Interior renovation timelines in Lausanne (and Vaud): what's realistic and what isn't

Are you planning an apartment or house renovation in Lausanne and the surrounding area, and wondering how long it will take? Between the promises of tradespeople and unforeseen challenges on the construction site, setting a realistic schedule is essential to avoid frustration and headaches. Discover the actual timeframes for interior renovation work in the canton of Vaud and how to plan your interior design project.

Why are renovation timelines so unpredictable?

Factors that influence interior renovation timelines

Unlike a standardized industrial project, each renovation has its own particularities which influence the deadlines: The condition of the property is the first element: finding an outdated electrical installation to be completely redone lengthens the initial schedule.

The availability of tradespeople in the canton of Vaud fluctuates considerably depending on the time of year. In spring and summer, good tradespeople are often booked months in advance. Delivery times for materials, particularly for custom kitchens or certain tiles, can be long (several weeks or months).

The administrative burden should not be underestimated. Some works require prior authorization from the Vaud municipalities, a procedure that can last between 4 and 12 weeks depending on the time of year and the workload of the services.

The chain of dependencies between trades

A renovation project unfolds according to a precise timeline. The plumber, for example, cannot arrive before the demolition. This chain of dependencies means that a delay by even one tradesperson automatically throws off all the others.

Coordinating several independent professionals therefore presents a major logistical challenge. If your scheduled tiler is unable to come on the planned date, their next available slot may be three weeks away, delaying the rest of the project accordingly.

This reality explains why renovations systematically take longer than initially planned. A good interior designer or project manager anticipates these unforeseen events and incorporates safety margins into the schedule.

Technical hazards

Every construction project is an adventure, especially in old buildings. Behind a wall you want to knock down, there might be an undocumented pipe. Under your parquet flooring, you might find damaged joists that need reinforcing.

These surprises are not due to the incompetence of the tradespeople but to the nature of renovation, where the true condition is only discovered once the work has begun. Each unforeseen technical issue requires a pause for diagnosis, solution, additional quote, and planning of the additional work.

Always allow a 20% to 30% time buffer on your initial schedule to absorb these unforeseen events without excessive stress.

Realistic deadlines by type of work

Kitchen renovation

A complete kitchen renovation can take between six and ten weeks from the start of the work to final delivery. This timeframe is broken down into several unavoidable phases: dismantling the old kitchen (2-3 days), plumbing and electrical work (3-5 days), possible installation of new tiles (3-4 days), installation of the new kitchen (2-3 days), final connections and adjustments (1-2 days).

In addition to these construction deadlines, there are preparatory steps: design and validation of the project with your interior designer (2-3 weeks), ordering and manufacturing of the custom kitchen (6-10 weeks depending on the manufacturer), availability of craftsmen to plan the interventions (2-6 weeks depending on the period).

In total, allow between four and six months from your decision to renovate the kitchen until you can fully use it in your Vaud apartment. Standard, off-the-shelf kitchens reduce manufacturing time but are less customizable.

Bathroom renovation

A complete bathroom renovation requires between four and eight weeks of actual work. Demolition of the existing structure takes 2-3 days, followed by plumbing modifications (3-5 days), electrical work, and ventilation installation (2-3 days). Tiling the floor and walls is the most time-consuming task (5-8 days), followed by installing the sanitary ware and faucets (2-3 days), and finishing touches and painting (2-3 days).

Delivery times for specific equipment (bathtub, custom-made walk-in shower, custom vanity unit) are in addition to these construction times. Allow 4-8 weeks for standard items, and up to 12 weeks for high-end custom-made items.

A well-planned bathroom renovation can therefore take between 3 and 5 months from design to completion. This timeframe may seem long, but it ensures meticulous work without rushing.

Complete renovation of an apartment

For a hypothetical 80-100 m² apartment, a complete renovation (kitchen, bathroom, flooring, painting, electrical work) takes between three and six months of actual work. This timeline assumes good coordination and the absence of major unforeseen events.

The preparatory phase (design, permits, orders) takes an additional 2-3 months. In total, allow between 6 months and 1 year from the start of the project to completion for a full renovation in the canton of Vaud.

Major renovations of entire houses involving structural modifications can take from 9 to 18 months. As each project is different, these timeframes are approximate and should be confirmed by a professional after an assessment of your property.

Painting work

Painting a simple 3-room apartment takes between 1 and 2 weeks for a quality job. This time includes preparing the surfaces (sanding, filling, washing), applying two to three coats of paint with drying time between each coat, and cleaning.

Many people neglect the preparation time, which represents 50% of the work. Damaged walls require more preparation. Painting an entire apartment yourself on a weekend can therefore easily take one to two months.

For a fresh look before renting or selling, professional painters ensure a perfect job in just a few days.

Laying or renovating parquet flooring

Sanding and varnishing an existing parquet floor in a 3-room apartment takes 3-5 days. The sanding itself is done in one day, but the finishing coats (oil or varnish) with drying time between each coat take time.

Installing new engineered wood flooring can take 3-4 days for 60-80 m², while installing solid wood flooring nailed down takes 5-7 days for the same area. This doesn't include delivery times for the selected flooring: 2-4 weeks for standard models, 6-10 weeks for rare woods or special finishes.

Therefore, plan between one and three months between selecting your parquet flooring and its final installation in your home.

The pitfalls that systematically lengthen delays

Adjusting the project along the way

Reversing decisions made is the primary cause of delays. Deciding during construction to move a partition, change the location of electrical outlets, or change tiles after ordering requires undoing work already completed, rescheduling tradespeople, and waiting for new materials.

These changes can easily add weeks to the initial schedule and generate significant additional costs. Take the necessary time during the design phase to definitively validate all your choices before work begins.

A good interior designer projects the exact final result for you (3D plans and material boards) and thus prevents you from changing your mind along the way.

Underestimating delivery times

Ordering materials at the last minute is a common mistake that brings the project to a standstill. Your tiler arrives as planned, but the tiles haven't been delivered: the job is cancelled, the tradesman has moved on to another site, and the next appointment is in three weeks.

Plan orders for all long-lead items: custom kitchens (8-12 weeks), certain tiles (6-10 weeks), custom interior doors (6-8 weeks), and specialty flooring (6-10 weeks). Confirm these lead times with suppliers and always add a safety margin.

This anticipation requires that you have finalized your choices well before the start of the work, an additional reason to pay close attention to the design phase.

Lack of coordination between craftsmen

Without precise coordination, the tradespeople jostle each other or, worse, wait for one another. The plasterer arrives while the electrician is still working. The scheduled tiler discovers that the screed isn't dry. The painter notices that the baseboards haven't been installed yet.

These discrepancies in coordination lead to delays and frustration for everyone involved. A professional project manager or interior designer coordinates the work, ensures each step is completed correctly before moving on to the next, and keeps the project on track.

The cost savings of managing your own construction project often come at a high price in lost time and stress.

Neglecting administrative deadlines

In Lausanne and the canton of Vaud, certain construction projects require prior authorization from the municipality. A building permit application can take 8-12 weeks to receive a response, or even longer if the application is incomplete or requires additional information.

In listed buildings or protected areas, the process takes even longer with the involvement of the monuments commission. Always find out in advance what permits you need and start the application process as soon as possible.

Starting work without the required permit is punishable by penalties, work stoppage, and site restoration. It's better to wait a few more weeks than to initiate administrative proceedings.

How to create a realistic schedule

Add safety margins

A well-planned renovation project always includes contingency time. Add 20% to 30% buffer time to each stage to absorb minor unforeseen events and delays without causing the entire project to collapse.

If your contractor tells you two weeks, allow three weeks in your overall schedule. This buffer protects you from minor delays and prevents a domino effect where each small delay turns into a major one at the end.

Professionals always use it. An interior designer who promises tight deadlines without any buffer reveals either their inexperience or their desire to seduce you with unrealistic promises.

Determine the key steps

Certain stages of your renovation will determine the rest of the schedule. Delivery of the custom kitchen, obtaining administrative authorization, and the availability of a highly skilled craftsman are key points to monitor first.

Identify these steps from the very beginning of the project and remain vigilant. Follow up with suppliers, confirm dates with key tradespeople, and complete the administrative procedures in the canton of Vaud.

This proactive vigilance allows you to quickly identify potential problems and react before they paralyze your construction site.

Speak clearly to all stakeholders

Realistic scheduling requires that each tradesperson understands their responsibilities. Your electrician needs to know that the plasterer will be working after them. Your tiler needs to know the tile delivery date.

Organize a kick-off meeting bringing together all the tradespeople to present the overall schedule, each party's constraints, and the site organization. This initial planning helps avoid many misunderstandings later on.

Then, stay in touch with weekly progress meetings to adjust the schedule based on actual progress. A renovation project is never static; it evolves.

Should I live there or leave during the renovations?

The constraints of living on the construction site

Living in your home during a renovation affects the timeline. Tradespeople can only work during reasonable hours (8am-6pm on weekdays), must clean daily to leave you with a habitable space, and their productivity is reduced by your presence.

Dust, noise, and other nuisances impact your quality of life. Spending several weeks or months on a construction site means stress and family tension. Children, the elderly, and pets are particularly affected.

If possible, empty the property during the most significant work. The tradespeople are faster and more efficient, the work progresses, and you preserve your sanity.

When we can stay

For minor and short projects (painting one or two rooms, replacing a sink), living at home is still manageable. Plan to isolate the work area as much as possible and maintain a functional living space in the rest of your home.

For phased renovations where part of the dwelling remains habitable, this is also feasible. Renovate the bedrooms first while living in the living room, then vice versa. This arrangement lengthens the overall timeframe but avoids the need for temporary accommodation.

Speak openly with your craftspeople about the limitations your presence imposes and adjust the schedule accordingly. Mutual honesty prevents frustrations.

Plan for temporary accommodation

Completely emptying the property speeds up the renovations. Without time constraints or disruptions, the tradespeople can work efficiently. A three-month project with the property occupied can be completed in six weeks with it empty.

This option requires arranging temporary accommodation: family, short-term rental, hotel. The additional cost is often offset by a reduction in overall time and improved quality of execution.

For a complete renovation in the canton of Vaud, for example, this solution generally proves to be the most efficient and the least stressful for all parties.

Delivery times vary by season

Spring and summer: the high season

Between March and September, many homeowners want to renovate at the same time. Good tradespeople are overwhelmed, delays increase, and prices sometimes skyrocket. Getting an appointment quickly becomes difficult.

If you have a renovation project planned for spring or summer, get a head start by contacting professionals as early as the previous autumn or winter. This proactive approach ensures the availability of qualified tradespeople and allows you to negotiate effectively.

The advantage of this season is the favorable climate for certain tasks, especially if your project involves outdoor elements or requires good ventilation.

Autumn and winter: the opportunities

Between October and February, demand decreases slightly in the canton of Vaud. Craftsmen sometimes have more availability, lead times are shorter, and prices may be more negotiable.

The drawback concerns certain tasks requiring good weather conditions or ample ventilation. Painting in the middle of winter with open windows is not ideal. Schedule these tasks for periods of good winter weather.

In short, undertaking an interior renovation in autumn or winter can speed up the process thanks to greater availability of professionals.

FAQ: Renovation Deadlines

Is it possible to speed up the renovation process?

Yes, but with unavoidable physical constraints. Some work requires drying or setting times that cannot be shortened: a concrete screed must dry for several days, even weeks; coats of paint require a minimum drying time; tile adhesive must harden before it can be walked on. Increasing the number of tradespeople working simultaneously can speed up certain phases, but also creates coordination problems in a limited space. The real acceleration lies in thorough preparation beforehand: all choices validated before work begins, all materials ordered and delivered on time, and all tradespeople precisely scheduled. In Lausanne, completely clearing the apartment also allows for significant time savings. On the other hand, paying extra to "speed things up" is often an illusion if the technical constraints remain.

What should I do if my tradesperson is falling behind schedule?

First, communicate directly with the tradesperson to understand the cause of the delay. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances justify the delay (illness, breakdown on another site). Together, create a new, realistic schedule. If the delay is due to a lack of organization or professionalism, remind them of the contractual deadlines and any potential penalties. Keep a written record of all communications (emails, text messages). If the situation doesn't improve, you can consider terminating the contract for breach of contract, but this is a decision with serious consequences that often requires legal advice. Finding an emergency replacement tradesperson in the canton of Vaud is always complicated and further delays the project. Prevention is the best approach: choose recommended professionals and build in some buffer time in your initial schedule.

Are the deadlines announced by the craftsmen being met?

The estimated timeframes are often accurate but optimistic. A good tradesperson can accurately estimate the time required for their individual work, but cannot anticipate every unforeseen event: delayed material deliveries, unexpected technical problems, or another project encroaching on yours. Furthermore, each trade quotes its own estimated timeframe without necessarily considering the interdependencies with others. Your tiler plans for 5 days of installation, which is fine, but they don't account for waiting time if the plumber before them is late. This is why a comprehensive schedule coordinated by an interior designer or project manager is more reliable than simply adding up the estimated timeframes. Always add 20-30% to the total estimated timeframe to get a realistic idea of your renovation project in Lausanne.

How can I tell if my project is progressing normally?

A construction project that is progressing normally adheres to the major phases of the schedule without significant delays. Visit the site regularly or request photos if you are unable to travel. Ensure that the stages are progressing smoothly: demolition, structural work, finishing work (plumbing, electrical), and final touches (tiling, painting). Good indicators include tradespeople on-site and actively working, materials delivered on time, and good communication with your coordinator. Conversely, a site that is empty for several days in a row, materials ordered late, or a complete lack of communication from your contact person are warning signs. Don't hesitate to request regular meetings with your interior designer or project manager to monitor progress in the canton of Vaud. A reputable professional proactively communicates on the progress and anticipates any necessary adjustments.

HEMMAMIA Council

At HEMMAMIA, we place paramount importance on establishing realistic schedules for all our renovation projects in Lausanne and the canton of Vaud. Our experience allows us to anticipate the actual timeframes for each intervention and to incorporate the necessary safety margins.

We meticulously coordinate all trades, monitor progress at every stage, and adjust the schedule in real time to keep your project on track. Our goal is not to entice you with unrealistic promises, but to provide you with an honest and reliable overview of the timeline.

Thanks to our network of skilled craftsmen and our expertise in site logistics, we optimize timelines without sacrificing quality of workmanship. You know exactly where you stand at every stage and when you can enjoy your renovated interior.

Prepare your renovation with complete peace of mind with HEMMAMIA

Knowing the actual timeline for an interior renovation allows you to plan your personal and professional life accordingly, without stress or surprises. A realistic and well-managed schedule transforms the renovation experience into a controlled process rather than constant chaos.

Contact us now for an initial consultation and get a clear and honest assessment of your project timeline. Our expertise ensures reliable planning and seamless coordination to complete your project under the best possible conditions.

Let's renovate together, efficiently and calmly.