Are you considering remodeling your kitchen? Are you wondering how long it takes to remodel a kitchen? Before you start your remodel project, it’s crucial to understand the timeline for how long a kitchen remodel takes. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the different stages of the process and how long each stage typically takes. By the end of the post, you will have a good understanding of how long a kitchen remodel takes and the different factors that can impact the timeline.
And if you have other questions regarding kitchen remodeling, such as how much a kitchen remodel costs, be sure to check out our blog post on kitchen remodeling FAQs!
How Long Does It Take To Remodel A Kitchen?
The simple answer is that it depends–it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months, depending on the scope of the project and how much of the work needs to be done by professionals. Typically, smaller projects, such as painting or replacing countertops, may take only two to four weeks, while larger projects that involve more complex construction may take up to four months or longer.
Let’s take a closer look at the factors that would put a kitchen remodel at either end of this time range.
2-4 week kitchen remodels: Projects that span over a few weeks are usually for minor kitchen renovations, involving only cosmetic changes. These types of kitchen remodel projects are also known as “replacement kitchen remodels” since they mostly involve replacing individual components in an existing kitchen without changing the layout. This would include kitchen remodels that:
- Use stock cabinets (rather than custom cabinets) and standard appliances
- Keep the same layout as the existing kitchen
- No reconfiguring of plumbing, gas, or electrical wiring
4-5 month kitchen remodels: At the other end of the timeline are major kitchen remodeling projects for a space that is getting a complete overhaul and major structural changes. A major kitchen remodel typically involves:
- Custom cabinets, premium countertops, flooring, and new energy-efficient appliances
- A total reconfiguration of the kitchen, including the removal of walls or the installation of new windows
- Reconfiguration of plumbing, gas, or electrical components
Other levels of kitchen remodeling fall somewhere in between these two timeline extremes.
Why It Takes Time To Remodel A Kitchen
As explained above, the complexity of the design and the scope of work for your kitchen remodel plays a major role in how long it will take. However, those aren’t the only reasons why even minor kitchen remodels may still take a few weeks.
The fact is, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes planning and work that happens before the actual remodel even begins. Remodeling a kitchen requires comprehensive planning in order to schedule skilled tradespeople and the delivery of materials.
Another factor that shouldn’t be overlooked is the experience and expertise of the general contractor you select for your project. Lower-tier contractors may take longer to finish a kitchen remodel due to inexperience in handling complicated projects with multiple subcontractors, material deliveries, and specialized labor.
Even the most experienced contractors can have trouble making sure everything is in order and finished by its due date! But a contractor with less experience may give you false hope in terms of the timeline and completion date. You might save some cash upfront, but it will come with extra tension and stress down the road.
Here at Home Pride Construction, we hold ourselves to a higher standard of service for the customer. We make sure to clearly state our kitchen remodeling timeline goals and hold ourselves accountable for completing high-quality work in a timely manner. You can learn more about Home Pride Construction’s kitchen remodeling process and pricing tiers here.
Remodeling a kitchen isn’t easy, but with thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and time put into finding great suppliers, it can lead to an incredible transformation for your space!
What Can Make Your Kitchen Remodel Take Even Longer?
Unfortunately, there are a few things that can extend the time it takes for your kitchen to be finished. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest culprits when it comes to extending the timeline for your kitchen remodel.
- Permit or inspection delays: Depending on where you live, there may be certain permits or inspections required before you can begin work in your kitchen. These are usually done by local building officials and can add weeks or even months to the timeline of your project if they aren’t taken care of right away. It’s crucial to check with your local zoning board before starting any demolition or construction in your kitchen to ensure that all permits and inspections have been taken care of.
- The existing kitchen is old: If you are remodeling an older kitchen, then you should expect delays due to outdated wiring, plumbing systems, and other structural components that may need to be replaced or updated. This is especially true if your existing kitchen has been neglected over the years. Making sure everything is up-to-date can take some extra time but will ultimately result in a safer space for you and your family.
- Subcontractors or tradespeople are unavailable: Finding qualified subcontractors or tradespeople for any large home renovation project is never easy, and finding ones that have availability on short notice can be even more difficult. If any of these professionals become unavailable during the process, then it could lead to further delays in getting your kitchen remodeled as quickly as possible.
- Working around a homeowner’s schedule: If you want a kitchen remodel done without disrupting your daily schedule, be prepared for the project to take longer. Most contractors are happy to work around your daily routine, but just keep in mind that your project will likely take longer if remodeling can only be done during small windows of time each day.
- Material backorders: Materials are sometimes back ordered from suppliers due to demand issues. This means that even if something was ordered well in advance, there is no guarantee that it will arrive on time for when it needs to get installed in your kitchen. If any materials get held up due to backorders, then this could cause serious delays in getting everything completed on schedule.
- Requesting changes mid-project: Finally, one of the most common reasons why a kitchen remodel might take longer than expected is because homeowners decide mid-project that they would like something different than what was originally planned. Any changes a homeowner requests that weren’t in the original scope of work will likely extend the timeline for completing the job.
What Can Make Your Kitchen Remodel Take Less Time?
Let’s take a look at some of the factors that can speed up the timeline for your kitchen remodel.
- You hire a reputable and experienced contractor: The most important factor in ensuring a timely remodel is hiring a reliable contractor with experience in kitchen remodels. They not only have the knowledge and skill set to get the job done quickly but also have access to reliable subcontractors who can help complete the job quickly and efficiently. Experienced contractors will be able to anticipate any potential issues before they arise so that your timeline stays on track.
- No custom cabinetry requested: If you only use stock cabinets in your remodel, that will likely shave weeks off your completion time. Custom cabinets can take weeks or even months to design and construct. Unless you have your heart set on custom cabinets, try the many options available at your local home improvement store to find premade cabinets that fit your needs perfectly.
- No reconfiguration of gas, plumbing, or electrical required: It should go without saying that any changes involving gas, plumbing, or electrical will lengthen your timeline significantly since these require special permits from local authorities as well as additional labor costs for certified tradespeople. If possible, keep all existing fixtures in their current locations and simply upgrade them rather than moving them around entirely.
- No changes to kitchen layout: Changing up the layout of your kitchen requires additional construction time and materials, both of which can add to the time it takes to complete your remodel. To avoid this issue altogether, consider keeping your proposed design as simple as possible so that no major structural work needs to happen during the renovation process.
What A Typical Kitchen Remodel Process Looks Like
While every kitchen remodel is unique, there is a general process that most kitchen remodeling projects follow. Let’s break down what happens in each step in the process and how long it typically takes.
Pre-Construction Phase
From job postings to permit applications, the pre-construction phase can take anywhere from several days to several weeks.
Step 1: Job Posting (1-3 days)
The first step in the pre-construction phase is posting your remodeling project online so contractors in your area can bid on it. On the other hand, if you have a reputable contractor already in mind, you can simply consult with them.
Step 2: Scheduling Site Visits & Bidding (1-3 weeks)
Once you’ve received bids from potential contractors, schedule site visits with each one so they can get a better idea of the project scope. During this time, ask questions about their experience and look at examples of their work.
Step 3: Picking the Right Contractor (1-2 weeks)
Now that you have all of your bids in hand, it’s time to pick the right contractor for the job. Look at references, read reviews, and compare prices between multiple bidders before making a decision.
Step 4: Signing the Contract (1 day)
Once you’ve chosen a contractor, it’s time for both parties to sign an official contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, and budget for the project.
Step 5: Getting Permits (varies based on location)
Depending on the scope of the project and where your home is located, permits may need to be acquired prior to any construction taking place–this can take anywhere from a few days up to several weeks, depending on local regulations and paperwork turnaround times.
Step 6: Material Ordering & Purchasing (varies based on location and materials ordered)
It’s important that all materials needed for construction are ordered well in advance–this will help prevent any delays during construction due to backorders or other unforeseen issues. The amount of time it takes for material delivery depends entirely upon the availability of the materials and how quickly they arrive at your property after being purchased by the contractor.
Step 7: Tell Your Neighbors (1 day)
Remember to let your neighbors know that a remodeling project will be taking place soon. While not technically necessary (and sometimes skipped), informing those living near your property helps ensure everyone is prepared for any potential disruptions caused by construction noise or activity. This step can easily be done online via email or a social media platform.
Construction Phase
The construction phase of your kitchen remodel covers every step that happens while your kitchen remodel is actually being worked on.
Step 8: Kitchen Demolition (1-2 Days)
Kitchen demolition includes tearing out existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and any other features that are being replaced. Don’t forget to have an alternate kitchen set up for your food preparation needs while your kitchen remodel is being done!
Step 9: Electrical, Gas, And Plumbing Work (1-4 Days)
Once demolition is complete, electrical wiring, gas lines, and plumbing pipes need to be installed or reworked. It’s essential to make sure that all wiring meets local codes before moving on to the next step in the process.
Step 10: Inspection (1 Day just for inspection–doesn’t include time spent waiting for availability)
After all necessary updates have been made to plumbing and wiring systems, an inspection must be conducted by a professional inspector or building department official. This part of the process generally only takes one day unless there is an issue with the availability of inspectors in your area. However, it can add considerable time to your overall timeline if there is an issue with passing inspection due to code violations or repairs that need to be made.
Step 11: Structure And New Flooring (1-5 Days)
After passing inspection, it’s time for structural changes such as building walls or adding support beams. This is also the step where flooring is installed, such as tile or hardwood floors. The number of structural changes you require as well as the type of flooring you select, will impact how long this step takes.
Step 12: Installation Of Cabinets, Appliances, Countertops, Tile Backsplash, Lighting Fixtures, & More (1-10 Days)
Once the structure has been completed, it’s time for the installation of cabinets, appliances, countertops, tile backsplash, task lighting fixtures, and more. It’s crucial that all new components fit in the new layout and are properly connected to gas, plumbing, or electrical lines.
Step 13: Finishing Touches and Cleanup (1 Day)
The last step in the construction phase is typically cleanup and finishing touches, such as installing cabinet hardware or completing trim work. At a minimum, the contractor should leave the kitchen “broom-clean.”
Post-Construction Phase
These are all the steps that happen after the construction phase is complete.
Step 14: Walkthrough With The Contractor (1 day)
After construction is complete, you should walk through your new space with your contractor. This is a critical step because it gives you a chance to see if there are any areas that need additional work or changes. Make sure to bring a checklist with you and that items are checked off before signing off on the job.
Step 15: Make Changes If Necessary (1-10 days)
After your walkthrough, if any changes need to be made, they will happen during this phase. The walkthrough step should be repeated until you are satisfied with all the elements of your kitchen remodel.
Step 16: Final Inspection And Payment: (1 day)
When all changes have been completed, and you are satisfied with the results, a final inspection should be done before payment is released. This inspection should ensure that the remodeling work meets local building codes and safety standards. You and the contractor should both sign off on the final inspection.
Home Pride Construction Can Bring Your Dream Kitchen To Life
When looking at how long it typically takes to remodel a kitchen from start to finish, you should expect anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the size and scope of the project. Now that you know all the factors that go into how long it takes to remodel a kitchen, are you ready to get started on your own project?
If you’d like help getting started on making your dream kitchen a reality, fill out our contact form today, and we’ll be in touch soon.