A typical Montreal renovation timeline runs about 3–5 weeks for a bathroom, 6–9 for a kitchen, and 3–6 months for a whole home — across seven phases from planning and permits to final fixtures. Permits alone take 2–6 weeks, and the city’s transformation permit costs $9.80 per $1,000 of work. Here’s the phase-by-phase breakdown.

Whether you’re upgrading a Plateau duplex or transforming a suburban split-level in Kirkland, every successful project starts with a realistic Montreal renovation timeline. Yet too many homeowners overlook the essential steps between demolition and drywall — and that’s where delays, budget overruns, and headaches begin.

This article breaks down a smart, phase-by-phase renovation timeline specific to Montreal properties — including local permit delays, weather realities, and trade scheduling bottlenecks. Whether you’re hiring a general contractor or coordinating trades yourself, here’s what to expect.

Phase 1: Planning & Permits (2–6 Weeks)

Before you even think about dust masks and hammers, you need plans — and permits. In Montreal, most major renovations require one or both of the following:

Expect longer approval times in historic neighborhoods (like Villeray or Le Plateau-Mont-Royal) or if your project alters structure or façade. The transformation permit itself costs $9.80 for every $1,000 of work, with a $167.40 minimum for a residential building, per the City of Montréal.

Tasks in this phase:

Hire an architect or designer
Get plans drawn
Submit permit applications
Order lead-time items (windows, flooring, etc.)

Pro tip: Working with a contractor like DemoPrep can speed up permitting by managing drawings and submissions for you.

Phase 2: Demolition (1–2 Weeks)

This is where the transformation begins. A proper demolition includes more than smashing walls — it’s about surgical removal of materials while protecting what stays.

DemoPrep’s Montreal demolition services include:

Interior gut-outs
Bathroom and kitchen removal
Drywall and flooring demo
Garage or shed removal

We also provide dust barriers, waste bins, and licensed hauling to keep your project safe and legal. Read our guide: Montreal demolition waste rules.

Phase 3: Structural Work (1–3 Weeks)

After demolition, the framing and structure phase begins. This may include:

New walls or partitions
Beam and post installs for open-concept layouts
Window or door relocations

During this time, trades such as plumbers, electricians, and HVAC pros do their “rough-in” installations — meaning they run wires and pipes before walls are closed up.

Common delays: waiting on inspections from Montreal city officials before closing walls.

Phase 4: Insulation & Inspections (3–5 Days)

Once all rough-ins are complete and approved, insulation is installed. In most cases, a building inspector must approve this before drywall goes up.

Tips:

Use spray foam in hard-to-seal areas (like rim joists)
Make sure air/vapor barriers comply with Quebec code

Phase 5: Drywall & Finishing (1–2 Weeks)

Now it’s time to close up the walls and start finishing. This includes:

Hanging and taping drywall
Mudding, sanding, and priming
Painting base coats

Humidity can slow drying times, so expect delays if you’re renovating in spring or fall without adequate heat.

Phase 6: Flooring, Trim & Cabinetry (2–4 Weeks)

This phase overlaps with final painting and may include:

Hardwood or tile installation
Baseboards and crown molding
Kitchen cabinet install
Countertop templating and fabrication

Cabinet shops in Montreal can have lead times of 4–8 weeks, so order early. Appliance and plumbing fixture delivery may also affect timing.

Phase 7: Final Fixtures & Touchups (1 Week)

Final tasks before move-in:

Install lighting, outlets, and switches
Connect plumbing fixtures
Final paint touchups
Cleanup and client walkthrough

If your reno is being done for resale, this is where staging and photography happen.

Total Timeline: What to Expect

Renovation Type	Typical Timeline
Small Bathroom	3–5 weeks
Kitchen Renovation	6–9 weeks
Full Floor Renovation	10–14 weeks
Whole Home Renovation	3–6 months

Tip: Renovating in winter can actually reduce wait times, as contractor demand drops between January and March in Montreal.

Why Trust DemoPrep With Your Timeline?

We’ve completed everything from single-room demolitions to full home rebuilds across Montreal’s boroughs. Our team coordinates all trades, permits, inspections, and material logistics so your Montreal renovation timeline stays on track — and on budget.

From Demo to Drywall: What Every Montreal Renovation Timeline Should Include