How Long Does A Kitchen Remodel Take To Do?

Are you trying to plan a kitchen remodel in the near future? Are you wondering what the answer to “how long does a kitchen remodel take” is?

In this blog post, we’ll explain why it takes a certain amount of time to remodel a kitchen so you can get a better idea of what to expect for your own kitchen remodeling project.

By the end of this article, you’ll know what can lengthen or shorten your kitchen remodeling timeline and what a typical kitchen remodel process looks like. 

How Long Does A Kitchen Remodel Take?

Depending on the scope of the kitchen remodeling project and the complexity of the kitchen, a kitchen remodel can take anywhere from 3 to 20 weeks to complete.

That is a wide time range! Let’s take a closer look at the factors that would put a kitchen remodel at either end of this range.

3-week kitchen remodels: The kitchen remodeling projects that take a few weeks are going to be for smaller kitchens that only involve minor cosmetic changes. These 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:

• Keep the same layout as the existing kitchen
• Don’t require reconfiguring plumbing, gas, or electrical wiring
• Use stock cabinets and standard appliances

20-week kitchen remodels: At the other end of the spectrum are large kitchen remodeling projects for a space that is getting a complete overhaul and major structural changes. This level of remodeling typically involves:

• A new kitchen design for a total reconfiguration of the space, including the removal of walls or installing new windows
• Changes in plumbing, gas, or electrical components
• All new appliances, custom cabinets, countertops, and flooring

Other levels of kitchen remodeling fall somewhere in between these two timeline extremes.

Why It Takes Time To Do A Kitchen Remodeling Project

As noted above, your kitchen remodeling timeline can vary widely depending on the size and scope of your kitchen renovation project. Generally speaking, larger projects are going to take longer than smaller ones.

However, even small-scale renovations can take weeks or months to complete. The amount of time required for a kitchen remodel depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the design, the materials needed for construction, and the number of tradespeople involved in the process. 

Another variable that many people don’t consider is the experience and professionalism of the general contractor that you hire. Some contractors may take longer to complete a kitchen remodeling job simply because they lack experience managing complex projects involving multiple subcontractors, material deliveries, and specialized labor.

Even the best contractors can sometimes have difficulties getting everything coordinated and completed on time. But an inexperienced contractor is more likely to make unrealistic promises regarding timelines and completion dates. You may save money, but you’ll have far more headaches and stress.

Here at Rea Pro Construction, we take pride in our efficient and transparent kitchen remodeling process that keeps you informed every step of the way. You can learn more about our kitchen remodeling process and pricing tiers here.

What Can Lengthen Your Kitchen Remodeling Timeline

• Material backorders: Even the best-planned projects can be held up by unexpected delays in the delivery of materials. Granite countertops and hardwood flooring are popular materials and may take longer to become available. This is why it’s a good idea to order all materials well ahead of time

• Subcontractor unavailability: If your kitchen remodeler employs a subcontractor for specialized work, such as for the electrics and plumbing system, your kitchen renovation could be delayed if the subcontractor isn’t available

• Your schedule: Kitchen remodels are bound to disrupt a homeowner’s regular schedule. However, if you require the contractor to work around your daily routine, you can expect the project to take even longer

• You request changes after work has begun: It’s hard to stick to a schedule if the game plan keeps changing! Needless to say, if a homeowner decides to use different materials or even change the layout of the kitchen after work has already started, this will likely add more time to the expected completion date. This is why it’s important for the homeowner and contractor to go over and confirm every aspect of the project before work begins

• You lack the necessary permits: Permits are typically required when changing any kitchen plumbing or wiring. Permits may require extra paperwork, inspections, and fees that all factor into the time it will take from start to finish. Taking the necessary steps for approvals can help avoid costly delays and end up being well worth the effort

• Your existing kitchen is older: Yes, the age of your kitchen can impact the timeline for your kitchen remodel. There are a couple of reasons for this: if your kitchen is older, there is more chance that the plumbing or electrical work is not up to code. This means the contractor will need to spend more time bringing your kitchen up to code before new products and appliances can be installed. Also, the older your kitchen is, the more likely it is that the contractor will discover unforeseen damages that will need to be addressed before starting

What Can Shorten Your Kitchen Remodeling Timeline

• No changes to the floorplan: If a kitchen remodel involves the removal of walls or major changes to the existing layout, this will add significant time to the kitchen remodel process

• No reconfiguring plumbing or electrical: Plumbing and electrical work is specialized labor that typically involves hiring a tradesperson to do it. Since these trades are often in high demand, scheduling a time for them to complete the work can sometimes add time to the project–not to mention the time needed to actually do the work

• You install stock cabinets: Stock cabinets are readymade cabinets bought from a store. These can be acquired and installed relatively quickly

• You hire an experienced and competent contractor: Many of the issues that can lengthen the time it takes to complete a kitchen remodel can be avoided simply by hiring a reputable contractor with lots of kitchen remodeling experience. The professionals at Rea Pro have completed over 100 kitchen remodeling projects, and the reviews we get from our clients speak for themselves

What A Kitchen Remodel Process Can Look Like

Pre-Construction Phase

The pre-construction phase includes the initial organizational steps you take when preparing for a kitchen remodel.

Step 1: Job posting (1-3 days)

Post your job online so that general contractors can bid on it. The posting should outline the work scope for the remodeling job and provide details about time, budget, and any other applicable factors.

Step 2: Scheduling site visits and bidding (1-3 weeks)

Once you post the job, begin scheduling site visits and bids from potential general contractors to ensure quality service.

Step 3: Picking the right contractor (1-2 weeks)

Pick the contractor who is the best fit for your specific needs based on credibility, budget, and timeline. 

Step 4: Signing the contract (1 day)

When signing the contract, ensure all details of the scope of work, including materials and timeline expectations, are clearly outlined. This way, there will be no misunderstandings between both parties when it comes time for completion. 

Step 5: Getting permits (depends on location)

Depending on the project’s scope and location, you may need to get permits. Take the time to research local codes and find out if there are any permits involved before you dive into your kitchen renovation. Top-tier contractors like Rea Pro will handle the permit process for you.

Step 6: Material ordering and purchasing (depends on materials)

Selecting quality materials for flooring, fixtures, walls, and more is important. Remember that although going from basic materials to something more upscale (such as granite) can cost more upfront, it pays off in the long term since quality remodels last longer. A good contractor will advise you through this process, or you can hire your own interior designer.

Step 7: Tell your neighbors (1 day)

Make sure that you communicate with your neighbors about your kitchen remodel project. Construction can create considerable noise and eyesores that disrupt their daily lives. Keep them in the loop about which contractor you are using and when the project should be completed.

Construction Phase

The construction phase includes all the steps that happen while your kitchen remodel is actually occurring.

Step 8: Kitchen demolition (1-2 days)

Kitchen demolition can be a bit overwhelming when you start tearing down a space you rely on daily. It’s best to enlist professional help for this part of the project to ensure safety, accuracy, and a strong foundation for later stages in your kitchen remodel.

Step 9: Electrical, gas, and plumbing work (1-4 days)

Electrical tasks include relocating wiring and switches, replacing outlets, and adding new lights or features. Gas lines may need to be rerouted to accommodate a new oven. Plumbing tasks such as relocating plumbing or installing new fixtures for your sink need to be done too.

Step 10: Inspection (1 day–but does not include waiting for availability)

During the construction phase, the city will need to inspect your kitchen to ensure gas, electrical, and plumbing work is up to code. If the work is not up to code, work must be halted until the issue is rectified. If the work is up to code, the permit will be signed off, and work can continue. You may need to wait for the inspector’s availability as they are often busy.

Step 11: Structure and new flooring (1-5 days)

Structural elements such as adding extra space for sinks or built-in appliances are vital to creating a new and improved kitchen space. Flooring installation time will vary based on the material you choose (for example, hardwood will take longer than laminate).

Step 12: Installation of cabinets, appliances, countertops, tile backsplash, lighting fixtures, and more (1-10 days)

It is critical to ensure all of these components fit within your allotted space and that they match up with any existing plumbing, gas, or electrical connections in your home.

Step 13: Finishing touches and clean-up (1 day)

These projects are not complete until all the hardware has been installed throughout the room. This is also the step in which the contractor should, at a minimum, leave the kitchen clean enough for a post-construction walkthrough.

Post-Construction Phase

Step 14: Walkthrough with the contractor (1 day)

It’s essential to schedule a walkthrough with the contractor when the project is done. During this visit, you can ensure all kitchen elements are as planned and meet your standards.

This inspection is also an opportunity for you and the contractor to address any issues that need further attention before they leave the job site. If any issues you discover can’t be quickly fixed, you’ll need to schedule a time with the contractor when they can return.

Step 15: Make changes if necessary (1-10 days)

This is the step in which any changes that need to be made after the contractor walkthrough should be resolved. The walkthrough step should be repeated until you are satisfied.

Step 16: Final inspection and payment: (1 day)

After all the requested changes have been made, the contractor should perform one last inspection that focuses on safety. This step ensures that everything meets local building codes and safety standards. Both you and the contractor should sign off on the final inspection. The final step of the entire process is to settle any outstanding balance you have with the contractors.

Build Your Dream Kitchen With Rea Pro Construction

Planning a kitchen remodeling timeline can be a daunting task, but understanding how long it takes can help make the process easier. Working with an experienced contractor who knows what they are doing will help minimize delays and ensure everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy your newly renovated kitchen sooner rather than later.

Are you ready to get started on your own kitchen remodeling project? We’d love to help. Fill out our contact form today, and one of our experts will be in touch soon to discuss your vision for a new kitchen.