How Long Does a Renovation Take? Planning Bin Rental Around Your Timeline
“How long will this take?”
It’s every homeowner’s first question. And the answer affects everything from living arrangements to bin rental timing.
Here’s what we’ve learned from hundreds of Winnipeg bin deliveries: most homeowners underestimate timelines, schedule bins too early, and pay extension fees for bins sitting empty while waiting for demo to actually begin.
Typical Winnipeg Renovation Timelines
Professional contractors in normal conditions (no major surprises, reasonable weather, materials available):
Kitchen (Full Remodel): 4-8 weeks
- Week 1: Demo and rough-in prep
- Weeks 2-4: Plumbing, electrical, drywall
- Weeks 5-8: Cabinets, countertops, finishing
Bathroom (Full Remodel): 3-6 weeks
- Week 1: Demo
- Weeks 2-3: Rough-in
- Week 4: Waterproofing, tile
- Weeks 5-6: Fixtures, finishing
Basement (Finish from bare concrete): 6-12 weeks
- Weeks 1-2: Framing, rough-in
- Weeks 3-4: Insulation, drywall
- Weeks 5-12: Flooring, trim, finishing
DIY projects: Add 50-100% to these timelines due to learning curves, weekend-only work, and equipment limitations.
When Waste Actually Generates
Renovation waste doesn’t generate uniformly. It concentrates in demolition phases.
- Days 1-3 (Demo): 80-90% of total waste
- Weeks 2-6: Minimal waste (small cut-offs, packaging)
- Weeks 7-8: Small waste increase (trim, packaging)
Bathroom renovation: Days 1-2 (Demo) = 70-85% of waste
Basement demo: Week 1 = 60-75% of total project waste
Coordinating Bin Rental with Demo
Standard rental: 7 days included, $10/day extension after.
- Kitchen: Schedule delivery day before demo starts. Demo completes 2-4 days. Total: 5-7 days
- Bathroom: Delivery day before demo. Demo completes 1-3 days. Total: 3-5 days
- Basement demo: Delivery day before. Demo completes 3-7 days. Total: 5-10 days
Common Timing Mistakes
- Ordering too early: “Starting next month” leads to bins delivered before contractors begin
- Vague contractor timelines: “Starting next week” becomes “delayed until next month”
- Not accounting for prep: Contractors spend first 2-3 days protecting areas. Actual demo starts day 3-4
- Overestimating DIY pace: “One weekend” bins become two-week rentals
Better Timing Strategies
Confirm Actual Demo Date
Ask contractor specifically:
- Actual demo/tear-out date (not “we’re starting”—that often means prep)
- Expected demo duration
- Best day for bin delivery
Example dialogue:
“We start Monday with prep. Demo begins Wednesday. Should take 2-3 days. Order Tuesday delivery.”
Match Bin Size to Demo Phase
- Kitchen (full demo): 12-yard bin handles cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring
- Bathroom (full demo): 8-yard sufficient for tub/shower, vanity, toilet, flooring
- Basement (demo): 12-20 yard depending on size
Consider Split Rental
Large multi-month renovations: First bin for demo (weeks 1-2). Second smaller bin later for accumulated construction waste (around week 6-8). Often cheaper than extended single rental.
Winter-Specific Considerations
- Loading in cold: -30°C makes loading slower. What takes 30 minutes in July takes 45+ in January
- Extended timelines: Material delivery delays from winter roads add days
- Holidays: December-January projects span holidays affecting schedules
Learn more in our winter bin placement guide.
Managing Extensions
Despite good planning, extensions happen. At $10/day extension, accepting reality beats rushing unsafe work.
Communication: If delays occur, notify your bin provider. Sometimes pickup can be delayed without charges if communicated proactively.
Common Questions About Bin Rental Timing
What if my contractor is delayed?
Contact us as soon as you know about the delay. If notified proactively, we can often reschedule pickup without additional charges.
Can I move the bin once delivered?
No—bins weigh several hundred pounds empty. Choose placement carefully considering demo access, contractor vehicle access, and snow clearing paths.
What if I fill the bin faster than expected?
Call immediately for early pickup. We can often schedule next-day pickup, saving rental days.
Can I keep the bin longer if my project runs over?
Yes—standard extension is $10/day. Extended rentals are common for DIY projects and complex renovations.
Expert Renovation Bin Coordination
Understanding realistic timelines—and honest assessment of when waste generates—prevents paying for empty bins and ensures availability when needed.
EcoBins & Cartage bin rental succeeds when timing matches actual waste generation, not theoretical project starts. Most renovation waste generates in first 3-7 days (demo phase).
Professional guidance on bin sizing, timing coordination, and realistic timeline planning.
Get a Quote Call: (431) 317-8581Coordinate bin placement with Ditchfield Soils material delivery and Lawn ‘N’ Order landscaping work for complete project coordination.
Related Resources
- EcoBins Bin Rental Services
- Winter Bin Placement Guide
- Lawn ‘N’ Order Site Services
- Renovation Planning Guide
Schedule bin delivery for day before demo starts, expect 5-10 days total rental for typical residential demos. Understanding realistic timelines and coordinating with actual demolition phases prevents unnecessary extension fees.
