The Home Remodeling Process & Timeline in West Tennessee

How Long Does It Take to Renovate a Whole House? 

On average, a whole home remodel can take 9 to 14 months.

However, timelines can vary based on your home’s size, the scope of your project, and how many decisions you’re making, but having a clear roadmap makes the whole process a lot easier to navigate.

Check out our breakdown below to get the full scoop on how long each step of the process could take.

Step 1: Consultation & In-Home Assessment
Step 2: Design Development
Step 3: Selections & Ordering
Step 4: Construction
How to Avoid Delays During Your Whole Home Remodel

Step 1: Consultation & In-Home Assessment (1 Month)

Every great remodel starts with a real conversation.

We’ll meet at your home to walk through the space, take measurements, talk about what’s working, and what absolutely isn’t. This is your chance to tell us everything: what you wish you had, what drives you nuts, and what kind of transformation you’re dreaming about.

Bring Inspiration

Have a Pinterest board full of dream kitchens or bathrooms? Bring it along. The more we know about your style and priorities, the better we can guide the design. See a few ideas from one of our past projects you like? Let us know!

Let's Talk Major Changes

We’ll also talk about any major layout or structural changes you’re considering, and help you understand what’s possible based on your home and budget. By the end of this phase, you’ll have a clear direction—and a team that’s fully aligned with your vision.

Step 2: Design Development (1 to 2 Months)

This is where your remodel really starts to take shape. Once we understand your vision, style, and must-haves, our team gets to work crafting a custom design that checks all the boxes.

Creating the Plan and Budget

We’ll create a preliminary architectural plan and a budget to match, then refine it together until everything feels just right.

Bring your inspiration (and your questions) to our design meetings. We’ll walk through layout ideas, material selections, and finish options, adjusting along the way to make sure the design fits your needs and your budget.

Finalizing the Roadmap

You’ll see how everything flows, how it functions, and how it looks—so there are no surprises down the road. By the end of this phase, you’ll have a clear roadmap for your remodel and a team that’s just as excited as you are to bring it to life.

Step 3: Selections & Ordering (1 to 2 Months)

Here’s where your vision starts coming to life—one decision at a time. With your design in place, we’ll walk through all the finish selections that will define the look and feel of your remodeled space.

Choosing Every Detail

From cabinetry and countertops to hardware, flooring, and fixtures, we’ll guide you through every choice. Our in-house designer will help you pick finishes that reflect your style and complement the overall design, making sure everything works together beautifully.

Since we’re a design-build firm, your selections are tied directly to your budget and timeline, so there are no surprises. Just thoughtful decisions made with your goals in mind.

We'll Keep Lead Times in Mind

Some materials, like custom cabinetry or specialty tile, may take longer to arrive, but we’ll help you weigh those lead times so your priorities stay front and center. With everything ordered and accounted for, your dream remodel is officially in motion.

Step 4: Construction (6 to 9 Months)

Now comes the part you’ve been waiting for—watching your home transform!

The Real Fun Starts!

Once everything’s finalized and materials are ready, our team gets to work. This phase includes demolition, framing, plumbing and electrical updates, and all the finish work that brings your remodel to life. From the first swing of the hammer to the final tile set, we focus on craftsmanship, precision, and keeping the site clean and safe.

Staying in Contact at Every Stage

You’ll stay in the loop with regular updates on progress and key milestones. And if we hit any unexpected bumps? We’ll talk through your options and keep things moving forward.

Depending on the size and scope of your project, this phase could last a few weeks or a few months, but we always build with care, not shortcuts. After all, your home deserves the kind of quality that stands the test of time.

How to Avoid Delays During Your Whole Home Remodel

The foundation for the success of a whole home remodel starts long before construction begins. 

These practical planning tips will help you stay organized, focused, and excited, without getting overwhelmed by all the decisions ahead.

1. Make Clear Remodeling Goals

Before you get into the details of tile colors or kitchen layouts, take a step back and think big picture.

What do you want this remodel to accomplish? Clear goals help guide every choice and keep your project aligned with your lifestyle and long-term needs.

Start by asking yourself:

• What problems am I trying to solve in my home? (Think layout, lighting, storage, flow.)

• What’s working well that I want to keep?

• How do I want my home to feel—more open, cozier, more modern?

When your goals are clear, it’s easier to stay grounded through all the exciting decisions ahead.

2. Note Your Must-Have Priorities List

Once you know your goals, get specific about your non-negotiables.

These are the things you have to have for your remodel to feel like a success. Your must-haves guide the budget and help your remodeler make smart suggestions that respect your vision.

Some examples might include:

• A kitchen layout that works for both cooking and entertaining

• A dedicated home office space with privacy

• A spacious walk-in shower in the primary bathroom

• New flooring throughout the main living areas

• Energy-efficient windows and improved insulation

You can always adjust along the way, but knowing your must-haves keeps your project focused and intentional.

3. Dream Big With a Wishlist

Now it’s time to let your imagination run wild! Your wishlist is where you jot down everything you’d love to have—if space and budget allow. It’s not about being unrealistic; it’s about giving yourself permission to explore what could be possible.

Popular wishlist items include:

• A cozy reading nook with built-in bookshelves

• A freestanding soaking tub with a view

• A butler’s pantry or second prep kitchen

• Heated floors in the bathrooms

• A mudroom with custom lockers and a dog-washing station

• Floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding glass doors for indoor-outdoor living

The wishlist helps us dream with you and then prioritize together to create a design that balances beauty, functionality, and budget.

4. Set Your Budget Early

One of the most important steps in the remodeling process is setting a realistic, informed budget. It shapes the design, timeline, and scope of your remodel. We’ll work with you to align your vision with your investment level so there are no surprises along the way.

When setting your budget, remember to:

• Include materials, labor, permits, and potential structural work

• Reserve 10–15% for unexpected expenses (like hidden water damage or electrical upgrades)

• Decide where you’re willing to splurge and where you’d rather save

• Be honest about your budget from the start—your remodeler is your partner, not your opponent

With a solid budget in place, your whole home remodel will be smoother, more efficient, and way more enjoyable.

Ready to Remodel? Let’s Build Something You’ll Love!

Remodeling a home—especially a whole house remodel—is a big deal. But with the right partner and a clear plan, it can be a rewarding, exciting process that completely transforms how you live in your home.

At Wolfe Construction, we’re here to guide you through every step. From first ideas to final walkthrough, our team delivers the clarity, communication, and craftsmanship you need to feel confident at every phase.

When you're ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you bring it together beautifully, practically, and on your terms.