Finishing a new-build apartment
How long does it take to finish a new-build apartment?
Finishing a new-build apartment typically takes between 2 and 6 months, with a standard 60 m² unit requiring an average of 3 – 4 months of work. The process is divided into the installation phase (2 – 4 weeks), the construction and finishing stage (9 – 16 weeks), and the installation of custom cabinetry and furnishings (3 – 12 weeks). This timeline can be shortened through careful planning, a completed design project, and a reliable contractor.
What does a developer-standard finish include?
Hello, my name is Anna Pawłowska and I have been running my interior design studio, Estilo Design, for 15 years. A significant portion of the projects I undertake involves new-build apartments, and that is what I will be focusing on today. The “developer standard” is a stage where the property is equipped with electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, but lacks any interior finishing. There are no floors, internal doors, tiles, paint, or furniture. It is a blank canvas – and this is exactly where the work begins.
What does a developer-standard finish include?
Hello, my name is Anna Pawłowska and I have been running my interior design studio, Estilo Design, for 15 years. A significant portion of the projects I undertake involves new-build apartments, and that is what I will be focusing on today. The “developer standard” is a stage where the property is equipped with electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, but lacks any interior finishing. There are no floors, internal doors, tiles, paint, or furniture. It is a blank canvas – and this is exactly where the work begins.
How long does it take to finish a new-build apartment?
In my design practice, I find that this process takes anywhere from 2 to 6 months, or even longer. For instance, an apartment of approximately 60 m2 typically takes an average of 3 – 4 months. It is difficult to provide a definitive timeframe, as it depends on several factors: the size of the unit, the scope of work, the availability of the renovation crew, and the punctuality of material deliveries. The choice of finishing materials – which involves varying lead and installation times – and the organization of the renovation itself (whether using a single crew or multiple contractors) also play a significant role. The same apartment can be finished quickly and simply, or it can take much longer if it involves a high number of custom-made elements. In this article, I will focus on a mid-range standard finish.
I must add that a DIY approach usually takes longer than a project carried out with a professional design and supervision. Between the designer’s experience, the ready-to-use documentation for contractors, and the comprehensive shopping list – the planning stage is very, very important.
Regarding the cost of finishing such an apartment – I recommend reading another of my articles: How much does interior finishing cost in Warsaw in 2026.
Estimated completion timelines by square footage:
| Unit size | Installation works | Construction and finishing | Cabinetry / furnishings | Total time |
| Studio (up to 35 m²) | 1-1.5 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 1.5-2.5 months |
| 2 rooms (40-55 m²) | 2-2.5 weeks | 3-5 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 3-4 months |
| 3 rooms / house (55-100 m²) | 2.5-3.5 weeks | 4-7 weeks | 8-10 weeks | 3.5-5 months |
| Apartment (over 100 m²) | 4-6 weeks | 7-12 weeks | 10-14 weeks | 6-9 months |
This breakdown demonstrates that square footage does not lead to a linear increase in time – it is the logistics, the number of wet rooms, and the level of detail that mean large apartments can require nearly a year of work.
What are the stages of finishing, and how long does each one take?
Stage I: Installation and construction works (2 – 4 weeks).
These are the first “messy” works after taking over the property from the developer. Although the developer hands over a finished unit, the layout is rarely the final one; we almost always modify the placement of electrical points, relocate plumbing connections, and install concealed mounting frames for bathroom fixtures. Many people take advantage of the opportunity for tenant modifications – I design quite a few of these, and it is certainly worth doing. I write more about that here.
In 2026, we are also seeing the installation of Smart Home systems more and more frequently. This stage is also the time for demolition, erecting new plasterboard walls, and installing suspended ceilings. This is a crucial moment that requires precise planning. Of course, corrections at a later stage are possible, but they can be very costly.
Stage II: Wet construction works and surface preparation (4 – 6 weeks).
This is the phase we most often underestimate. Leveling walls and ceilings with gypsum plaster is one of the most labor-intensive stages: each layer requires time to dry. A self-leveling screed – essential especially for large-format porcelain tiles or thin vinyl planks – also needs several days to reach the required moisture level. This is also the stage for tiling bathrooms and kitchens. Increasingly popular large-format porcelain tiles require specialized equipment and greater cutting precision, and therefore – significantly more time.
Stage III: “Clean” finishing works (3 – 10 weeks).
Painting the walls is relatively quick, provided the surfaces were properly prepared. This is the time for wallpaper, wall coverings, panels, or engineered wood flooring along with baseboards. If you dream of classic parquet, be sure to set aside significantly more time for this.
Finally, we install the interior doors. This is done intentionally at the very end to avoid damaging the door leaves while bringing in heavy equipment. The exception is the increasingly popular concealed frame doors – their installation is unique and begins as early as the wall construction stage. The door leaves themselves are only hung now.
Stage IV: Custom cabinetry and furnishings (3 – 12 weeks).
You can expect to wait anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks for a finished kitchen. Standard production usually wraps up within 4-7 weeks, but if you opt for premium cabinetry with veneers or lacquered finishes, the lead time extends to 10-12 weeks. The installation itself is a matter of 2-7 days. Similar timeframes apply to built-in wardrobes and other custom joinery.
An important detail: the carpenter’s final measurement only takes place after the floors are laid and the walls are finished – it is worth accounting for this in your schedule.
Finally, we have the installation of household appliances, bathroom fixtures, and lighting, known as the final fit-out – altogether about 2 – 3 weeks, concluding with a post-construction deep clean.
What typically extends the renovation process?
- Material availability – delivery delays are frequent. Certain finishing elements can take weeks to arrive.
- A shortage of skilled labor. Reputable contractors often have calendars booked 4-5 months in advance. Attempting to find a crew from one week to the next usually results in working with someone whose work will leave behind issues requiring costly corrections.
- Poor coordination – managing multiple crews on your own is not easy, and each contractor only looks after their own specific task.
- Impulsive changes mid-project – every change means going back several days and often incurs extra costs (the contractor has to redo part of the work).
- Lack of site supervision – proceeding without a design and professional supervision significantly increases the risk of errors.
Three things most people fail to include in their timeline:
First – the interior design and material ordering process takes 2 – 3 months before any crew even sets foot in the apartment. Second – the screed dries naturally for 4 – 6 weeks, and this is a physical requirement that simply cannot be skipped. Third – it is worth remembering random factors: crews get sick, and mistakes happen that require repairs.
How to shorten the apartment finishing time without compromising quality?
It is worth booking a renovation crew at least 5 months in advance, and a carpenter at least 3 – 4 months before the planned installation. Using locally produced materials is an additional advantage, as it protects the investor from global shipping issues. Whenever possible, consider running works in parallel; having several crews in different rooms can shorten the entire process by a few weeks.
However, I will not hide the fact that the most effective method is preparing a comprehensive interior design project even before taking delivery of the apartment from the developer. A project allows you to order materials in advance, book crews, and avoid decisions made under time pressure. It is also worth considering professional site supervision.
Summary
Finishing a new-build apartment is a multi-stage process that requires excellent organization and – above all – patience. It is better to plan for a longer timeline than a shorter one; this saves stress, prevents rushed decisions, and provides the necessary space to ensure your choice of tiles or wall colors is truly well-considered. You are creating a home to last for many years. Do not let haste come back to haunt you for seasons to come.
ANNA PAWŁOWSKA – INTERIOR ARCHITECT
For over 15 years, I have been running Estilo Design – my own interior architecture studio in Warsaw. I carry out projects for residential apartments as well as commercial spaces throughout Poland and beyond. I graduated from the Faculty of Interior Architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Within the scope of my studio’s services, I offer both design consultations and comprehensive projects with my authorial supervision.
If you need professional support that will give you peace of mind and save you valuable time during your project, I invite you to get in touch.
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