Planning a home remodel in Pittsburgh is an exciting journey toward creating a space that better reflects your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals. Whether you’re updating a dated kitchen, reconfiguring your living areas, or taking on a whole-home transformation, one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is: how long will it take?
At Shannon Staley & Sons, we’ve worked with families all across Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania to complete renovations that are thoughtful, efficient, and tailored to their needs. While no two homes or projects are exactly alike, having a clear understanding of realistic remodeling timelines can help you prepare with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll cover average timelines for different types of remodels, the most common factors that affect how long your project might take, and practical tips to help keep things on track.
| Pittsburgh Remodel Timelines by Project Type |
| Factors That Affect Pittsburgh Home Remodel Timelines |
| Tips to Keep Your Pittsburgh Remodel on Track |
Planning a home remodel in Pittsburgh is an exciting journey toward creating a space that better reflects your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals. Whether you’re updating a dated kitchen, reconfiguring your living areas, or taking on a whole-home transformation, one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is: how long will it take?
At Shannon Staley & Sons, we’ve worked with families all across Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania to complete renovations that are thoughtful, efficient, and tailored to their needs. While no two homes or projects are exactly alike, having a clear understanding of realistic remodeling timelines can help you prepare with confidence. In this guide, we’ll cover average timelines for different types of remodels, the most common factors that affect how long your project might take, and practical tips to help keep things on track.
Pittsburgh Remodel Timelines by Project Type
Timelines can vary widely depending on the size of the project, the age and condition of the home, the level of planning in place, and the permitting process in your specific municipality. Still, there are general benchmarks you can use to set expectations and begin planning.
Kitchen Remodel
Typical Timeline: 6 to 20 weeks
Kitchens are often the heart of the home and one of the most complex remodels you can take on. Even a basic kitchen remodel involves coordination between multiple trades, from electricians and plumbers to cabinet installers and countertop fabricators.
In Pittsburgh, many homes, especially older properties in neighborhoods like Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and Mt. Washington, have outdated wiring or plumbing that must be brought up to code. Custom cabinetry, imported fixtures, or structural changes can also extend the timeline. The design and material selection phase is crucial in keeping the build moving once it begins.
Primary Bathroom Remodel
Typical Timeline: 6 to 18 weeks
Bathrooms might be smaller than kitchens, but they require just as much planning and skilled labor. Between tile setting, plumbing adjustments, waterproofing, and fixture installation, bathroom remodels rely on careful sequencing.
If you’re working with a bathroom that hasn’t been updated in decades, you may run into space planning issues or discover structural repairs are needed. Pittsburgh’s older homes often have unique layouts that can make retrofitting modern vanities, tubs, or showers a bit more involved. Lead times for tile and specialty fixtures can also create bottlenecks if not ordered in advance.
Whole Home Remodel
Typical Timeline: 16 to 32 weeks
A whole-home remodel is a significant undertaking that often includes multiple bathrooms, the kitchen, living spaces, and mechanical systems like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. In Pittsburgh, this type of project is common for homeowners who love their neighborhood but want to modernize an outdated or inherited home.
Whether you’re renovating a home in Lawrenceville or the South Hills, whole-home remodels require detailed planning and strong project management to avoid delays. The timeline also depends on whether you’re living in the home during construction. Temporary housing arrangements can speed up the process by giving crews unrestricted access to the space.
Home Additions
Typical Timeline: 20 to 36 weeks
Adding more square footage to your home is one of the best ways to improve comfort and functionality without moving. Whether you're building out a new primary suite, sunroom, or family room, these projects require structural engineering, foundation work, and often roofing integration.
In Pittsburgh and surrounding communities like Ross Township and Upper St. Clair, zoning and permitting requirements can affect the timeline. Soil conditions, setbacks, and utility access must be considered during the planning phase. Delays can also occur if inspections aren’t scheduled early or if additional site preparation is needed.
Outdoor Living Space Remodel
Typical Timeline: 4 to 10 weeks
Outdoor spaces are becoming more important to Pittsburgh homeowners. From covered porches and composite decks to outdoor kitchens and hardscaped patios, these projects are typically less invasive than interior renovations.
However, exterior work is especially dependent on weather. Pittsburgh’s seasons bring snow, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles that can slow progress. Planning outdoor projects for late spring through early fall gives you the best shot at a smooth timeline. Keep in mind that masonry and concrete work also require dry, moderate conditions to cure properly.
ADUs or Guest Suites
Typical Timeline: 20 to 40 weeks
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), in-law suites, or basement apartments have grown in popularity across the Pittsburgh region. These projects are especially appealing for families who want to create private living quarters for aging parents or adult children, or for those looking to generate rental income.
ADUs are essentially fully functioning small homes. They require new plumbing and electrical runs, insulation, separate entrances, and compliance with Pittsburgh’s zoning regulations. If your home is located in a city neighborhood or historic district, there may be additional approval steps that add to the overall timeline. Expect more planning time upfront as these projects involve structural and mechanical changes that need city review.
Custom Home Build (For Comparison)
Typical Timeline: 9 to 15+ months
While not technically a remodel, many Pittsburgh-area homeowners weigh the cost and timeline of building new against significantly renovating their existing property. Custom builds require land acquisition, permitting, and an extensive design process. While they offer full control over layout and finishes, they often take longer and require more upfront planning than a major remodel.
Factors That Affect Pittsburgh Home Remodel Timelines
Even with a solid plan, remodels can face delays from a number of factors. Knowing what influences project timelines helps homeowners plan realistically and make informed decisions throughout the process.
Local Permitting and Inspections
Pittsburgh’s permitting process varies by municipality. The City of Pittsburgh, for instance, may have different requirements than Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, or Franklin Park. Some areas require architectural reviews for exterior changes or zoning variances for additions and ADUs.
If your home is located in a historic district or on a steep lot, expect additional permitting steps. Shannon Staley & Sons works directly with local departments to ensure plans are approved efficiently, but these steps still add time and should be factored into your overall schedule.
Material Availability and Lead Times
Some of the most common delays in Pittsburgh remodeling projects come from long lead times for custom or imported materials. Cabinets, specialty tile, engineered hardwood flooring, and smart home technology often take several weeks or months to arrive. Ordering materials early in the process is key.
Your contractor should provide a selection schedule that outlines when decisions need to be finalized so materials can be ordered on time. Delays in selecting items like plumbing fixtures or lighting can push timelines back by weeks.
Mid-Project Changes
It’s natural to want to tweak a few things as your remodel progresses. But even small design changes can create ripple effects. Switching out a sink or changing tile halfway through might require redoing plumbing, reordering materials, or rescheduling trades.
At Shannon Staley & Sons, we emphasize finalizing the design and materials before work begins to reduce change orders. That means fewer delays and a more predictable timeline.
Pittsburgh Weather Conditions
Pittsburgh’s four-season climate is beautiful but unpredictable. Snow, ice, rain, and extreme cold can affect foundation work, roofing, exterior painting, and masonry.
If you’re planning an outdoor remodel or an addition that includes exterior tie-ins, try to schedule it for spring, summer, or early fall. Winter projects are possible, but they require extra precautions and sometimes involve higher labor costs due to heating needs or slower progress.
Age and Condition of the Home
Many homes in Pittsburgh date back to the early 20th century or even earlier. While they’re full of character, they can also hide surprises behind the walls - like outdated knob-and-tube wiring, lead pipes, or inadequate structural framing.
A thorough inspection before construction begins can help uncover these issues, but some are only found after demolition starts. These discoveries might require additional time and budget, so it’s wise to build a contingency into your timeline and financial plan.
Contractor Scheduling and Coordination
Some of the most preventable delays in a remodel come down to poor communication or trade coordination. Scheduling issues between electricians, plumbers, drywallers, and painters can create bottlenecks that stall progress.
At Shannon Staley & Sons, we assign a dedicated project manager to every job to ensure a smooth flow of work. Our team handles all scheduling and logistics in-house, which reduces downtime and keeps your remodel moving forward.
Tips to Keep Your Pittsburgh Remodel on Track
While not every delay can be avoided, many of the most common ones can be minimized or eliminated with the right preparation. Here’s how to keep your Pittsburgh remodel on schedule:
- Lock in your design and material selections before construction starts. This helps prevent rework and keeps trade scheduling tight.
- Work with a contractor who offers detailed planning and transparent communication. Clear expectations and responsive project management go a long way.
- Plan around seasonal challenges. If your project involves roofing, foundations, or other outdoor work, aim for spring through fall.
- Respond quickly to questions or approvals. Being available for feedback helps avoid slowdowns when decisions are needed mid-project.
- Stay flexible and trust your team. No remodel is completely without surprises. Trusting your contractor to guide you through solutions will reduce stress and keep things moving.
Ready to Start Your Remodel?
Every home remodel is a chance to create a more comfortable, beautiful, and functional space. While the timeline can vary depending on the scope of work and your home’s unique needs, knowing what to expect gives you the power to plan effectively and avoid unwanted surprises.
At Shannon Staley & Sons, we are proud to help homeowners across Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Cranberry Township, and beyond bring their remodeling goals to life. Our team of experienced builders, project managers, and trade partners is here to ensure that your project is delivered with care, craftsmanship, and professionalism - on schedule and on budget.
If you're ready to take the next step toward remodeling your Pittsburgh home, reach out to us. We’d be happy to answer your questions, provide a detailed estimate, and help you turn your vision into reality.