. The demolition phase is typically one of the messiest stages of the home renovation timeline Riverside CA, but it is essential for making way for new designs.

• Demolition: Walls, floors, and old fixtures are removed. The timeline can vary depending on the extent of the demolition required.

  
  

• Structural work: This includes reinforcing foundations, adding new walls or beams, or

  updating structural components to meet current building codes.

The duration of this phase depends on the scale of your renovation, but it typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. At this stage, the home may be temporarily uninhabitable, and your contractor will manage the cleanup.

4. Rough-Ins: Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC (2-3 Weeks)

Once the home’s structure is in place, it’s time to focus on the internal systems. These include:

• Electrical rough-ins: Running wires and installing the basic electrical infrastructure.

  
  

• Plumbing rough-ins: Installing the plumbing pipes and making sure they are up to code.

  
  

• HVAC installation: Adding or upgrading the home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

This phase is crucial to ensuring that all systems work efficiently and are compliant with Riverside’s codes. It typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete this step.

5. Insulation, Drywall, and Windows (3-4 Weeks)

Once the rough-ins are complete, the next part of the home renovation timeline Riverside CA focuses on bringing your home’s walls and windows to life. This phase includes:

• Installing insulation: Proper insulation helps regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency.

  
  

• Drywall installation: This is where your home starts to take shape. Walls are built, mudded, and smoothed out for a finished look.

  
  

• Windows and doors: Installing high-performance windows that meet Title 24 energy standards is key to the home’s overall comfort and efficiency.

This phase typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the home and the number of contractors working on the project.

6. Finishing Touches: Flooring, Cabinetry, and Paint (3-6 Weeks)

The final interior phase focuses on adding the details that will give your home its unique look. During this stage, your contractor will install:

• Flooring: Hardwood, tile, or carpet is laid down, depending on your preference.

  
  

• Cabinetry and countertops: Your kitchen and bathrooms will be outfitted with the materials you selected during the design phase.

  
  

• Painting: Walls are painted, and any final touch-ups are made.

This phase is where the transformation becomes visible. Depending on the size of the home and the complexity of the finishes, it may take 3 to 6 weeks to complete.

7. Final Inspection and Punch List (1-2 Weeks)

Before you can move back into your newly renovated home, a final inspection is required. Riverside inspectors will check to ensure everything is up to code and meets the necessary building requirements. Your contractor will also perform a final walkthrough and address any remaining issues on the punch list, such as minor touch-ups or adjustments.

This phase typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the number of items to be corrected and the scheduling of final inspections.

Conclusion: Completing Your Dream Home

By following a structured home renovation timeline Riverside CA, you can turn your vision into reality with minimal stress. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, remodeling your entire home, or adding additional living space, careful planning ensures a smooth, on-time project.

Ready to get started? Contact Kirmina Construction today to begin planning your dream home renovation with our expert design-build team.