Renovation Timeline Guide: When to Schedule Bins

“How long will this take?”

It’s every homeowner’s first question. And the answer affects everything from living arrangements to bin rental timing.

Renovation timeline infographic showing demo phase and bin rental timing for kitchen bathroom basement projects — Kitchen renovations generate 80-90% of waste during the first 3 days of demolition—schedule bin delivery for day before demo starts, not “project start,” to avoid paying for empty bins during prep phases.

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.

Kitchen renovation waste pattern:

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) 317-8581

Coordinate bin placement with Ditchfield Soils material delivery and Lawn ‘N’ Order landscaping work for complete project coordination.

Related Resources

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.

How Long Does a Renovation Take? Planning Bin Rental Around Your Timeline