"How long is this going to take?" It's right up there with "how much will it cost?" as the first question every business owner asks about a commercial renovation.
And just like cost, the answer depends on your specific project. But unlike cost, timeline is often harder to estimate — because it involves coordinating multiple trades, navigating the permit process, and accounting for the unexpected.
The good news? With the right planning and an experienced contractor, most commercial renovations in the GTA follow a predictable pattern. Let's walk through each phase so you know exactly what to expect.
This is where your project takes shape, and it's one of the most important phases to get right. Rushing through planning almost always leads to problems — and costs — down the road.
During this phase, you'll work with your contractor and design team to define the scope of work and project goals, develop floor plans and design concepts, create detailed construction drawings, select materials and finishes, and establish a realistic budget.
For many commercial projects, the design phase also involves coordinating with engineers for structural, mechanical, and electrical plans — especially if you're making significant changes to the space.
Pro tip: If you're leasing a new space, start the design process while your lease is being finalized. This can save you weeks of valuable time.
Once your drawings are ready, it's time to apply for permits. This process takes time — and the timeline varies by municipality and project complexity.
In the GTA, expect 10 to 20 business days for straightforward commercial interior renovations, 20 to 40 business days for projects involving zoning reviews or change of use, and potentially longer for complex projects in downtown Toronto high-rises.
This is often the "hidden" phase that business owners forget to account for. You can't start construction until your permits are in hand, so factor this into your overall schedule from day one. Our commercial permits guide covers the process step by step.
Once permits are approved, the physical work begins. For renovation projects, this usually starts with stripping out existing finishes, removing unwanted walls or fixtures, and preparing the space for new construction.
This is also when surprises tend to show up. Behind walls, you might find outdated wiring, asbestos-containing materials, plumbing that doesn't meet current code, or structural issues that weren't visible during the initial assessment. An experienced contractor anticipates these possibilities and builds contingency into the schedule.
This is the behind-the-scenes phase where the essential systems get installed before walls are closed up. It includes framing new walls and partitions, running electrical wiring and data cabling, installing plumbing rough-ins, HVAC ductwork and mechanical systems, and fire protection and sprinkler modifications.
Each of these trades needs to be coordinated carefully — they often can't work in the same area simultaneously, and inspections are required at specific stages before work can be covered up.
This is where your space starts to look like the vision you planned. Finishes include drywall installation, taping, and painting, flooring installation (tile, hardwood, carpet, polished concrete), ceiling systems, millwork and custom cabinetry, lighting fixtures and controls, and doors, hardware, and glass partitions.
Material lead times are a big factor here. Custom millwork, specialty tiles, or imported fixtures can take weeks to arrive. Your contractor should be ordering long-lead items early in the project to keep the schedule on track.
The home stretch. This phase includes final electrical and plumbing connections, fixture and equipment installation, touch-up painting and cleaning, final building inspections, punch list walkthrough and deficiency corrections, and fire inspection and occupancy permit (if applicable).
Don't underestimate this phase. The punch list — a detailed review of every item that needs correction or completion — can take longer than expected, especially on larger projects.
By far the most common cause of schedule overruns. If your permit application is incomplete, requires revisions, or gets caught in a backlog, your start date slides. The solution? Submit a complete application early, and work with a contractor who has experience with local building departments.
"While we're at it, can we also..." is a phrase every contractor knows. Change orders during construction don't just cost money — they cost time. Every change requires re-pricing, potentially new permits, and schedule adjustments. Define your scope thoroughly before construction starts.
Supply chain issues have improved since the pandemic, but lead times for specialty items remain longer than pre-2020 levels. Custom millwork, certain tiles, and specialized equipment can take 6-12 weeks to arrive. Order early.
Older buildings in the GTA often hide surprises. Asbestos, outdated electrical, structural deficiencies — these require additional work and inspections that weren't in the original plan. This is why contingency in both budget and schedule is essential.
A commercial renovation involves electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, drywall crews, painters, flooring installers, and more — all working in the same space. Without strong project management, trades show up at the wrong time, inspections get missed, and the schedule falls apart.
Getting the timeline right starts with choosing the right contractor. At Buildup Contracting, we create detailed project schedules for every commercial renovation, with clear milestones and realistic timelines. We manage the entire process — from permit applications to final inspections — so you know exactly where your project stands at every stage.
Buildup Contracting builds commercial interiors across Toronto & the GTA — restaurants first, retail and office built with the same discipline. Explore our retail fit-out services and office & commercial tenant improvement services, or book a free site walk — written scope and estimate within one business day.