Updated 2026-07-03 · by Equipo Técnico
How long a flat renovation takes: a realistic schedule
Renovating a full 90 m² flat takes 7 to 10 weeks on site, plus 2 to 4 weeks beforehand for design, the licence and ordering materials. A bathroom takes 8-12 days, a kitchen 2-3 weeks and a partial renovation (floors and paint) 2-4 weeks. The phases follow a fixed order: demolition, services, masonry, tiling and flooring, joinery and paint. Skipping drying times is the main cause of later problems.
The question owners ask most before a renovation is how long the home will be upside down. The answer depends on size, scope and whether the work follows a logical order. Each phase needs the previous one finished and, in some cases, dry. That is why a good schedule is worth as much as a good quote.
Schedule for a 90 m² full renovation
Duration by phase (90 m² flat, mid quality)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Demolition and waste removal | 3–5 days |
| Plumbing and electrics (services) | 5–8 days |
| Masonry and partition walls | 5–10 days |
| Tiling and flooringincludes curing times | 7–12 days |
| Joinery, doors and wardrobes | 4–6 days |
| Painting and final finishing | 4–6 days |
Added up, with the usual overlaps between trades, these phases give the 7-10 weeks on site for a 90 m² flat. A 120 m² home or one with re-planning adds 2-4 weeks. The phases cannot be squeezed at will: mortars and screeds need their curing time before work continues.
How long each room takes on its own
- Full bathroom: 8-12 working days.
- Kitchen: 2-3 weeks, plus the unit manufacturing lead time.
- New flooring throughout: 5-8 days by area.
- Full repaint of the flat: 3-5 days.
- Window replacement: 1-3 days, by number of openings.
The lead-in phase many forget
- Design and choosing finishes: 1-2 weeks.
- Minor works licence or responsible declaration: days to weeks by town.
- Ordering materials and furniture with manufacturing lead times: 2-4 weeks.
- Have the kitchen units and sanitaryware ordered before demolition starts.
What can delay the work
- Surprises when floors and walls are opened: failed pipes, hidden damp.
- Last-minute changes to materials or layout.
- Long lead times on bespoke furniture or special joinery.
- Decisions not made in time by the owner.
- Drying times that cannot be rushed without spoiling the result.
Tip: make every material decision before work starts and keep a 10-15% buffer in the schedule to avoid most delays. For non-resident owners we send a written schedule and weekly photo updates, so a well-planned job rarely overruns on the building work itself, only on pending decisions or surprises in older homes.