From start to finish was 2 hours, but that included having to start supper & check on it at intervals & help the kids with homework & other things they suddenly need help with when I'm busy; so in reality it probably took less than an hour. My dryer is not on a pedestal so I found it easier to pull it away from the wall @ 2ft & tilt it back once I had it apart. Secured the belt to the top with a piece of tape so it'd stay in place while I wrapped the pullies.