You’ve made intricate Pinterest boards and flipped through endless magazines, maybe you’ve even visited Ikea or Home Depot. But you can’t quite take that first swing at your kitchen remodel without knowing how long your culinary center will be out of commission.
Before you start your renovation, material delivery, project permits, contractor suppliers, and general construction timeframes can all feel like a cloudy question mark floating above your head. Fortunately, with some research, these timelines can be easy to understand, and you can start planning your renovation as a possibility, rather than just an idea.
This guide takes you step-by-step, from initial planning to a finished project, through the renovation process to answer your burning question: how long does it take to renovate a kitchen?
How Long Does It Take to Renovate a Kitchen?
We’ve found that most kitchen renovations take between 6 and 12 weeks of construction. However, when design planning, material selection, and permitting are included in the timeline, it looks more like a 3- to 6-month-long project. Over the years, we’ve also found that renovations with layout changes, structural work, or custom cabinetry often take longer. However, even a minor kitchen renovation can yield a 96% ROI.
5 Reasons Why Kitchen Remodel Timelines Vary
Each kitchen style and layout is different, making your renovation and timeline unique.
#1: Scope of Work
The depth of your project is the main factor in understanding your kitchen remodel timeline. Cosmetic kitchen updates are usually completed in a few weeks, mid-range remodels take a few months, and full-gut kitchen renovations can take upwards of 6 months (but more on these exact timelines later!)
#2: Structural Changes
Not all kitchen renovations involve structural changes, such as removing walls or reconfiguring layouts. But! If you want your renovation to include these items, it’s best to plan for a longer kitchen renovation timeline.
#3: Custom vs Stock Materials
The materials you choose for your kitchen renovation directly affect the length of your project. Stock materials are available in-store and can be delivered quickly, while custom elements take longer to design and supply.
#4: Permit Requirements
In Columbus, OH, most cosmetic kitchen updates don’t require permits. However, if your renovation includes plumbing, electrical, structural, or gas line work, you will likely need to build in time for permit approval and hiring contractors.
#5: Product Availability
As we’ve mentioned, the materials you choose for your renovation affect your timeline. If suppliers are currently out of your desired products, your remodel can be extended while you wait for them to restock. A general rule of thumb is to order your products ahead of schedule to avoid delays.
The Complete Kitchen Remodeling Timeline
From designing and material selection to installation and completion, each aspect of your kitchen remodel process has its own timeline.
Phase 1: Initial Consultation & Planning (1–3 Weeks)
The initial phase of your renovation is where you start putting your ideas onto paper. Speak with a contractor to discuss your goals, budget options, and to evaluate what is possible for your space.
Phase 2: Design & Selections (2–6 Weeks)
One of our favorite parts of kitchen remodels is selecting your design. This 2- to 6-week phase is when excitement builds as you plan your layout, make decisions about cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances, and pick out your finishes.
Cabinet decisions should be finalized during this phase because the layout, materials and level of customization can affect ordering and installation. Review our comprehensive kitchen cabinet design guide to start narrowing down your options.
Phase 3: Ordering Materials (2–12 Weeks)
Ordering and delivery for your materials is the longest section of an average kitchen remodel timeline. Stock cabinet lead times are usually around 3 weeks, while custom materials can take up to 12 weeks. To guarantee you have the necessary items for installation, appliance ordering should occur during this time as well.
Phase 4: Permits & Scheduling (1–4 Weeks)
According to Franklin County, permits are required for many residential alterations and improvements. This is the phase for making sure your permits meet local Columbus permitting standards and scheduling subcontractors to avoid unnecessary project delays.
Phase 5: Demolition (1–3 Days)
The real fun part! Kitchen demolition typically takes 1 to 3 days and includes removing cabinets and flooring, as well as storing your existing fixtures in case you want to reuse them.
Phase 6: Rough Construction (1–3 Weeks)
The plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and framing aspects of kitchen renovations may seem uninteresting, but they are important. Allow 1 to 3 weeks to account for your kitchen construction timeline.
Phase 7: Installation (2–4 Weeks)
It takes 2 to 4 weeks for your space to come back together. It starts with cabinet installation, then countertops and appliances, then flooring, and finally lighting.
Phase 8: Final Details & Walkthrough (Several Days)
The last week of your kitchen remodel is for checking that your space meets inspection codes. For this phase, it’s beneficial to create a punch list of all the little things you want to make sure are working in your space before calling your project complete!
Types of Kitchen Remodels
So you can properly plan all the details, start with a general kitchen renovation schedule tailored to your specific renovation.
Cosmetic Kitchen Remodel Timeline
Cosmetic remodels, primarily focused on refinishing and painting, take 4 to 8 weeks on average (and they can increase your home’s ROI by 113%!).
Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel Timeline
With minor construction, demolition, and permit planning, mid-range kitchen remodels take between 8 and 12 weeks.
Luxury or Full Gut Kitchen Remodel Timeline
If you’re planning to go big, gutting your kitchen and creating your dream space, plan for a project length of 12 to upwards of 16 weeks.
7 Causes of Kitchen Remodeling Delays
Delays are frustrating and inconvenient, but knowing what causes delays can help to prevent them.
#1: Material Backorders
Specially designed items and imported finishes or flooring can often get stuck in transit. If this occurs, your construction crew may be delayed as they wait for the items.
#2: Design Changes Mid-Project
If a design is changed while your remodel is already underway, it can cause construction to stop, new material ordering, or the requirement of additional permits, which could halt your project.
#4: Permit Delays
Permits can be denied, or paperwork can be incorrect, adding additional time to your kitchen renovation.
#5: Hidden Structural Issues
The most detrimental to timelines are structural issues uncovered during the renovation. These can look like rot, water damage, or asbestos, and it can take your crew days, possibly weeks, to fix the problem and readjust your design.
#6: Custom Cabinet Lead Times
Due to their intricacy, custom cabinets often take several weeks to deliver. These materials are the foundation of your kitchen. If they get caught in transit, it means the rest of your kitchen’s construction and installation are delayed.
#7: Appliance Availability
Depending on the quality and design of your appliances, delivery can take months. Properly planning the ordering of these items helps to keep your remodel on track.
How to Keep Your Kitchen Remodel on Schedule
A vital part of answering “how long does a kitchen remodel take?” is understanding how to prevent unnecessary delays and extra costs.
Finalize Decisions Early
We’ve found that nailing down your ideal kitchen design before you start demolition or construction is one of the best ways to prevent other material or permit-related delays.
Order Materials Ahead of Time
Speaking of material delays, the best way to prevent them is by ordering ahead of schedule. This way, if transit issues occur, your project timeline already has wiggle room.
Avoid Mid-Project Changes
Unless you are unhappy with your original idea, eliminating design changes while your kitchen is underway keeps your construction moving and your renovation aligned with your timeline.
Work With an Organized Remodeling Team
Working with a professional such as Premier Remodeling for kitchen remodeling in Columbus, OH, can help boost the efficiency, design, style, and functionality of your kitchen remodel.
Plan for Temporary Kitchen Arrangements
To avoid interfering with your new kitchen’s construction, prepare an accessible, temporary cooking space setup for you and your family.
Why Planning Matters More Than Most Homeowners Realize
That old saying, “measure twice, cut once,” also applies to renovation planning. A proper plan makes for better budgeting and better scheduling. It also creates a more predictable timeline that leads to fewer surprises. At Premier Remodeling, we prioritize planning to improve your overall experience during your kitchen remodel, keeping each step of the process easy and transparent.
Design-Build vs Traditional Remodeling Timelines
Traditional remodels rely on a strict, sequential timeline where one phase must be completed before moving on to the next. Design-build remodels allow these phases to overlap, often leading to a more efficient and personable project.
Design-Build Advantages
- Better coordination among you, the homeowner, your general contractors, remodeling partner, and home systems specialists.
- Design-builds, with their overlapping phases, reduce communication gaps among all parties involved in the project.
- Decision-making can be streamlined with design-builds, as your contractors and designers all fall under the same contract.
- Due to the above benefits, scheduling conflicts are often reduced or fully eliminated during renovation.
How Long Does It Take to Renovate a Kitchen? Frequently Asked Questions
Can a kitchen remodel be completed in one month?
A cosmetic kitchen remodel can be completed in a month, but if your remodel calls for layout changes or wall removal, it will take longer to complete.
What is the average timeline for a kitchen remodel?
Considering both planning and construction, the average kitchen remodel timeline is 3 to 6 months.
What takes the longest during a kitchen renovation?
Pre-construction takes the longest during a kitchen renovation. It involves design planning, material ordering, permit approval, and contractor organization.
How long will I be without a kitchen?
Depending on the scope of your project, your kitchen will be out of order for 4 to 12 weeks.
Do custom cabinets increase project timelines?
Yes. Because they are highly personalized and one-of-a-kind, custom cabinets have longer delivery times.
Where should I start when planning a kitchen remodel timeline?
The best way to begin determining your kitchen remodel timeline is to work with a trusted, professional remodeling partner such as Premier Remodeling that can offer guidance and tips for an easy renovation.
Can I use my kitchen during the remodel?
During most renovations, your kitchen will be inaccessible. However, you can set up a temporary kitchen in another area of your home.
What impacts a kitchen renovation timeline the most?
Project depth is the primary factor influencing your remodel timeline. This determines your material delivery times, design changes, and structural work.
A Better Kitchen Starts With a Better Plan
A successful kitchen remodel isn’t just about beautiful finishes. It’s about creating a clear roadmap before construction begins. If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, Premier Remodeling can help you understand your timeline, budget, and options so you can move forward with confidence. Request a consultation and discover how you can show the heart of your home some love.