The most common complaint we hear from Joburg homeowners who've had bad experiences with contractors isn't about the quality of the work — it's about timing. Projects that were promised in two weeks took six. A kitchen that should have been done before the school holidays was still incomplete in February. This guide is about why that happens and what a realistic timeline looks like for the most common project types in Gauteng.
Reference Timelines for Common Projects
These are working-day estimates for well-planned projects with materials on site and access confirmed. They assume no significant unexpected conditions.
| Project | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet hinge & runner replacement (kitchen) | 1–2 days | Single-visit job if parts are in stock |
| Custom cabinetry installation (kitchen) | 5–12 days on site | Plus 2–3 week lead time for fabrication |
| Basic bathroom renovation | 7–10 working days | No layout changes, sound substrate |
| Bathroom renovation with plumbing moves | 12–18 working days | Depends on pipe access |
| Kitchen renovation (in-place, no layout change) | 2–3 weeks | Cabinets, countertop, tiling, plumbing |
| Kitchen renovation with layout changes | 4–6 weeks | Additional plumbing and electrical |
| Full home renovation (multi-room) | 2–4 months | Phased to maintain liveability |
| Office or commercial fit-out | 4–10 weeks | Depends on scope and handover access |
Why the "On Site" Timeline Is Only Part of the Picture
The biggest misunderstanding about renovation timelines is confusing the on-site construction period with the total project duration. A kitchen renovation that takes 3 weeks to install still needs 2–4 weeks before that for cabinet fabrication (if custom), tile ordering (if not in stock), countertop templating and fabrication, and appliance procurement. Supply chains in South Africa — even for domestically manufactured products — are less predictable than most homeowners expect.
Add to this the contractor's existing project calendar. A quality contractor in Johannesburg who's busy (which they should be) can often only start a new project 3–6 weeks after quote acceptance. "Available immediately" is sometimes a warning sign, not a benefit.
The Joburg-Specific Factors
Trade coordination: In Johannesburg, finding an available and reliable plumber or electrician isn't always fast. A busy renovation season (Jan–March and August–October are typically high demand periods in Joburg) can mean waiting 2–3 weeks for a trade who's already committed to other projects.
Material delivery: Tiles ordered from Pretoria or Johannesburg suppliers usually arrive within a week. Imported tiles (Italian, Spanish, Spanish-format large-format porcelain) take 6–12 weeks. This is often the single biggest source of project delays for homeowners who fall in love with something at a showroom without checking lead time.
Unexpected conditions: Old Joburg properties regularly reveal surprises once walls are opened: asbestos that needs specialist removal, plumbing that fails pressure tests, structural elements in unexpected places. A realistic budget and timeline always includes a contingency.
Public holidays and school holidays: The Joburg construction industry slows significantly in December–January and around Easter. Projects that aren't finished before these periods often experience a 2–3 week gap where work stops entirely. If you're planning a renovation with a firm completion date, factor this in.
How We Build Timelines
Every project we take on gets a written milestone schedule before work starts — not a single completion date, but a series of defined checkpoints: demolition complete, first fix trades done, cabinets installed, tiling complete, snagging. This gives both parties visibility into where the project is at any point and makes delays visible before they compound.
We also won't promise a timeline we can't keep. If our current project load means we can realistically start in 6 weeks, we say 6 weeks — not 2 weeks to win the quote and then manage the delay after you've signed. That approach creates better projects and better relationships.