When homeowners in Colorado Springs begin planning a remodel, one of the first questions they ask is also one of the most important:
“How long will this take?”
It’s a fair question — timelines affect everything from daily routines to budgeting, scheduling, and even whether a remodel is feasible in a given season. Remodels are exciting, but they also bring a significant amount of coordination, planning, and temporary disruption. Understanding the timeline helps homeowners feel informed, prepared, and confident before work begins.
At Southern Mesa, we believe clarity is one of the most valuable tools we can offer. A well-structured project timeline doesn’t just set expectations — it reduces stress and gives you a realistic picture of the steps involved, why they take the time they do, and what you can expect at every phase.
In this guide, we break down the full remodeling timeline for Colorado Springs and El Paso County in 2026 — phase by phase. From your initial consultation to final inspection, you’ll learn what happens in each stage, how long it typically takes, and the factors that can influence your project schedule.
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap of the remodeling process and a better understanding of how to plan your project with confidence.
Phase 1: Initial Consultation & Design Planning (2–8 Weeks)
This is the phase where your vision becomes a real plan.
What Happens During This Phase
- You meet with Southern Mesa for an in-depth consultation
- We talk needs, goals, style, budget, and feasibility
- Photos, measurements, and site evaluations happen
- Designers begin sketching layouts and preliminary concepts
- Material preferences and style direction are discussed
Think of this as the foundation for all decisions.
The more you can decide now, the smoother the rest of the project will go.
Why Homeowners Affect This Timeline More Than They Realize
This phase can be quick… or it can take a minute.
Things that extend this stage:
- “Let me think about it” (totally normal!)
- Changing your favorite design five times
- Not being sure what you really want
- Needing more budget clarity
Things that speed it up:
- Fast decision-making
- Clear goals
- Knowing your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
Realistic Colorado Springs timeline: 2–8 weeks
Faster for small projects, longer for large kitchens, bathrooms, basements, or multi-room remodels.
Phase 2: Pre-Construction Planning, Engineering (If Needed) & Permitting (2–8 Weeks)
This is where the behind-the-scenes work ramps up.
While interior remodels typically don’t require soils testing or major structural engineering, permits and plan reviews still matter — especially for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where plumbing and electrical modifications occur.
What Happens Now
- Engineering for structural changes (only if required)
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plan reviews (project dependent)
- Final design revisions
- Submitting for permits
Why This Phase Takes Time
Even interior remodels often require coordinated reviews to ensure:
- Safe electrical layouts
- Proper plumbing and venting
- Compliance with mechanical, fire, and energy codes
Permitting in Colorado Springs (2026 Reality Check)
Typical wait times for interior projects when submitting online:
- Interior remodels: 1–3 weeks
Seasonal backlog, staffing changes, and rising renovation demand can still impact timing.
Realistic timeline: 2–8 weeks
Phase 3: Material Selections, Ordering & Scheduling (2–6 Weeks)
This is the fun part — but it still takes time.
What Happens Now
- Cabinet selections
- Tile, flooring, countertops
- Lighting, fixtures, appliances
- Paint colors
- Scheduling trades based on lead times
Why This Phase Affects the Overall Timeline
Materials can make or break a schedule.
Fast decisions = smooth project
Slow decisions = delays
2026 Lead Times in Colorado
- Cabinets: 4–10 weeks
- Specialty tile: 2–10 weeks
- Custom countertops: 1–4 weeks
- Windows & doors (if included in the remodel): 8–14 weeks
The earlier you finalize these, the earlier Southern Mesa can lock in the construction schedule.
Realistic timeline: 2–6 weeks
Phase 4: Demolition, Structural Adjustments (If Applicable) & Systems Work (1–4 Weeks)
This is where things get loud — and where surprises can surface.
What Happens During Demo
- Removing old materials
- Opening walls & ceilings
- Identifying hidden damage
- Discovering non-code electrical or plumbing
- Assessing past unpermitted work
Systems Work
- Electrical rough-in
- Plumbing rough-in
- HVAC modifications
- Minor framing or reinforcement (if needed for layout changes)
Older homes in Colorado Springs tend to take longer due to legacy wiring, galvanized plumbing, or patchwork renovations done decades ago.
Realistic timeline: 1–4 weeks
Phase 5: Construction & Finishing Work (4–20+ Weeks)
This is when your space starts looking amazing.
General Timeframes by Project Type
- Bathroom remodel: 4–10 weeks
- Kitchen remodel: 6–16 weeks
- Basement finish: 8–20 weeks
- Full home remodel: 12–28 weeks
Why There’s Such a Wide Range
- Project scope
- Structural modifications (if any)
- Finish complexity
- Trade availability
- Inspection timing
- Homeowner decision changes
2026 Trend:
More remodels = more demand = slightly longer timelines across the region.
Realistic timeline: 4–20+ weeks
Phase 6: Final Inspections, Punch List & Move-In (1–3 Weeks)
You can almost smell the fresh paint.
What Happens Now
- Final inspections
- Touch-ups
- Cabinet adjustments
- Final clean
- Hardware install
- Punch-list walk-through
- Preparing for move-in
This is a small but critical stage — it ensures the remodel is safe, polished, and complete.
Realistic timeline: 1–3 weeks
What Can Extend Your Timeline — And How to Avoid It
1. Homeowner Delays
Slow decisions on finishes are the #1 cause of remodel timeline creep.
Solution: Choose materials early and decisively.
2. Change Orders
Changing your mind halfway through adds time and cost.
Solution: Finalize your design before demo begins.
3. Permit Bottlenecks
City review delays are real, even for interior projects.
Solution: Submit early and plan realistically.
4. Supply Chain Issues
Still common for:
- Tile
- Electrical fixtures
- Windows
- Cabinetry
Solution: Order early and plan around known lead times.
5. Hidden Conditions
Interior remodels frequently uncover:
- Water damage
- Bad wiring
- Old plumbing
- Unpermitted past work
Solution: Build a contingency into your timeline and budget.
How Southern Mesa Keeps Your Remodel on Time
Our philosophy is simple:
Educate first. Communicate always. Build with integrity.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Clear Milestones
You know exactly what’s happening, when, and why. - Daily Updates Through JobTread
Stay in the loop every step of the way. - Detailed, Itemized Proposals
You’ll see exactly where your money goes — no guesswork. - Organized Scheduling
We build timelines that are realistic, not idealistic. - Respect for Your Home
We clean up daily and treat your space like our own. - Teaching You the Process
Our priority is helping you understand the “why,” not upselling.
FAQs
Most kitchens take 8–16 weeks, depending on cabinet lead times, layout changes, and materials.
Interior remodels? Usually no.
Exterior components (windows, siding, decks)? Yes. Snow and cold slow things down.
New materials = new lead times = delays
We pause, assess, update the timeline, and walk you through solutions.
They can. Colorado Springs typically takes 1–3 weeks for interior remodels.
Most of the time, yes — though major kitchen remodels may require temporary adjustments.
Conclusion: Time Is an Investment — Plan Smart, Build Better
A remodel is a journey — and like any good journey, it requires planning, patience, and the right guide.
When you understand the phases, timeline, and what realistically affects your schedule, the entire process becomes less stressful and much more predictable.
At Southern Mesa, our goal is to empower you with knowledge so you feel confident every step of the way.
If you’re ready to start planning your 2026 remodel and want a clear, customized timeline, we’d love to talk.
👉 Contact Southern Mesa today for an educational, no-pressure consultation.
Let’s map out your vision — and your timeline — together.
