Renovating a flat in India can be exciting—and a bit nerve-wracking. Knowing how long each step takes helps you plan better and avoid costly delays. This guide gives you a detailed renovation timeline India, paired with smart project scheduling tips.
1. Planning & Budgeting (2–4 weeks)
What Happens:
- Finalise your goals: more space, modern kitchen, extra storage?
- Set a clear budget with a 10–15% contingency buffer.
- Choose your architect or interior designer.
- Gather permits, society NOCs, and agreement to start.
Why it matters: Proper planning avoids mid-project surprises and financial stress.
2. Hiring Contractors & Finalizing Workscope (3–6 weeks)
- Interview and vet contractors (ideally 3–5).
- Share your project vision, ask for itemised quotes, and compare terms.
- Finalise the contract: timeline, payments, penalty clauses for delays.
- Lock in permits and material selection with contractors.
3. Pre-Work & Demolition (1–2 weeks)
- Clear rooms, shift belongings to storage or unused rooms.
- Demolish existing structures—walls, tiles, fixtures—carefully and safely.
- Ensure your flat is clean and prepped for new work.
4. Structural Changes & Civil Work (2–6 weeks)
- Modify walls (knockdown or build new), reinforce beams—and allow curing time after masonry.
- Install waterproofing in balconies, wash areas, terraces.
In India, civil work timelines can vary widely depending on scope and approvals.
5. Lining Up Utilities: Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC (1–2 weeks)
- Install electrical wiring, switchboards, and fixtures.
- Lay plumbing lines, install toilet tanks, kitchen pipes.
- Add HVAC components like ducts, split AC points.
It’s best to do plumbing and electrical together to avoid friction between trades.
6. Plastering & Wall Preparation (1–2 weeks)
- Plaster surfaces or install plasterboard (gypsum) on new walls.
- Allow drying time before further work—usually up to 10 days .
7. Flooring & Tiling (1–3 weeks)
- Install kitchen and bathroom tiles.
- Lay floor tiles or wooden flooring as per design.
Smaller flats: 1 week; bigger ones: 2–3 weeks depending on floor area.
8. Painting & Texture Work (1–2 weeks)
- Prime and paint walls or apply textured finishes.
- Plan for 2–3 coats with sufficient drying time between each.
Painting can overlap with finishing works for efficiency.
9. Carpentry & Fixtures Installation (1–2 weeks)
- Install kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, shelves, doors.
- Fit light fixtures, bathroom fixtures, handrails.
Prefabricated modular components (e.g. Livspace, Urban Ladder) can speed things up.
10. Final Touches & Cleanup (1 week)
- Install accessories—vanity mirrors, sketchboards, lighting.
- Fix gap fillers, caulking, hardware fittings.
- Thorough cleaning of every room to prepare for handover.
11. Final Inspection & Handover (2–3 days)
- Walkthrough with your contractor or designer.
- Raise any issues on a snag list and get them resolved.
- Make final payments and collect warranties/manuals.
Real-World Timelines
- Modest 1–2 BHK flat: 3–4 months total.
- Full-scale renovation: 5–7 months, especially with structural or kitchen upgrades.
- Phased scheduling advice: Plan backwards from move-in deadline; add at least 20–30% buffer .
Sample Timeline for a 2-BHK Renovation
| Phase | Activity | Time Estimate |
| 1 | Planning & budgeting | 2–4 weeks |
| 2 | Contractor hiring & approvals | 3–6 weeks |
| 3 | Demolition & prep | 1–2 weeks |
| 4 | Civil & structural work | 2–6 weeks |
| 5 | Plumbing, electrical & HVAC | 1–2 weeks |
| 6 | Plaster and wall prep | 1–2 weeks |
| 7 | Flooring & tile laying | 1–3 weeks |
| 8 | Painting & texture | 1–2 weeks |
| 9 | Carpentry & fixtures | 1–2 weeks |
| 10 | Final touches & cleaning | 1 week |
| 11 | Inspection & handover | 2–3 days |
| Total | 3–7 months |
Project Scheduling Tips
- Use a Gantt chart: Map stages visually—including overlaps.
- Set milestones: Demolition complete, plumbing done, painting finished.
- Plan procurement early: Order long-lead items like modular kitchens early .
- Communicate weekly: Hold site meetings, track progress, adjust for delays.
- Include buffers: Add 20% longer timelines for wet weather, delivery delays, inspections.
- Contract clauses: Define penalties for missed dates; incentives for early completion.
Vendor Suggestions (India-specific)
- Modular Kitchens & Wardrobes: Livspace, HomeLane, Urban Ladder.
- Paint & Texture: Asian Paints, Nerolac.
- Tiles & Flooring: Kajaria, Somany, Johnson.
- Plumbing & Electrical: Jaquar, Cera, Finolex, Anchor.
- Contractor Platforms: NoBroker for local professionals; Sweeten for curated matches.
Final Thoughts
A successful renovation timeline India hinges on good planning, communication, and realistic scheduling. By breaking down the process—planning, demolition, civil, utilities, finishing, and cleanup—you can manage your project without surprises. Use buffers, stay flexible, and track progress weekly. With a solid project scheduling strategy, your flat transformation can finish smoothly—and beautifully—ready for move-in.
Source : fulinspace.com
