A commercial remodeling project can breathe new life and value into a building. Whether you’re updating the layout for an open floor plan or expanding a room to suit a new purpose, remodeling unlocks countless growth opportunities. But how long do these projects take? 

In this blog, we’ll outline the typical timelines for each phase of a commercial remodeling project and explore key factors that can affect their duration. 

What Is a Commercial Remodel? 

The goal of a commercial remodeling project is to modify an existing space to meet new needs. It often involves major structural modifications that transform the size, layout, or purpose of an existing space. 

For example, instead of smaller renovations like placing the floors or upgrading lighting fixtures, a remodel focuses on big-picture alterations such as knocking out a wall for an open floor plan. Due to this greater scope, a commercial remodel generally requires more time to complete than a commercial renovation project.

The Stages of a Commercial Remodeling Project 

The exact timeline of a commercial remodeling project depends on factors like scope, permitting, material procurement, and more. Below, we provide a timeline estimate for each project phase and potential elements that could affect how long they take. 

Selecting a Contractor or Design-Build Team: 1-2 Weeks

The first step of any construction project is selecting the right contractor or design-build company. A design-build firm offers in-house construction and design services under one contract, while a commercial contractor will manage the project’s execution based on pre-determined plans. Design-build construction tends to be faster because the collaboration and communication processes are so streamlined. 

Finding, vetting, and narrowing down prospective construction teams can require days or weeks of careful research and consideration. Once you’ve found the right team, it may take 1-2 weeks to receive a quote. 

Project Design and Planning: 1-3 Months 

After signing the contract, transforming notes, goals, and ideas into fully fleshed-out design plans can take about 1-3 months depending on the project’s complexity. 

Planning a commercial remodel requires careful consideration of factors like utilization, accessibility, traffic flow, storage, aesthetic choices, and more. Intricate projects or larger buildings often require additional time for detailed planning, material selection, and regulatory compliance. All these factors contribute to how long the design and planning phase will take. 

Permitting and Approvals: 3-5 Weeks

Remodeling projects involve major structural modifications that almost always require a permit. Once all designs have been finalized, your design team will put together a submittal packet and apply for necessary permits. 

Although review timelines can vary based on the complexity of the project, large-scale footprint or layout changes may take 3-5 weeks to get approved. 

The Construction Phase: 3-6 Months 

The construction phase is often the lengthiest stage of a commercial remodeling project. It is also one of the most difficult phases to predict due to a range of different variables that impact completion time. 

Common construction timeline variables for commercial remodeling projects include: 

• Demolition: If you are remodeling an existing space, some demolition is necessary to make room for modifications. How much you demolish or preserve depends on how current needs relate to the previous purpose of the space. For example, a commercial kitchen being renovated into a retail space may need more demolition. 
• Utilities: Plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC may need repairs or upgrades. Upgrading to new systems will take much longer than repairs, so the timeline for this step depends on their current condition. 
• Materials: Materials play a significant role in the overall timeline of a remodeling project. In-stock materials are already manufactured and take less time to procure, while special order items may take longer to manufacture and ship. Material shortages and supply chain issues can also disrupt the project’s timeline. 
• Square footage: Buildings with larger square footage typically take longer to remodel because they require more demolition and construction work. Systems like HVAC or electrical wiring may also be more complex for larger buildings. 

The construction phase for a commercial remodeling project can take anywhere from 3-6 months or longer, depending on the above factors. 

Post-Construction Cleanup and Inspections

The post-construction process time frame depends on the scope of the job. Complex remodels or larger buildings will take much longer to clean and inspect thoroughly. 

The cleanup process typically includes removing debris as well as sanitizing all surfaces, removing scuff marks, and washing windows. Once everything is spotless, final inspections are conducted to ensure the building is safe, functional, and compliant with local regulations. 

Post-construction cleanup and final inspections can take anywhere from a few days to a week. 

Partner With the Commercial Remodeling Experts at DRF Builders 

A commercial remodel involves many phases that can take months to complete, depending on variables like scope, permitting, materials, and more. Partnering with an experienced design-build construction company can help streamline the process and minimize delays for a successful, well-executed remodel. 

At DRF Builders, we offer comprehensive remodeling and renovation services to help bring your vision to life. Our in-house architects, engineers, and contractors are eager to transform your commercial building into a functional, beautiful space for your business. 

Ready to maximize the potential of your commercial building? Contact us online or call us at (707)-888-0713 to get in touch with our team today.