If you're contemplating a kitchen remodel, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, "How long will it take?" This isn’t just a matter of curiosity, understanding the timeline of your kitchen remodel is essential for planning, budgeting, and coordinating this project successfully.
So let’s break down the average duration of a kitchen remodel and look into the factors that might influence this timeline.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take on Average?
On average, a full kitchen remodel takes between 6 to 12 weeks. This estimate doesn’t include the time spent on preliminary steps like planning and securing a contractor, which can vary widely depending on your design and how many quotes you decide to get. However, it does consider weekends and assumes that work will be ongoing during this period.
There are also several factors that can affect how long your kitchen remodel will take:
- Size of the kitchen: Naturally, larger kitchens will usually take longer to remodel.
- Materials: Availability and delivery times for materials could impact the schedule.
- Complexity: Custom work such as made-to-measure cabinets takes longer than standard installations.
- Project scope: Building an extension or adjusting the layout of your home’s interior will extend the time to complete the project.
So why can a kitchen remodel take up to several months? Here’s a breakdown of a timeline you can expect throughout the project.
Your Kitchen Remodel Timeline: What to Expect
Planning
The planning phase is the cornerstone of your kitchen remodel. Although a crucial step in this project, its duration varies widely depending on how much time you have and when you need your kitchen ready. During this time, you'll choose the layout, decide on the style, and select materials. You'll also plan the placement of major elements like the stove, sink, and refrigerator. This phase is so crucial that many homeowners opt to hire a kitchen designer to guide them through it.
You should also try to obtain quotes from at least three different contractors to ensure you're getting the best deal and quality. Take the time to read reviews and testimonials, as these can provide some valuable insights into each contractor's reliability, communication skills, and quality of work.
Once you’ve selected your contractor, they’ll need time to order materials and obtain any necessary permits, so make sure to take these aspects into consideration when preparing for the work on your kitchen to start.
Kitchen demolition: 1 to 3 weeks
The demolition phase is more than just tearing down your old kitchen. It can also involve structural changes, for which you'll need a permit. The cost of a kitchen demolition can range anywhere between $500 and $3,000 depending on the scope of the work, which will also affect the time it takes to complete. You'll also need to account for the time it takes to remove and dispose of the debris, which can take several extra days.
Construction: 4 to 6 weeks
The construction phase is what is going to bring your new kitchen together. It’s the installation of all of the main components that will make for a functional space. Here’s what it entails:
Rewiring and plumbing: It’s quite typical to reconfigure the electrical system for a kitchen remodel, especially for older homes that need to meet current codes. The cost to rewire a kitchen varies between $620 and $2,855 and involves adding more power outlets, upgrading circuits, and modernizing the layout.
New flooring: The type of flooring material you choose will dictate both the cost and time for this project. For instance, hardwood floors take longer to install but offer a timeless look at around $4,017. On the other hand, laminate flooring has an easier installation process and takes the least amount of time, it’s also significantly cheaper at around $2,207 to install.
Cabinets, countertops, and island: This will be one of the more complex steps in your kitchen renovation and will require both time and precision to ensure that your cabinets and countertops are aligned seamlessly and are durable. If you are installing a kitchen island or opting for custom cabinetry, you’ll need to take the extra time needed for these elements into consideration.
Backsplash installation: It usually only takes a couple of days to install a kitchen backsplash, but if the wall surface needs a lot of preparation then this could add to the overall installation time. The time can also vary depending on the complexity of the design you opt for, as a simple subway tile backsplash will be quicker to install than a mosaic tile design for example.
Finishes: 1 to 3 weeks
Painting: Painting a kitchen can take longer than you may think. This step can require drywall repairs, sanding, filling holes, and priming, which all add up to the time it takes to get your kitchen looking fresh.
Fixture and hardware installation: This part of the finishing touches to your kitchen includes setting up lighting fixtures, installing plumbing fixtures like sinks and faucets, and fitting cabinet hardware like handles and knobs.
Appliances installation: Once your appliances are delivered, each unit shouldn’t take longer than 1 to 3 hours to install, so depending on how many appliances you’ve purchased and their installation process, this step shouldn’t take longer than a day.
Cleanup: The final step of your kitchen remodel involves cleaning and disposing of debris. If you’re getting rid of old appliances, make sure you check for disposal rules before throwing them out. A general cleaning and dust removal will also be needed once the main work is done, as well as any necessary touch-ups.
Preparing for Your New Kitchen
Now that you have an idea of how long a kitchen remodel takes on average, you can have a realistic expectation of what the process will involve and how the project will be carried out. The key to a successful remodel lies in meticulous planning, selecting the right professionals, and being prepared for unexpected delays. With a well-thought-out approach, your dream kitchen is not just a blueprint, but a reality waiting to unfold!
Author
Charlotte is a home remodeling specialist at Fixr.com. With a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications, she analyzes industry data to provide homeowners with the best advice and visual representations of the home improvement sector. She is passionate about promoting sustainability within the home, and with a personal interest in interior design, she is always up to date about the latest home remodeling trends.