Buildline Renovations & Extensions 03 7 min read Guide
What to expect during a renovation (the full timeline)
The seven stages from site visit to handover, how long kitchens, bathrooms, and extensions take, and what living on site is really like.
Short answer: A well-run renovation follows a defined sequence: site visit, scope, plans, council, contract, build, handover. Each stage has a clear output and your sign-off before the next one starts.
The renovation sequence
Every renovation follows the same steps, whether it is a bathroom or a full house. Each stage produces a clear output that you review before the next one starts.
The seven stages of a renovation
- Site visit and measure. We inspect the property, take measurements, and discuss your brief. This is free and usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.
- Scope and design. We draw up the plans and write the scope. You see what is proposed before any pricing.
- Fixed-price quote. A line-by-line quote with materials, finishes, and timeline named. No round numbers, no allowances.
- Council and cert. We lodge the DA or CDC, engage the engineer, and manage approvals. You stay informed but do not need to chase paper.
- Build. Work follows a plan with milestones. Progress payments are tied to finished stages, not calendar dates.
- Practical completion. A joint walk-through to spot any defects. Items are listed, agreed, and fixed before handover.
- Handover and warranty. Keys, manuals, certificates, and the warranty schedule. The defect liability period begins.
Typical renovation timelines
These timelines cover the on-site construction phase only. Add 4 to 8 weeks for design, quoting, and council approvals before the build starts.
3 to 5 wk
bathroom renovation
Typical AU residential, 2026
4 to 8 wk
kitchen renovation
Typical AU residential, 2026
12 to 16 wk
ground-floor extension
Typical AU residential, 2026
On-site construction only. Design, council, and engineering add 4 to 8 weeks before the build starts.
Living on site during the work
For a single-room job (kitchen or bathroom), most owners stay in the house. You lose access to that room and should expect dust, noise, and trades from 7 am. We put up dust barriers, protect finished surfaces, and clean up each day.
For full-home work or major structural jobs, moving out is usually easier. We discuss this at scoping and factor it into the plan.
Red flag
A builder who starts work before council approval is granted. Unapproved work can
lead to stop-work orders, fines, and an order to pull down finished work at the
owner's cost.
Good sign
A builder who provides a written programme with milestones, weekly progress updates,
and a defined process for handling variations when the unexpected is found.
Common questions
How long does a renovation take?
It depends on scope. A bathroom takes 3 to 5 weeks on site. A kitchen takes 4 to 8 weeks. An extension runs 12 to 16 weeks. We give you a plan with milestones before work starts, and update you each week.
Can I live in the house during a renovation?
For a single room (kitchen, bathroom), yes. You lose access to that room while it is being done. For full-home work or major structural jobs, moving out is usually easier. We discuss this at scoping.
What happens if something unexpected is found behind the walls?
We stop, document the issue, and send you a written variation with the new scope and price. No work starts on the change until you approve it in writing.