Designing and planning a kitchen remodel is an exciting time! You’ve got your Pinterest boards filled with inspiration, and you’re ready to make your kitchen dream a reality!

 

The kitchen is often the area of the house where we spend most of our time, so if remodelling a kitchen is something you’ve been dreaming of, it may be time to start planning!

 

Remodeling a kitchen can be fun and rewarding, but it also requires time, planning, resources and some inconveniences to your life while the remodel takes place.

 

You may be wondering how long does it take to remodel a kitchen? Below I’ll highlight the key phases of a kitchen remodel, and the time you can expect to go from Pinterest boards to the final reveal so that you can plan accordingly.

 

The Planning Phase

The first step is to plan. This is the most important step and will save you time and money on your remodel. Plan out the majority of the details. There’s no doubt that there will be some unforeseen circumstances beyond your control.

 

But, if you have a plan and a couple of solid backup options, you’ll be in a better position to quickly make a decision if the time comes. For example, what you’ll choose if the type of countertop you like is back-ordered or you can’t get a specific model of the dishwasher in time.

 

Unless you’re planning to do most of the remodel yourself, you will want to work with a reputable contractor who has experience in building, installation, plumbing, and electrical renovation.

 

It’s a good idea to interview different companies, contractors, and kitchen designers. Take your time, ask your questions, and think about what features you’d like in your new kitchen!

 

It saves time and money to make any changes on paper before starting construction instead of making adjustments as you go. It will be a lot easier if you get started on the right foot.

 

However, if you’re planning to do it yourself or hire someone with less experience, then it will likely increase the time to complete your kitchen project renovation.

 

 

When planning the layout and appliances for your new kitchen, think about your daily life and how you can create a space that works better for you or your family.

 

Finally, is it the right time to take on a kitchen remodelling project? Do you have a significant family event like a graduation or a retirement party coming up? Plan ahead so that you don’t have the added pressure of trying to get your kitchen remodel done on a tight timeline.

 

The average small kitchen remodelling project can take 2-3 months. That doesn’t include the planning and design phase. It can take longer if you need to get permits or approval before starting any work. Also, the length of time and costs will depend on the scope of work.

 

Having a clear vision and plan in place before your kitchen remodeling project starts will allow the process to be more seamless.

 

Ordering Of Materials

It takes time to order kitchen faucets, new appliances, flooring, or cabinet door handles. It could be helpful to create a binder with item models or numbers of everything you wish to order for your kitchen remodel.

 

That way, you can easily show it to your contractor and have a resource book to refer to quickly. Also, keep up to date on products that require long lead times for orders, such as custom cabinetry, appliances, custom furniture or custom stone countertops.

 

 

Demolition Phase Or Removal Of Your Existing Kitchen

Next, it’s time to remove your old kitchen. This is where they’ll remove the existing kitchen, such as old appliances, cabinetry, countertops and flooring. For example, if you’re changing out the appliances, you would remove them at this step. Then, your contractor will assess the status of the existing walls, ceiling and floor.

 

If there are any issues such as dampness, mould, or uneven floors, those need to be addressed before moving forward.

 

Any unforeseen issues will likely add more time to the remodelling process. If everything looks great, it’s on to the next step called marking. The amount of work in this step will depend on your final design. For example, are you moving the location of the kitchen sink, appliances or kitchen island?

 

Depending on the complexity and availability of labour, the demolition stage usually takes one to two weeks.

 

If you’re only doing cosmetic changes like new countertops, resurfacing the existing kitchen cabinets, new tile backsplash, or changing the paint colours, then your demolition phase will be shorter.

 

Marking The Location Of Electrical Outlets, Fixtures And Appliances

This step lays out where your new appliances, cabinets, and fixtures will go after your remodel. You should also know where the new electrical outlets or gas lines will be. Use a qualified electrician or gas fitter to make these adjustments for you.

 

Marking will help you to avoid any mistakes later on since everything will be clearly laid out. It’s much harder to move things around later.

 

 

Installation Of Mechanicals

This step includes mechanical installation such as new plumbing, electrical wiring and HVAC. This process will usually take about a week.

 

You should also allow time for any home system installations like the speaker or cable wires. This will need to be done before starting the insulation and drywall phase.

 

Insulation, Drywall, And Flooring

The mechanical systems will need to pass an inspection before insulation, drywall, and flooring can be installed. Once the inspection is passed, the drywall will be prepped, installed, and primed.

 

If you’re changing the flooring in your kitchen, installing the new flooring will happen once the mechanical systems are in place. The type of flooring you select could also increase your cost and time frame.

 

 

Countertops And Cabinet Installation

Now, you’re almost at the final step! The cabinets will go in, and the kitchen is starting to come together! First, the cabinets are fitted to ensure there are no gaps or unevenness. Then, the fabricator will measure, deliver, and install the countertops.

 

The Final Steps

The final phase includes the installation of plumbing fixtures, new backsplash and final trim, painting and cleaning. The final phase is also when the installation of the light fixtures and new appliances takes place.

 

Overall, the length of time it takes to remodel your kitchen will depend on if you require permits, the scope of work, delays of materials or changing decisions, the size of the kitchen, and the extent of any structural changes.

 

Be sure to allow enough time for the planning phase and consult or work with an experienced contractor, kitchen designer, qualified electrician and plumber.

Below are a few timelines: 

• A small kitchen renovation can take approximately 6-8 weeks

• Larger kitchen remodels can take about 3-4 months

• A complete, large kitchen remodel may take up to 5 months to complete. This is when you’re completely changing the kitchen layout.

 

The more design elements you replace, the longer your kitchen remodel will take. A kitchen remodel is complex because it involves electrical wiring, plumbing, appliances, cabinets, flooring and countertops as well as built-ins like ovens and microwaves.

 

But, before you know it, the work will be complete and you can enjoy your new kitchen!

 

Here Are A Few Articles To Check Out!

• Renovation vs Remodel (What Is Right For You?)
• 7 Common Costs When Selling Your House