Kitchen remodels are the most satisfying of home remodels—also the most intimidating. It's the centerpiece of the home, and a brand new, properly designed kitchen will provide an exponentially greater role in comfort and resale. Homeowners, however, overestimate when it will get finished.
So how many weeks does it take to remodel a kitchen?
How quickly it occurs will take into consideration a few things: amount of work, amount of material, level of design modifications, and professionals' availability as well as how ready you are. Mini facelifts may take two weeks while full kitchen remodeling may take months.
Let's discuss how things proceed, what hinders progress, and make every step ready with confidence.
Kitchen Remodeling Timeline- An Average Snapshot
The following is a rough estimate of how long different kinds of kitchen remodel will take:
-
Cosmetic refresh (1–2 weeks): Painting, hardware, redoing lighting, and new backsplash.
-
Medium remodel (4–8 weeks): New cabinets, new countertops, new appliances, new floor, and minor layout adjustments.
-
Full gut remodel (8–14+ weeks): Demo, new electrical or plumbing, custom cabinets, structural adjustments, and relocating layout.
But keep in mind—that's a building-only timeline. Pre-construction organization and post-installation tasks can tack weeks on to the overall timeline.
1. Pre-Remodel Phase (2–6 weeks): Research, Design, Planning
An excellent kitchen remodel depends on solid preparation that is carefully planned. It's the least underestimated stage, the most important one perhaps.
Kitchen Design + Budgeting (1–3 weeks)
Before you even grab a paintbrush or hammer, you will be required to have a vision for your dream kitchen and budget. You may engage a kitchen designer, or make use of planning software to design layout, finish, and style models. You will also accomplish the following in this step:
-
Set budget
-
Select material and finishes
-
Verify appliance selection
-
Determine layout modifications, if applicable
Hiring Professionals (1–2 weeks)
Unless you’re doing a DIY project, you’ll likely need a general contractor, electrician, plumber, and perhaps an interior designer. Be sure to:
-
Collect multiple bids
-
Check licenses and insurance
-
Get a written contract
Permits and Approvals (1–3 weeks)
If your project involves structural, plumbing, or electrical changes, permits will be required. Depending on your municipality, this process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Pro Tip: Purchase your products today—appliances and cabinets, specifically—to prevent long lead times in the future.
2. Demo and Prep Work (1–2 weeks)
Bring in the ugly stuff: demo.
Demolition of current cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring. If plumbing or electric is being relocated, that's typically after demo.
Surprises with demo:
-
Mold behind walls
-
Wiring or plumbing of an older era
-
Uneven flooring
-
Water damage
Every one of them can be postponed if you do not incorporate it in your contingency plan.
3. Rough Construction (2–4 weeks): Plumbing, Electrical, Framing
Your builders can proceed with the rough construction with the gutting once you let them. They comprise:
-
Plumbing rough-in: Rearranging sinks, dishwashers, water pipes
-
Electrical wiring: Putting in outlet, light or under-cabinet lighting
-
Framing and drywall: install reinforcement beam or take down wall or relocate
Inspections will have to be done some time or other. Delays typically happen when the subcontractor's and inspector's schedule is not possible.
4. Cabinet Installation (1–2 weeks)
Cabinets take the most time in a remodel and are normally so. 6–10 weeks is how long it takes custom cabinets to be delivered when ordered, but stock or RTA cabinets arrive sooner.
3–5 days will be taken for installation depending on how complicated. Installation needs to be accurate because all of the rest of the items, including countertops and appliances, will be constructed on this level.
5. Countertops (1–2 weeks post-cabinet installation)
Most homeowners are amazed to discover that countertops can't be constructed until cabinetry is installed completely. Measuring needs to be accurate.
Following templating, anticipate:
-
Fabrication: 5–10 business days
-
Installation: 1 day
-
Setting/cure time (or, in the case of stone): 24–48 hours in advance
6. Flooring, Backsplash, and Painting (1–2 weeks)
These finishing touches can all be done simultaneously or staggered based on your construction timeline. Flooring may be done in advance of cabinetry installation, but may also be done later on if so required.
-
Painting: 1–2 days
-
Backsplash: 2–3 days
-
Flooring (if not already done): 3–5 days
Finishing work-again here- trim and molding is done.
7. Appliance Installation and Final Touches (1 week)
Now that the big haul is done, time for installing:
-
Refrigerator, oven, dishwasher
-
Sink and faucet
-
Range hood or microwave
-
Lighting fixtures
-
Outlet covers and hardware
Appliances may require electrical and plumbing hook-up, and there may be a final check before your being fully functional.
8. Final Inspection and Clean-Up (2-5 Days)
Your contractor will go through to determine if there are last-minute touch-ups or modifications required. Create a punch list and aren't hesitant to speak up and say something doesn't belong there.
Deep clean, then maybe some trash cleanup, and maybe even a second inspection if permits were required.
And voila! Time to stock your cabinets, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy your new kitchen!
What Can Slow Down a Kitchen Remodel?
Despite perfect planning, slowdowns occur. Having anticipated delays in mind and in wallet saves you.
-
Backordered materials (cabinets, tile, appliances)
-
Scheduling or availability of subs
-
Permit delays
-
Surprise structural issues
-
Weather, if you're working outside
-
Late-stage designing or material change
Pro Tip: Insert a 15–20% time buffer into your original estimate.
Kitchen Remodeling Secrets to Stay on Track
-
Purchase everything upfront all at once: Cabinets, tiles, lighting—anything with lead time.
-
Maintain open communication with your contractor and suppliers.
-
Make decisions up front so you won't need to alter design along the way.
-
Buy a portable kitchen so you can relocate in ASAP when construction is under way.
-
Be practical: Think about it, even fabulous projects experience wrinkles.
Last Thoughts: Plan Well, Be Flexible
So how long does it really take to renovate a kitchen, anyway?
For an average kitchen renovation, budget construction time at 6 to 12 weeks and tack on 4 to 6 weeks of planning and prep time far in advance. There are some quicker, some slower—but they all prove to be worth it.
Good planning, pre-ordering, the skills of experts, and adaptability are the keys to success. A good team and a good timeline are all it takes to turn your dream kitchen into reality.