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Planning an entire home renovation is not for the faint of heart. For most homeowners, a renovation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, leaving them with many burning questions. How to plan a home renovation timeline? Where to find reliable contractors? How to set and achieve realistic goals?

At Tremblay Renovation, renovation is our calling. We have completed hundreds of successful renovation projects in the Ottawa area and will be happy to guide you through your own renovation timeline and planning.

Starting with a Clear Vision and Realistic Goals

When planning a home renovation timeline, the key to success lies in having a clear vision and setting realistic goals. Start by reflecting on:

  • Your family’s functional needs
  • Aesthetic preferences
  • Budget constraints

Gather everyone together to decide which features are must‑haves and which can be deferred or adjusted. Spend an afternoon browsing Pinterest boards, design blogs, and our online gallery, and save photos that accurately capture your design vision.

The Importance of a Well-Structured Renovation Timeline

Once you have a clear vision in mind, it’s time to start planning. While building a renovation timeline may seem like an extra step, proper scheduling is critically essential to the success of a large project.

Why? Because trades booked back-to-back and in proper order save money and reduce the renovation stress. A detailed timeline will prevent demo crews, plumbers, electricians, and painters from stepping on each other’s toes and duplicating work. Plus, flagging lead times for specialty items like custom cabinetry or imported tile will ensure that they arrive exactly when installers need them, avoiding costly delays.

Tremblay Renovation’s Turnkey Process: Seamless from Start to Finish

At Tremblay Renovation, we follow a turnkey renovation process, which means a single point of contact for you and a fully accountable team overseeing every stage of the project on our end.

  1. Initial phone consultation and preliminary estimate. The process begins with the first consultation, during which we take a look at your inspiration photos, review your home’s measurements, and provide you with an approximate estimate for the work to be done.
  2. Pricing and planning meeting. Next, we will meet with you in person to finalize the preliminary estimate and the approximate home renovation timeline.
  3. Design approval and deposit. Once the cabinetry, fixtures, textures, and layout are confirmed, we will receive your final approval and request a deposit to proceed.
  4. Pre-production stage. We will appoint a Project Manager, order all necessary materials, apply for the required permits, and develop a more detailed home renovation timeline.
  5. Production/construction. Once all the permits and materials are ready, construction can begin. Your Project Manager will coordinate all trades and ensure that everyone adheres to the home renovation timeline.
  6. Completion and quality assurance. At the final walkthrough, we will note any outstanding items and make any necessary changes to ensure that the project is done to your satisfaction.

Pre-Organized Scheduling: No Wait Time Between Phases

At Tremblay Renovation, we follow the reverse scheduling method: we book drywallers before demo starts and reserve countertop installers while cabinets are still in the shop. With careful scheduling and organization, we can avoid costly downtime and cross the finish line at the agreed-upon date.

Stages of a Home Renovation Timeline Explained

So, how would you plan a home renovation timeline? While the estimates below are approximate (and you’ll still need a construction Project Manager to fine-tune the schedule), they can provide you with a great starting point for your project.

1. Design and Planning: Laying the Foundation for Success

  • Week 1: Initial consultation, photo review, and space measurements; we outline your wish list and budget.
  • Week 2: Concept sketches and 3D renderings are drafted; rough cost ranges are refined.
  • Week 3: Material selections (flooring, fixtures, cabinetry) and layout tweaks; estimate is adjusted as needed.
  • Week 4: Final design sign‑off, fixed‑price quote issued, and project timeline locked in.

2. Permits and Approvals: Handled Before Work Begins

  • Week 5: Permit packages prepared and submitted to the city or condo board; engineering stamps obtained if required.
  • Week 6: Municipal review in progress; we respond to any follow‑up questions while placing all material orders.
  • Week 7: Permits are issued; materials and specialty items receive confirmed delivery dates, and the construction start date is set.

3. Construction Phase: Efficient, Coordinated, and On-Time

  • Weeks 8 to 9: Demolition, site prep, and rough‑ins for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical.
  • Weeks 10 to 11: Framing adjustments, window/door installs, and structural inspections.
  • Weeks 12 to 13: Insulation, drywall hanging, taping, and sanding.
  • Weeks 14 to 15: Flooring, cabinetry, tile work, and interior door installations.
  • Week 16: Trim, painting, lighting, and final mechanical hook‑ups; weekly progress meetings keep you in the loop.

4. Final Touches and Walkthrough: Your Dream Home Realized

  • Week 17: Detailed walkthrough with you to compile a punch list; our crew handles every outstanding item.
  • Week 18: Deep clean, final inspection, and project handover; you receive your warranty package and enjoy your newly renovated space.

Why Homeowners in Ottawa Trust Tremblay for Seamless Renovations

At Tremblay Renovation, we have over 35 years of hands-on experience in renovating Ottawa homes. This means that we are familiar with the city’s bylaws, climate quirks, and property values like no one else. Over the years, we have conducted numerous renovation projects, established connections with tradespeople and suppliers, and learned how to plan a home renovation timeline that minimizes delays and ensures every phase flows smoothly into the next. If you are looking to renovate your home, reach out to us! We would be happy to walk you through our process and help you turn your dreams into a reality.

Bryan Headshot

Bryan

Bryan Tremblay is the proud owner of Tremblay Renovation Inc. since 1989. Bryan was born in northern Ontario in a small French community, and he is proud to offer his services in both French and English. Being from the North, Bryan loves to spend time in nature. After moving away from the North, he needed a place to do just that. So he built a cottage for his family and friends from scratch; That is where he spends most of his weekends.

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