How Long Do Home Additions Take? Let’s Break It Down (Without Breaking a Sweat)
So, you’re thinking about adding a home addition. Maybe you need more space for your growing family, a home office that isn’t just a corner of the laundry room, or that luxury home renovation you’ve been daydreaming about. But before you start mentally arranging furniture in your new space, there’s one question we all ask: “How long is this going to take?”
At Verified Builders, Denver’s go-to home renovation contractor for custom remodels and whole house remodeling, we’ve heard this question more times than we’ve accidentally stapled our fingers (don’t ask). The short answer? It depends. The long answer? Let’s grab a coffee and chat.
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What Factors Influence the Timeline?
Home additions aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Think of them like snowflakes—except instead of melting, they drain your bank account and test your patience. Here’s what really impacts the clock:
1. The “What” and “How Big” of Your Project
A small bathroom addition? Maybe 8–12 weeks. A sprawling second-story master suite with a rooftop hot tub? Buckle up, friend—that could take 6+ months. The scope of your project is the biggest driver of time.
Pro Tip: If you’re Googling “home addition contractor near me”, make sure they specialize in your type of project. A basement remodel contractor might not be your best bet for a two-story addition (just saying).
2. Permits: The Necessary Evil
Ah, permits. The DMV of the construction world. Depending on Denver’s backlog, this phase alone can take 4–8 weeks. Want to avoid delays? Work with a remodeling company (like, ahem, us) that knows local codes like the back of their hammer.
3. Design & Planning: Measure Twice, Build Once
Rushing the design phase is like skipping the foundation to save time—terrible idea. Custom remodels need detailed blueprints, material selections, and contractor coordination. This can take 1–3 months.
FYI: Verified Builders offers in-house design services. We’ve got your back (and your floor plans).
4. Weather & Surprises
Denver’s weather is… unpredictable. Snow in May? Sure. A heatwave during framing? Why not. Then there’s the “fun” of discovering outdated wiring or a family of raccoons in your walls. Always budget extra time for surprises.
A Realistic Timeline for Common Projects
Let’s get specific. Here’s a table breaking down average timelines for popular home additions. Keep in mind: these are estimates. Your mileage may vary (especially if those raccoons put up a fight).
| Project Type | Design & Permitting | Construction | Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Addition | 6–10 weeks | 6–10 weeks | 3–5 months |
| Basement Finish | 4–8 weeks | 8–12 weeks | 3–5 months |
| Single-Story Family Room | 8–12 weeks | 12–16 weeks | 5–7 months |
| Second-Story Addition | 12–16 weeks | 20–24 weeks | 8–12 months |
Why Hiring the Right Team Matters
Let’s be real: You could DIY this. But unless you’re secretly Bob Vila, you’ll want a general contractor who’s got reviews longer than a CVS receipt. Here’s why:
-
They Handle the Headaches
From permits to subcontractor scheduling, a pro team like Verified Builders keeps the train on the tracks. No frantic Googling “basement contractors near me” at 2 a.m. -
They’ve Seen It All
Leaky pipes? Check. Zoning nightmares? Double-check. A bathroom renovation contractor with experience dodges pitfalls you didn’t even know existed. -
They Save You Time (and Sanity)
Delays cost money. A skilled crew works efficiently, avoiding the “three weeks to tile a bathroom” saga.
3 Burning Questions, Answered
1. “Can I Speed Up the Process?”
Sure—if you’re okay with corners cut faster than a toddler’s haircut. Rushing = mistakes. That said, hiring a home addition contractor with strong vendor relationships and a clear process (like us, hint hint) shaves off weeks.
2. “What’s the Biggest Delay Culprit?”
Permitting, hands down. Denver’s gotten better, but it’s still a bottleneck. We submit permit apps the same day we finalize designs. Every hour counts!
3. “Should I Just Move Instead?”
IMO? Not unless you love packing boxes. A well-planned addition adds value and functionality. Plus, you get to stay in your neighborhood (and avoid bidding wars).
The Verified Builders Difference
We’re not just another remodeling company. We’re Denver locals who’ve turned “How long will this take?” into a science. Here’s how we keep projects on track:
- Transparent Scheduling: No vague promises. You’ll get a timeline—and we’ll stick to it.
- In-House Design Team: Fewer delays, smoother process.
- No Surprises Policy: We budget for the unexpected, so you don’t have to.
Fun Fact: One client’s basement remodel uncovered a Prohibition-era wine cellar. We turned it into a tasting room. You’re welcome, history buffs.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re looking for a home remodeling team that treats your project like it’s our own, give Verified Builders a shout. We’ll give you a realistic timeline, honest advice, and maybe a few terrible dad jokes along the way.
Pro Tip: Check our reviews. Spoiler: They’re glowing.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s turn that “someday” addition into “done by Christmas.” (Or, you know, whenever the permits clear.)
Got questions? Drop us a line. We’re here to help—no raccoon removal required 🙂
