One of the first questions property owners ask when planning a renovation in Gran Canaria is how long the whole process will take. The answer depends on the scope of work, the size of the apartment, and a few factors that are specific to working on the island. But the most important thing is to start with a realistic expectation rather than an optimistic one.
For a complete renovation of a one-bedroom apartment, including bathroom, kitchen, flooring, electrical and plumbing updates, painting, new doors, and finishing details, the typical construction time is six to ten weeks from the first day on site to handover. A two-bedroom apartment with similar scope usually takes eight to twelve weeks. These timelines assume the design phase is already completed and materials have been selected before work begins.
What many property owners underestimate is that the construction phase is only part of the overall timeline. The full process, from first contact to handing over the keys, involves several stages that each take their own time.
The Design Phase
Before any demolition begins, the apartment needs to be measured, the layout discussed, materials selected, and a detailed plan agreed upon. For international clients who are not on the island full-time, this phase often happens remotely through video calls, floor plans, and 3D visualisations.
This stage typically takes two to four weeks, depending on how quickly decisions are made. Clients who know what they want and respond promptly to design proposals move through this phase faster. Those who need time to compare options, consult with partners, or visit the island to see material samples should allow more time.
Rushing the design phase to start construction sooner almost always backfires. Changes made on paper cost nothing. Changes made once tiles are on the wall cost time and money.
Demolition and Preparation
Once the design is approved and a start date is set, the first days on site are dedicated to demolition and preparation. This means stripping out old bathrooms, removing flooring, taking down partition walls if the layout is changing, and clearing the space back to its shell.
In a typical one-bedroom apartment, demolition and debris removal take three to five days. During this phase, the existing plumbing and electrical systems become visible, and any hidden issues, such as corroded pipes, outdated wiring, or moisture damage, are identified.
In older buildings across southern Gran Canaria, particularly complexes built in the 1970s and 80s, it is common to find plumbing or electrical systems that need more work than initially expected. A responsible contractor accounts for this possibility in the timeline rather than pretending it will not happen.
Plumbing, Electrical, and Structural Work
This is the phase where the apartment is rebuilt from the inside. New plumbing lines are run for the bathroom and kitchen. The electrical system is updated to meet current standards, with new wiring, outlets, and lighting points installed according to the approved plan. If walls are being moved or openings are being created, the structural modifications happen here as well.
This phase typically takes one to two weeks. It is not the most visible stage of a renovation, since most of the work is hidden behind walls and under floors, but it is the most critical. Mistakes in plumbing or electrical work create problems that are expensive to fix after the finishing surfaces are applied.
Tiling, Flooring, and Wet Areas
Once the infrastructure is in place, the finishing work begins. Bathroom waterproofing is applied, wall and floor tiles are installed, and the kitchen base units are positioned. Flooring goes down throughout the rest of the apartment.
This is usually the longest single phase, taking two to three weeks depending on the complexity of the tile layout, the size of the tiles, and whether any custom patterns or features are involved. Large-format tiles, for example, require more precise substrate preparation than standard sizes.
Fixtures, Painting, and Final Assembly
The last phase brings everything together. Sanitary ware is installed in the bathroom, the kitchen worktop and appliances are fitted, internal doors are hung, and the apartment is painted. Lighting fixtures, mirrors, towel rails, and other accessories are mounted.
This phase typically takes one to two weeks. It requires coordination between multiple trades, since the painter needs the walls finished before spraying, the plumber needs the tiles done before fitting the shower, and the electrician returns to connect switches and outlets after painting is complete.
What Can Extend the Timeline
Several factors specific to Gran Canaria can add time to a renovation project.
Material availability is one. Certain items, particularly imported kitchen appliances, specific tile formats, or custom-made furniture, may need to be ordered with lead times of two to six weeks. If these are not ordered early in the design phase, they can delay the final stages of the project.
Community of owners is another. Many apartment complexes in southern Gran Canaria have rules about working hours, noise, and the use of common areas for transporting materials. Some require formal approval before work can begin. This administrative step can add one to three weeks if not handled in advance.
Public holidays and local festivals should also be factored in. Gran Canaria has several regional holidays throughout the year, and construction crews do not work on these days. A project that spans Carnival week in February or Semana Santa in March will naturally take longer.
Weather is rarely an issue for interior renovations, but outdoor work such as terrace renovation, balcony glass enclosures, or facade painting can be affected by wind or occasional rain, particularly in winter months.
A Realistic Overall Timeline
Putting it all together, a property owner planning a complete renovation of a one-bedroom apartment in Gran Canaria should expect the following overall timeline:
The design and planning phase takes two to four weeks. Material ordering, if items need to be imported, adds two to four weeks, though this can overlap with the design phase. The construction phase itself runs six to ten weeks. Adding a buffer for community approvals and unexpected issues brings the total to roughly three to four months from first meeting to handover.
For a two-bedroom apartment, add two to four weeks to the construction phase.
The owners who have the smoothest experience are those who invest time in the design phase, make material decisions early, and understand that a quality renovation cannot be compressed into an artificially short deadline. The goal is not to finish as fast as possible. The goal is to finish well. For a broader view of the renovation process from start to finish, see our guide on what to expect when renovating in Gran Canaria.
If you are planning a renovation in Gran Canaria and want a clear timeline for your specific project, you can reach us at nordomusrealestate.com/contact.