Planning a commercial renovation requires realistic expectations about how long the project will take. Underestimating timelines leads to missed deadlines, extended business disruptions, and cost overruns. Knowing what happens during each phase helps you plan around construction and set achievable opening or occupancy dates.
At Blum Custom Builders, we guide clients through commercial renovations of all sizes. This page explains what determines renovation timelines and what to expect during each phase of your project.
Before any demolition or construction begins, significant work happens on paper. This phase includes programming your space requirements, developing designs, selecting materials, and preparing construction documents. Rushing through planning often creates problems that slow construction later.
The design phase typically takes four to twelve weeks depending on project scope. Simple renovations with minimal design needs fall on the shorter end. Projects requiring architect involvement, engineering reviews, or extensive coordination take longer. Use this time to finalize decisions rather than leaving choices open for the construction phase.
Commercial construction requires building permits, and permit timelines vary significantly by jurisdiction. Some municipalities process simple permit applications in one to two weeks. Others require plan review periods of six to eight weeks or longer. Projects in historic districts or those requiring zoning variances face additional review steps.
Submit permit applications as early as possible once your construction documents are complete. Your contractor should be familiar with local permit processes and can advise on expected review times. Factor permit delays into your overall schedule rather than assuming approvals will happen quickly.
Once permits are approved, work begins on site. Renovation projects typically start with demolition of existing finishes and removal of materials that will not remain. This phase also includes any structural modifications and rough preparation for new work.
Demolition duration depends on how much existing material must come out and how carefully it must be removed. Selective demolition that preserves certain elements takes longer than complete gut renovation. Environmental considerations like asbestos or lead paint require specialized handling that adds time. Plan for one to three weeks for most commercial demolition scopes.
After demolition, trades install the systems that will be hidden behind finished walls and ceilings. This includes electrical wiring, plumbing supply and drain lines, HVAC ductwork, and fire protection systems. Inspections occur before walls are closed, adding time but ensuring work meets code requirements.
Rough-in work typically takes two to six weeks depending on the scope of mechanical and electrical changes. Projects that maintain existing system locations move faster than those with significant rerouting. Coordination between trades matters during this phase since multiple crews work in the same spaces.
With rough-in complete and inspected, interior construction proceeds. This includes framing walls, installing drywall, and creating the basic structure of your finished space. Doors, frames, and hardware are set. Ceiling grids and tiles go in. The space begins to look like its final configuration.
This phase runs two to four weeks for most commercial renovations. Custom details, unusual ceiling heights, or specialty wall treatments extend timelines. Weather rarely affects this indoor work, so scheduling is more predictable than exterior construction.
The finishing phase includes flooring installation, painting, trim work, and installation of fixtures and equipment. This is when the space comes together visually. Punch list items are identified and corrected. Final inspections occur, and certificates of occupancy are issued.
Allow two to four weeks for finishes depending on material lead times and level of detail. Custom millwork, specialty flooring, and imported materials require advance ordering. Coordinate furniture delivery and technology installation with construction completion so you can occupy the space promptly after final inspections.
Several common issues cause renovation projects to run longer than planned. Discovering hidden conditions like structural damage, outdated wiring, or water infiltration requires addressing problems before proceeding. Material delays have become more common and can stall progress when specific products are unavailable. Decision delays from owners and tenants ripple through schedules when trades cannot proceed without answers.
Build contingency time into your schedule for these possibilities. Most commercial renovations should include two to four weeks of buffer for unexpected issues. Discuss potential risks with your contractor during planning so you understand what could affect your specific project.
Most commercial renovations take three to six months from design start to occupancy. Simple projects with minimal permitting can be faster. Large or heavily regulated projects may take nine months or longer.
Early decisions, complete drawings, and advance material ordering all help projects move faster. Discuss schedule priorities with your contractor at the start so they can plan accordingly.
Renovating while maintaining operations requires careful scheduling. Work can often be phased so portions of your space remain functional. This approach extends overall duration but reduces business disruption.
Some materials require ordering weeks or months in advance. Identify long-lead items early and place orders before construction begins. Your contractor can advise on which materials in your project require early commitment.
Interior commercial renovation is less weather-dependent than new construction. However, projects with exterior work or those requiring open windows for ventilation may be affected by seasonal conditions.
We proudly serve the Houston area and surrounding communities, including
Sign Up for newsletter to stay up to date
A realistic timeline keeps your renovation on track and your business running smoothly. Blum Custom Builders brings experience in commercial project management to every renovation we undertake. Contact us today to discuss your project timeline.
Blum Custom Builders is here to guide you through every step of the process, from design to completion. Get in touch today to schedule your consultation and begin turning your ideas into reality.
