A kitchen remodel takes a lot of planning, a lot of effort, and a lot of work. Being aware of a realistic timeframe for your kitchen renovation will prevent an unexpected surprise if it becomes an extensive or longer job.
So, how long does a kitchen renovation take? On average, a kitchen renovation usually takes somewhere between 2-4 months to complete from start to finish including initial planning, design and buying materials. The time it takes depends on the size of your kitchen and the level of customization that you would like.
This article aims to highlight all of the key aspects of a kitchen renovation and the average time frames that you can expect for each element of the job. We will provide you with a detailed list of every step that is involved in renovating a kitchen and the time you should expect each of those steps to take.
What is the Average Length of Time for a Kitchen Renovation?
Kitchen renovations usually take around 2-4 months to fully complete.
The specific length of time depends on the number of upgrades you want and how bespoke you want your kitchen to be. In general, the bigger your kitchen, and depending on whether there are any structural changes that require having plans created by a license architect, the longer the job is going to take.
A kitchen renovation can include structural changes, plumbing and electrical updates, fitting new appliances, floor installation, cabinet installation, countertops and backsplashes. Timeframes will differ depending on the different designs and features that you choose for your kitchen remodel.
What Steps and Timeframes are Involved in Completing a Kitchen Renovation?
There are many different steps involved in renovating a kitchen and each of the steps takes a different amount of time. Below is of the steps and the time frames that you can expect for each of the different elements of the job.
Planning
This step depends on how many changes you want to make to your kitchen. Some people plan a kitchen renovation for months and others just take days. It really depends upon your specific project scope.
Finding a Contractor
This involves having meetings, following through on recommendations, and conducting research, so that you can determine the best remodeling contractor for the project. So again, this step can be taken at your own pace depending on your needs.
Initial Design Process
The initial design process involves coming up with a basic plan for what you want. If the project is complex this stage will normally involve meeting with a designer who will take notes of your ideas and return with a completed design plan. This step should take 1-3 days. In very small projects this step is not required, for example if you just want to change the cabinets in your kitchen.
Architectural Plans (optional)
If the kitchen remodeling involves making structural changes, an architect may be required to create architectural plans. After the plans are completed (1-4 weeks) they should be submitted to the city for approval. This can take 1-3 days depending on the city.
Final Design Process
The final design process is when you receive detailed plans from your designer. The final design needs to be very specific and include all the different elements involved in the project. This process usually takes around 1-4 weeks depending on the scale of the project and the designer that you chose to work with.
Ordering Products
Be sure to order early as this can be quite a timely part of the job. Ordering and waiting for the products can take around 1-8 weeks, depending on the materials and availability at the showroom that you chose. For very unique and specific designs this can be longer.
Demolition and Structural Changes
In order to install a new kitchen, you must first remove your old kitchen. This may also require making structural changes based on architectural plans (if there are any) such as adding or removing walls. Depending on the scope of the work involved, this stage can take anywhere from 1-14 days.
Rough-In Utilities
At this point, you need to move your utility inputs and outputs and complete any plumbing or electrical work that may be needed in order to place your utilities in their new setting according to the new kitchen design. This step usually takes around 2-5 days.
Painting
Painting and decorating is usually completed before the new cabinets are put in place, as it’s much easier to paint without having to do it around the cabinets. Painting work is usually done on the ceiling, walls, and trim. This usually takes around 1-3 days on average.
Flooring Installation
Flooring installation usually takes 1-2 days but can sometimes take a little longer depending on the size of the kitchen and the type of flooring that you have chosen.
Cabinet Installation
On average, cabinet installation usually takes around 1-3 days, depending on the size of the kitchen and the number of cabinets to be installed.
Appliance Installations
This step involves ensuring that all the utility connections are ready for installation and ensuring that the built-in appliances have the appropriate ventilation as needed. At this point all utilities that are not affected by the countertop installation can be connected and installed. This step usually takes just 1-2 days to complete.
Lighting Installations
Lighting installation can usually be done within a day. However, if you are having fancy lighting put in or built-in lights in the ceiling, flooring, or around the cabinets, this may take a little longer.
Countertop Fabrication
Delivery times can vary depending on the type of material you have chosen and how bespoke your design is. You should expect this step to take anywhere between 1-5 days. This also include taking measurements etc.
Countertop Installation
This step involves installing all of the countertops and fitting them securely in place as per your designs. This will usually take around 1-2 days. Sometimes this step can take a little longer if you have a particularly large kitchen or if the design you have is quite difficult.
Backsplash Installation
Backsplash installation usually takes around 1-2 days. However, it can sometimes take longer depending on the material that you choose. The size of your kitchen can also affect the length of time that it takes to complete the backsplash installation.
Appliance Installation Part Two
This step involves installing all of the final appliances and the sink. The timeline for this depends on your specific utilities, however, it usually takes around 1-2 days to complete this part of the job.
Carpentry Finishing Touches
The last step in a kitchen renovation involves finishing all of the floor trim, the details in the molding, and making all of the necessary adjustments until your kitchen is perfect. This final step usually takes around 1-3 days.
How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take? – Final Thoughts
We hope that this article has helped you understand the processes involved kitchen renovations.
A new kitchen can completely transform your home. If you are thinking about remodeling your house, the kitchen is a good place to start.
