How Long Does a Home Remodel Take in Sarasota, Florida?
Planning a remodel in Sarasota is an exciting step toward creating a home that better fits your lifestyle, taste, and long-term goals. Whether you're redesigning your kitchen, expanding your living space, or updating an older home, one of the biggest questions we hear from clients is: how long will it take?
At Sennes Design Build, we believe that good planning leads to great outcomes. While every home is different, understanding the typical timelines for various types of remodeling projects can help you make smart decisions and avoid unwanted surprises. In this guide, we’re breaking down realistic timeframes for different remodels, the factors that influence those timelines, and tips to help your project stay on schedule.
Sarasota Remodel Timelines by Project Type
Remodeling timelines can vary based on the scope of work, the age of the home, and how well the planning phase is handled. Here's what you can generally expect when remodeling in the Sarasota area.
Kitchen Remodel
Timeline: 16 to 20 weeks
Kitchen remodels are among the most popular and complex projects we take on. A straightforward remodel with minimal layout changes might take closer to eight weeks, while a more extensive renovation involving structural changes, custom cabinetry, or high-end finishes can take longer. In Sarasota, older homes may require plumbing or electrical upgrades, which can add time but are often necessary to meet current building codes.
Primary Bathroom Remodel
Timeline: 6 to 12 weeks
Bathroom remodels may seem simple, but they involve careful coordination between trades. Timelines depend on tile work, waterproofing, plumbing changes, and fixture lead times. Sarasota's older homes can pose additional challenges, especially when retrofitting modern fixtures into smaller or oddly shaped spaces. Planning ahead can help minimize delays and keep everything moving efficiently.
Whole Home Remodel
Timeline: 16 to 28 weeks
Remodeling an entire home is a major undertaking and often involves updating multiple systems at once, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. The timeline can vary depending on whether the home is occupied during construction and how extensive the updates are. Whole home remodels typically require a strong project management plan, especially when multiple rooms are being updated simultaneously.
Home Additions
Timeline: 12 to 24 weeks
Adding square footage to your home is a great way to gain functional space without the hassle of moving. Sarasota home additions often include new bedrooms, expanded kitchens, or multi-purpose rooms. These projects involve foundation work, structural engineering, roofing integration, and permitting. Site conditions, utility connections, and zoning requirements can also impact the timeline.
Outdoor Living Space Remodel
Timeline: 4 to 10 weeks
Here in Sarasota, outdoor living is part of everyday life. Whether you're building a covered lanai, custom deck, or an outdoor kitchen, these projects tend to move more quickly than interior remodels. However, weather and site conditions play a big role. Projects planned during the dry season typically run smoother than those affected by summer rains or storm delays.
ADUs or Guest Suites
Timeline: 20 to 40 weeks
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), guest suites, or in-law apartments are becoming more popular in Sarasota, especially for multi-generational living or rental income. These projects are essentially small homes and require full permitting, foundation work, plumbing, and electrical installation. The design process also tends to be longer due to zoning and space planning considerations.
Custom Home Build
Timeline: 9 to 15 months+
While technically not a remodel, many Sarasota homeowners weigh the option of a full custom home against a major renovation. Custom homes take longer due to land preparation, design approvals, and full-scale construction, but they also offer the most flexibility for creating exactly what you want.
Common Factors That Affect Remodel Timelines in Sarasota
Even with the best planning, several variables can influence your project's duration. Here are some of the most common factors we see that can either keep your project on track or add time.
Permitting and Inspections
Sarasota County and city regulations are thorough and important for ensuring safety. The timeline for getting permits approved can vary depending on the type of remodel and the jurisdiction. Historic homes, waterfront properties, or additions in certain zones may require additional reviews.
Material Availability and Lead Times
High-end or specialty materials such as custom cabinets, imported tile, or smart home features often have longer lead times. Supply chain delays can still impact certain items, so ordering materials early in the process is key to staying on schedule.
Scope Creep and Mid-Project Changes
It’s tempting to make changes once construction begins, but even small modifications can delay progress. New choices may require redesigns or reordering materials. This is why we place so much emphasis on finalizing the design before construction starts.
Weather and Climate
Sarasota’s subtropical climate is ideal most of the year, but heavy summer rain or hurricane season can delay outdoor projects. Projects involving foundations, roofing, or site prep are especially sensitive to weather.
Age and Condition of the Home
Older homes in Sarasota’s historic neighborhoods often hide surprises behind the walls. Outdated wiring, plumbing, or structural issues can slow things down but are important to address for long-term safety and function.
Contractor Scheduling and Trade Coordination
Busy contractors may have multiple projects underway, so make sure your project is scheduled with adequate resources. At Sennes Design Build, we assign a dedicated project manager and coordinate all trades to keep things moving without unnecessary delays.
Tips to Keep Your Sarasota Remodel On Schedule
While not every delay can be avoided, many can be minimized with the right preparation. Here are some tried-and-true strategies we recommend to keep your project on track.
Start with a Detailed Plan
Finalize your design, floor plans, material selections, and budget before work begins. A clear plan sets expectations for everyone involved and reduces the chance of mid-project changes.
Choose a Design-Build Firm
With a design-build team, the same group handles everything from concept to construction. This minimizes delays caused by handoffs between designers, architects, and contractors. It also keeps communication clear and centralized.
Plan Around Sarasota’s Seasons
If your remodel involves outdoor work or roofing, aim to schedule it during drier months. The winter and early spring seasons are ideal for avoiding the disruptions of heavy rain or storm warnings.
Be Ready to Make Decisions
Questions always come up during construction. When homeowners respond quickly to requests for input or approvals, the job keeps moving. Setting aside time each week to review progress and make decisions can prevent bottlenecks.
Stay Flexible and Trust the Process
No remodel is completely without surprises. Whether it’s a backordered fixture or an unforeseen framing issue, flexibility helps reduce stress. Partnering with a builder you trust makes it easier to navigate the unexpected.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned remodel in Sarasota can transform your home and your lifestyle. Understanding how long each type of project typically takes—and what factors can impact the timeline—will help you plan with confidence and avoid unnecessary surprises.
At Sennes Design Build, we’re committed to creating a seamless, enjoyable remodeling experience from start to finish. We work with you every step of the way to create a plan that fits your vision, respects your timeline, and delivers quality that lasts.
If you're considering a home remodel in Sarasota, get in touch with our team. We’d be happy to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you start planning your perfect space.
