How Long Can It Take To Finish Your Kitchen?
Are you curious about how long your kitchen remodel will actually take? Wondering what steps go into transforming your kitchen from start to finish?
In this post, you’ll discover a detailed kitchen remodel timeline, from simple makeovers to full renovations with structural changes.
By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect for your kitchen remodeling project.
Quick Answer – How Long Does A Kitchen Remodel Take?
The kitchen remodel timeline ranges from 3 weeks to 1 year, influenced by project complexity, material choices, and planning. Simple updates often take 3–6 weeks, while extensive remodels involving layout changes or custom materials can extend the timeline up to a year.
- Cosmetic Remodel: 3-7 weeks
- Pull-and-Replace Remodel: 10-14 weeks
- Custom Kitchen Remodel: 12-24 weeks
- Full Remodel (Including Design & Planning): 9-12 months
Types Of Kitchen Remodels And Average Timelines
Cosmetic Kitchen Remodel (3-7 Weeks)
A cosmetic kitchen remodel is perfect if your existing kitchen needs a visual refresh without extensive changes to layout or utilities. This type of remodel typically focuses on applying a fresh coat of paint, upgrading appliances, and replacing countertops and cabinets.
Scope: Refresh finishes, such as countertops, backsplash, lighting fixtures, and appliances.
Timeline:
- Ordering Materials: 1-3 weeks for items like new cabinets and appliances
- Active Construction: 2-4 weeks to repaint cabinets, install new countertops, and set up updated appliances
Pull-And-Replace Kitchen Remodel (10-14 Weeks)
A pull-and-replace remodel includes demolishing parts of the kitchen and swapping in updated versions of existing features. This is ideal for updating outdated cabinets, countertops, and appliances without making structural changes to the kitchen’s layout.
Scope: Full demolition of old cabinets, flooring, and lighting, followed by replacement.
Timeline:
- Ordering Materials: 4-8 weeks for custom cabinetry, countertops, and lighting fixtures
- Active Construction: 4-6 weeks for demolition and replacement
Custom Kitchen Remodel (12-24 Weeks)
A custom kitchen remodel allows for making structural changes to create a personalized, functional layout. This process is more time-consuming but highly rewarding.
Scope: Custom cabinetry, new flooring, wall removal, and complete kitchen redesign.
Timeline:
- Permits and Ordering Materials: 4-9 weeks
- Active Construction: 6-12+ weeks, often requiring specialized contractors
Full Remodel Including Design & Planning (9-12 Months)
A full remodel spans from initial planning and design to the final touches. This makes it suitable for larger remodel projects that reimagine the entire kitchen space.
Scope: In-depth planning process, including layout design, cabinetry, lighting, and new appliances.
Timeline:
- Planning and Design: 2-3 months
- Construction Phase: 3-5 months, covering all remodeling project stages
Kitchen Remodel Timelines By Atlantic Remodeling
Standard Kitchen Remodel
Starting at: $35k
Atlantic Remodeling’s Standard Kitchen Remodel provides an efficient upgrade to your kitchen with a focus on enhancing core features while maintaining your existing layout. This package includes new cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and a fresh tile backsplash to give your space a refined look.
Timeline: Completed in 3-4 weeks
Details: New cabinets in the existing layout, countertops, plumbing fixtures, tile backsplash.
Deluxe Kitchen Remodel
Starting at: $60k
Our Deluxe Kitchen Remodel introduces some layout reconfigurations for increased functionality and style. This remodel features new cabinetry, stylish quartz countertops, updated light fixtures, and a beautifully crafted tile backsplash that elevates your kitchen’s appeal.
Timeline: Completed in 4-6 weeks
Details: Cabinets (some layout reconfigurations), quartz countertops, light fixtures, tile backsplash.
Premium Kitchen Remodel
Starting at: $85k+
The Premium Kitchen Remodel offers a complete transformation with a fully reconfigured layout for a custom experience. This package includes semi-custom cabinets, high-grade quartz countertops, premium tile backsplash, flooring, and a custom lighting configuration to create your dream kitchen.
Timeline: Completed in 6-8+ weeks
Details: Complete kitchen layout reconfiguration, semi-custom cabinets, high-grade quartz countertops, premium tile backsplash, flooring, custom lighting configuration.
Key Phases Of The Remodel Process
Pre-Construction Phase (Up To 1 Month)
The pre-construction phase is essential.
This is where planning and design details are finalized to keep the remodel timeline on track. During this time, contractors finalize layouts, order materials, and secure necessary permits.
What’s the kitchen remodel planning process like?
Design Finalization (3 Days To 4 Weeks)
In this phase, the design is refined, and decisions are made regarding layout, appliances, cabinetry, and color schemes. Complexity and custom choices may extend this phase.
A collaborative process with designers ensures all key elements align with your vision.
Hiring Contractors Or DIY Decision (1-2 Months)
Hiring the right contractor is crucial.
Research, interviews, and contracts can take up to two months, depending on the scope. For DIY-savvy homeowners, tackling certain tasks themselves offers added flexibility to the remodel timeline.
Construction Phase Breakdown
Demolition And Structural Changes (2 Days To 2 Months)
Demolition involves removing old cabinets, countertops, and flooring. If the project involves structural changes—such as removing walls, moving electrical work, or updating plumbing—the timeline may be extended.
Flooring Installation (1-5 Days)
Flooring installation includes a wide choice of materials, from tile and laminate to hardwood. Factors such as kitchen size, layout, and flooring type affect the installation time.
Installing Cabinets (4 Days)
Cabinet installation is a core component, typically requiring four days for layout marking, wall mounting, and securing stability. Proper alignment is essential for both functionality and aesthetics.
Countertops And Appliance Installation (1-3 Days)
Countertops and appliances are installed toward the end of the remodel. After precise measurements, countertops are fitted, and appliances like refrigerators and stoves are positioned and connected.
Lighting Installation (2 Days)
Lighting enhances the ambiance and usability of the kitchen, with fixtures like pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, and ceiling lights placed according to the layout.
Post-Construction Phase (2-3 Days)
Final Walkthrough And Inspection
Once construction wraps up, a walkthrough and inspection verify quality and compliance. Minor touch-ups or adjustments are made, ensuring everything aligns with your vision.
Cleanup And Detailing (1 Day)
The final cleanup clears away dust, debris, and leftover materials, preparing your new kitchen for use and leaving it spotless.
Want to know more about the kitchen remodeling process?
Tips To Stay On Track With Your Kitchen Remodel Timeline
Plan And Set Clear Milestones
Breaking down the remodel into phases with clear milestones keeps the project organized. Setting dates for each stage with your contractor helps manage expectations and keep the project within the remodel timeline.
Maintain Communication With Contractors
Frequent communication with your contractor is crucial for a smooth remodeling process. Regular updates help identify and address issues before they cause delays.
Research And Prepare Beforehand
Preparing kitchen ideas, inspirations, and design boards before starting the remodel can reduce planning time and prevent change orders. This proactive approach ensures that the project stays aligned with your initial vision.
Common Challenges That Cause Delays
Permitting And Structural Changes
Waiting for permits and making structural changes—such as relocating gas lines or moving walls—can be time-consuming. Planning for these ahead of time minimizes delays.
Availability Of Materials And Scheduling Issues
Material delays, especially for custom cabinetry or countertops, can affect the remodel timeline. Coordinating schedules with various contractors, such as plumbers and electricians, is vital to keep the project on track.
Change Orders And Revisions During Construction
Last-minute revisions to materials or your layout can extend the timeline. To avoid this, finalize all design details during the planning phase.
Get A Quality Kitchen (More) Quickly With Atlantic Remodeling
At Atlantic Remodeling, we take the guesswork out of your kitchen remodeling process by handling each phase, from planning to final touches. With a proven track record in transforming kitchens, our team ensures your kitchen remodel project stays on track so you can enjoy a beautiful, functional space sooner.
Ready to bring your dream kitchen to life? Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call to start your remodel with Atlantic Remodeling!
