When remodeling a home’s kitchen, it’s always best to work with a professional renovation company. Even when homeowners work with the pros, full renovations take some time, though. Read on to find out what to expect when it comes to project timelines and potential hangups.

General Timelines

It can take anywhere from three weeks to four months for kitchen remodel contractors to complete their work. Since every project is different, narrowing down that timeline requires taking unique factors like the size of the space, the complexity of the design, and the scope of the renovations into account. Here are a few factors that can increase the expected timeframe for project completion.

  • Altering the kitchen’s basic footprint
  • Installing new wiring or plumbing
  • Ordering custom cabinets, appliances, or countertops
  • Moving the kitchen from one part of the home to another

When in doubt, ask about expected timelines for completion before signing the contract. Homeowners will need to be clear and upfront about the scope of their renovation projects and their expectations if they want to get accurate estimates, though, so be honest.

Timelines for Each Step

Every renovation contractor has a slightly different modus operandi, but there are a few basic steps they will all take. Here’s how long homeowners should expect to spend on each phase of kitchen renovations.

Step One: Finding a Contractor

Expect to spend at least a week or two requesting bids and choosing a contractor. It’s worth taking the extra time to investigate the company’s previous experience and find out what other clients think of their work before signing on the dotted line.

Step Two: Finalizing a Schedule

The contract will include a detailed description of the work to be performed, how much it will cost, and a rough estimate of how long the project will take. Expect finalizing the contract and schedule to take around a week depending on how many other clients the contractor has.

Step Three: Obtain Permits

The timeframe for obtaining permits varies substantially from project to project. Contractors that are well-versed in navigating bureaucracy will be able to get it done faster. Projects that require moving plumbing or gas lines will take longer to get approved. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months.

Step Four: Sourcing Materials

Renovation contractors can source materials for their clients, but some have longer lead times than others. Homeowners who don’t want one cabinet to hold up the entire process should offer some leeway about product specifics.

Step Five: Demolition

The first step in the construction process is to tear down the old kitchen. This usually takes only a day or two.

Step Six: Installing New Plumbing and Electrical Features

Homeowners who want to keep their plumbing and electrical fixtures where they are can expect this step to be finished in a day or two. Those who want it rerouted should expect the process to take up to a week.

Step Seven: Flooring Installation

The floors will be installed next. Expect this step to take one to five days.

Step Eight: Cabinet and Appliance Installation

Installing the other materials should take between one and ten days. It may take longer if the materials don’t arrive on time.

Step Nine: Clean-Up

Good contractors ensure that the space is ready to be used as soon as they leave. This takes an extra day.

The Bottom Line

It takes time to renovate a kitchen. Don’t try to rush the process. Contractors will do everything they can to keep it on schedule.