If you’re contemplating a kitchen remodel, this is likely one of your top questions. Remodeling a kitchen is a big investment of your finances and your time. No one wants to live with their house torn up for long.While a typical kitchen remodel takes anywhere from four to nine months—from the first meeting with a designer to project completion—there is a lot of variability. Much of the overall timeline depends on the size of a project, the flexibility of the client’s schedule, and how quickly decisions are made. Clients with more extensive projects could take 12-18 months or more—much of that in the design and planning phase. Clients with smaller or less complicated projects can be on the shorter end.Keep reading to learn more about an average kitchen remodeling timeline.
Research Phase (Varies)
This part of the process is where you take time to plan and dream. How would a new kitchen look and feel to you?
- Gather Inspiration. Look through websites like Houzz to find kitchens and ideas that speak to you. Do you need a wall removed? Can you incorporate a coffee bar? What colors and finishes are you drawn to?
- Research Design Professionals. Look for contractors and Kitchen Designers in your area. Ask for recommendations and schedule consultations to find people who are a good fit for you—you’ll be working closely with them for several months! Your timeline will likely be heavily informed by your contractor’s schedule since many of them are still booking out several months in advance.
- Create a Budget. Your designer and contractor will be able to assist you with setting a realistic budget and payment schedules.
Design Phase (1-3 months+)
You’ll meet with your Kitchen Designer several times to create and tweak the plans and finishes for your space. Most kitchens go through 1-3 revisions before settling on the final plan.
- Space Planning. You’ll work with your designer to figure out how best to use your space. Sometimes this is simple: cabinets and appliances are just being replaced, but not moved. Other times walls, appliances, and cabinetry are moved to create a more functional kitchen.
- Select Finishes. This includes everything from countertops and cabinet color to flooring type and backsplash tile.
- Finalize Plans. Once everything has been selected, your designer will finalize your kitchen plans so you can sign off on the design and finishes. Your first downpayment will also be due at this time.
- Order Products. After making your downpayment, your designer will order everything for your project, from cabinetry to cabinet knobs. Appliances will also need to be ordered at this time, as well as any products or installation materials being provided by the contractor.
Demo Phase (1-6 weeks)
The most dreaded part: your house is under construction! If only minor changes are happening, this part can move quickly. More extensive projects will take more time.
- Rip Out Existing Kitchen. Everything must go! Your contractor will keep anything that might be reused, such as appliances, and demolish and dispose of everything else.
- Structural Changes. The room will be framed, including any new walls. Plumbing, electrical, and gas components will also be roughed in at this time.
- Finish Walls. The walls will be hung with new drywall where needed. The room will also be patched and painted in preparation for the new cabinetry to be installed.
Construction Phase (1-3 months+)
The fun part! Your house might still be in some state of construction, but there is also tangible, finished progress.
- Install Cabinets. The cabinetry and any related components will be installed first. The second payment is due upon delivery of cabinetry.
- Measure and Install Countertops. After the cabinetry is in place, the space will be measured for countertops. This part can be hard to wait for:the lead time for fabrication and installation of countertops can be anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
- Final Touches. Cabinet hardware, appliances, backsplash tile, plumbing fixtures, and any other finish work is completed now.
- Final Walk Through. Any outstanding issues are addressed at this time and your final payment is due.
Enjoy! (Forever!)
The part everyone has been waiting for! The kitchen you’ve been dreaming of for months is now complete and working in your very own home. Start living in, enjoying, and showing off your new kitchen!
