Renovating a kitchen is an exciting project that can transform your home and enhance your daily life. A true chef’s kitchen can make your home THE place to be during the holidays and other special events. However, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: how long does it take to renovate a kitchen?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. The scope of the project, the complexity of the design, the amount of structural work and engineering, and the selection and availability of materials and contractors. A full kitchen remodel is more than just picking out what kind of countertops you want–there are a lot of moving parts that can affect a kitchen renovation timeline.
How Long Does it Take To Renovate a Kitchen?
As the heart of the home, you want to make sure it gets done right. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect in terms of timelines for a typical kitchen remodeling project:
- Planning Phase
- Site Protection and Interior Demolition
- Structural Demolition and Framing
- Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Work
- Insulate, Gypsum Wallboard, and Painting
- Installation of Finishes: Flooring, Cabinets, Countertops
- Finishing Touches
A word of caution – if the project scope grows to encompass other rooms on the same floor, or on other floors of the home, this typical timeline will grow both in the planning and the execution phases.
Planning Phase (4-8 week time frame)
Before any construction work can begin, you’ll need to spend time planning your kitchen renovation. This phase can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of your design, the amount of structural work involved, and the availability of materials.
During this phase, you’ll work with a designer or contractor to finalize the kitchen design, select and order materials and finishes, and create a final contract price. Structural engineering, if necessary, can take an additional 4-6 weeks. Prior to starting, you must obtain any necessary permits. If you’ve ever gone through a remodel before, you know how long that can take.
Site protection and Interior Demolition (3-5 days)
Once you have all the necessary permits and materials, the demolition phase of the renovation project can begin. This typically takes 3 to 5 days and involves removing any existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. If you’re saving anything, think about where you want it stored during the renovation.
Structural Demolition and Framing (2-4 weeks)
Walls must be moved, windows and doors framed in, ceilings framed, and floors leveled. Planning done during earlier stages will cut down on any potential roadblocks, but some contingency plans should be built into this stage. Design-Build firms keep most surprises to a minimum, however.
Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Work (1-3 weeks)
After demolition and framing are complete, your contractor will need to install any new electrical work, plumbing, and mechanical venting systems. This phase can take 1 to 3 weeks and involves running new electrical wiring and lighting, installing new plumbing rough-ins and fixtures, and installing new venting for relocated or upgraded appliances.
Once completed, and all are inspected to ensure that everything is up to code, the walls can be insulated and covered. Then you’ll really start getting a good idea of what your new kitchen will look like.
Insulate, Gypsum Wallboard, and Painting (2-4 weeks)
New walls are insulated, gypsum wallboard is installed, taped, and mudded, and walls and ceilings get painted before the finishes can be installed. This phase can take 2 to 4 weeks, although whether the walls are smooth or plastered finish may take longer to complete than standard orange peel texture.
Installation of Finishes: Flooring, Cabinets, Countertops (3-6 weeks)
The installation of flooring, cabinets, countertops, and backsplash is one of the most time-consuming parts of a kitchen renovation. This phase can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and the availability of materials.
It’s important to note that custom cabinetry and countertops may take longer to fabricate and install than pre-made options. Even unexpected problems with the shipping of some materials can extend a timeline.
Finishing Touches (3-4 weeks)
The final phase of a kitchen renovation involves adding the finishing touches, such as painting, installing appliances, installing plumbing and lighting fixtures, and adding any final details. This phase can take 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the scope of the project and the complexity of the design.
How Long Does it Take to Renovate a Kitchen? Work With an Expert To Know For Sure
The typical upscale full kitchen renovation process with some structural work can take anywhere from 12 to 20 weeks after the planning and permitting are completed. This timeline can be accelerated or lengthened depending on the size of the project and the availability of materials and contractors.
While the time it takes to remodel a kitchen can take months depending on the scope of work, the final result is well worth the effort. By working with an experienced design-build contractor like Metke Remodeling & Luxury Homes and carefully planning your renovation, you can create the kitchen of your dreams and enhance the value of your home.