How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? Complete Timeline Guide (2025)

Thinking about redoing your kitchen but unsure how long you'll be living in a construction zone? You're not alone. Knowing what kind of timeline you're signing up for can save you a lot of stress from the start.

A lot of people drag their feet on kitchen updates because they’re afraid it’ll take forever. And yeah — if things aren’t mapped out well, that’s not just a fear, it’s a reality. Delays and budget problems are common when the process isn’t clearly laid out.

This guide walks you through each phase so you know what to expect, whether you're doing a light refresh or tearing it all out and starting fresh. You'll get a clear picture of how long things really take, step by step.

With solid prep and the right crew, your kitchen project doesn’t have to drag on. You’ll keep your home livable and avoid the chaos that catches so many people off guard.

Overview of Kitchen Remodel Timeline

Realistic Expectations: How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?

The kitchen remodel timeline can vary dramatically based on several factors. While some minor updates might be completed in just a few weeks, major renovations involving structural changes to your kitchen layout can take 6 months or more. The average time for a complete kitchen remodel depends on the scope of the project and several other key factors:

• Project scope: Swapping cabinets and updating counters takes way less time than moving gas lines or reworking the whole layout.
• Material choices: Custom items or anything special-order can hold things up if you’re not ahead of schedule.
• Contractor scheduling: The good ones get booked early, so timing depends on when they’re available.
• Permits: Depending on where you live, inspections and paperwork can slow things down before the work even begins.
• Surprises behind the walls: Once the demo starts, hidden plumbing or wiring problems can pop up and throw off your schedule.

Typical Kitchen Renovation Timeline at a Glance

Detailed Kitchen Remodeling Timeline

Phase 1: Planning Your Kitchen Renovation (1-3 Months)

This is where everything starts — and trust us, this step matters more than people think. Rushing through the early planning stages leads to headaches later. Taking the time upfront will help keep your renovation smooth and on schedule. Here's what you’ll handle during this part of the process:

1. Setting goals and budget (1-2 weeks)

• Listing what your kitchen needs versus what would just be nice to have
• Building a budget that covers everything, with extra set aside just in case
• Flipping through design ideas and figuring out what fits your taste

2. Hiring professionals (2-4 weeks)

• Researching and interviewing general contractors
• Checking references and credentials
• Getting detailed estimates for your home renovation project
• Note: Quality contractors often have limited availability and may be booked several weeks or months in advance.

3. Design development (2-6 weeks)

• Measuring your kitchen space down to the inch
• Drafting layout ideas, especially if you’re changing the structure
• Picking out cabinets, materials, and finishes, including any flooring options
• Sitting down for multiple meetings to finalize your layout and selections

4. Permit application (2-4 weeks)

• Submitting plans to local building departments to obtain permits
• Waiting for permit approval based on local regulations
• Scheduling necessary inspections
• Note: This process can be time-consuming and varies significantly by location and project complexity.

Quick tip: Order cabinet samples early. You’ll want time to see them in your kitchen’s lighting and compare finishes before locking anything in. What you pick will affect both your costs and how long the whole remodel takes.

Phase 2: Ordering Materials (1-2 Months)

This stage usually overlaps with planning. Once your design’s approved, it’s time to get all your materials on the way. You want everything ready to go once construction kicks off.

1. Cabinet ordering (4-12 weeks)

• Stock cabinets: 2-4 weeks
• Semi-custom cabinets: 4-8 weeks
• Custom cabinetry: 8-12 weeks or more
• Note: Cabinet selection will be one of the most time-consuming decisions in your entire kitchen remodel.

2. Appliance ordering (2-8 weeks)

• Standard new appliances: 2-4 weeks
• High-end or specialty appliances: 6-8 weeks
• Note: Supply chain issues may extend these timelines and affect your project timeline.

3. Ordering other materials (2-6 weeks)

• New countertop materials
• Hardwood flooring or other flooring options.
• Lighting fixtures
• Backsplash materials
• Plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware

Important: Hold off on tearing out your old cabinets until most, if not all, of your materials have arrived and you’ve had a chance to inspect everything. Delivery times can shift for all kinds of reasons, and getting stuck without a working kitchen while you wait on back-ordered items can seriously throw off your whole renovation.

Phase 3: Demolition and Rough Construction (1-6 Weeks)

Now the action kicks off. This is where your kitchen starts looking less like a home and more like a work zone. Here’s what happens first:

1. Preparation (2-3 days)

• Setting up a backup kitchen so you can still cook
• Packing away dishes, utensils, and pantry goods
• Sealing off nearby spaces to keep dust and debris contained

2. Demolition (3-5 days)

• Tearing out cabinets, countertops, and old appliances
• Knocking down walls if the layout is changing
• Hauling away debris and keeping the site clear

3. Major structural changes (1-2 weeks, if needed)

• Removing or adding walls as part of making structural changes
• Enlarging windows or doorways
• Reinforcing support structures
• Note: This stage significantly impacts project complexity and timeline.

4. Rough-in work (1-2 weeks)

• Updating electrical work and wiring
• Moving plumbing and relocating plumbing systems
• HVAC modifications and adding electrical outlets
• Note: This work requires inspection before proceeding to different stages.

5. Drywall and painting (1 week)

• Hanging drywall to close things back up
• Finishing with tape, compound, and sanding
• Priming and painting the walls

6. Flooring installation (2-3 days)

• Installing new subflooring if needed
• Laying tile, hardwood flooring, or other flooring materials
• Note: Some flooring types must be installed before cabinets, while others are installed during later stages.

Pro tip: Don’t skip a second inspection before closing up the walls. If there’s a plumbing issue and you have to open things back up later, it’ll cost time and money. A quick check now can save you a headache later.

Phase 4: Finish Construction (4-8 weeks)

This is when your kitchen finally starts looking like something again. The finishes come together, and your design takes shape.

1. Cabinet installation (3-5 days)

• Installing new cabinets or refaced cabinets
• Mounting wall cabinets
• Adding trim and moldings
• Note: This is a critical stage that affects your entire kitchen renovation timeline.

2. Countertop fabrication and installation (2-3 weeks)

• Templating for new countertops (can only be done after cabinets are installed)
• Fabrication (7-14 days for stone countertops)
• Installation (typically 1 day)
• Note: This is often on the critical path of your construction schedule.

3. Appliance and fixture installation (2-5 days)

• Installing sinks and faucets
• Connecting new appliances
• Mounting range hoods
• Installing lighting fixtures

4. Backsplash installation (2-3 days)

• Applying tile or other backsplash materials
• Grouting and sealing
• This adds the finishing touches to your new kitchen

5. Finishing details (3-7 days)

• Installing cabinet hardware for all cabinets
• Adding crown molding and trim
• Completing electrical finish work
• Adjusting and aligning doors and drawers

Pro tip: Make sure your construction schedule takes into account that countertop templating can’t happen until the cabinets are fully installed, and sinks can’t be set until the counters are in. This step-by-step process means planning ahead is key if you want to avoid delays that could throw off your entire kitchen remodel.

Phase 5: Final Touches (1-2 weeks)

The last phase of the kitchen renovation process brings everything together for your entire kitchen:

1. Final inspections (1-3 days)

• Building inspector review for code compliance
• Electrical work inspections
• Plumbing work inspections
• Note: This is a required step that can impact your project completion date.

2. Touch-ups and adjustments (1-5 days)

• Fixing any nicks in the paint
• Adjusting cabinet doors and drawer alignment
• Tightening up hardware
• Walking through the space with your contractor

3. Thorough cleaning (1-2 days)

• Cleaning surfaces from top to bottom
• Wiping away all dust from the renovation
• Washing windows and polishing fixtures

4. Organizing and moving in (1-2 days)

• Unpacking kitchen items and restocking
• Organizing cabinets and drawers
• Setting up new appliances and testing all systems
• Finally enjoying your functional kitchen after the renovation project

Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Remodel Timeline on Schedule

Pre-Remodel Preparation

1. Make all material decisions before starting

• Have all materials selected and ordered before demolition.
• Resolve any design questions during design meetings.
• Document all choices in writing to avoid miscommunication.
• Proper planning at this stage helps avoid unexpected delays.

2. Create a detailed construction schedule

• Build out a full timeline together so you know what to expect.
• Spot areas that might slow things down.
• Add a little buffer room in case things pop up.
• Kitchen remodels usually take longer than people think — budget extra time.

3. Establish clear communication channels

• Set up regular check-ins with your kitchen fitters and contractors.
• Determine how changes to the existing kitchen will be handled.
• Know who to contact for different types of questions about your home renovation projects.

During the Kitchen Renovation

1. Be available for questions

• Answer contractor questions quickly to keep things moving.
• Make any needed calls or decisions without delay.
• Visit the site often so problems don’t pile up.

2. Expect the unexpected

• Older homes, especially, can hide issues behind walls.
• Have a 10-20% cushion in your budget just in case.
• Stay flexible — complex projects can take longer than expected.
• Things like weather, materials, and inspections all play a part.

3. Minimize Changes After Construction Begins

• Change orders can add significant time to the average time needed.
• Stick to your original plan whenever possible.
• Evaluate the timeline impact of any proposed changes to your kitchen layout.
• Remember that even small changes can have ripple effects on the entire remodeling process.

Factors That Can Extend Your Kitchen Remodel Timeline

1. Material delays when ordering materials

• Supply chain issues that push back cabinet or appliance deliveries
• Backordered items causing longer wait times
• Materials arriving damaged and needing to be replaced
• Custom cabinetry that takes extra time to produce

2. Hidden problems during demolition

• Finding water damage or mold hidden behind your cabinets
• Old wiring or plumbing that’s no longer up to code and needs full replacement
• Major structural problems that require extra work to fix
• These kinds of surprises can easily add weeks to your schedule

3. Inspection and permit delays

• Final inspections that don’t pass and need corrections
• Trouble getting an inspector out on time
• Delays when trying to secure permits due to local requirements
• These steps are often slow, but still have to be done

4. Weather issues

• Very hot or cold temperatures interfering with installations
• High humidity affecting wood floors or other materials
• Storms causing shipping delays or keeping crews off-site
• The season can definitely play a role in how your remodel unfolds

5. Contractor availability and scheduling conflicts

• Contractors juggling too many jobs at once
• Subcontractors running behind during key stages
• Staffing problems or illness slowing things down
• These kinds of delays depend on where you live and when you’re building.

Cabinet Refacing: A Time-Saving Alternative to a Complete Kitchen Remodel

If the average kitchen renovation timeline seems too lengthy or disruptive, consider cabinet refacing as a faster alternative:

• What it is: Cabinet refacing keeps your existing cabinet frames but swaps out the doors, drawer fronts, and exterior surfaces to give everything a new look.
• Timeline: 3–5 days (versus the typical 3–5 months for a full remodel).
• Benefits:‍
  • Save 30-50% compared to replacing all cabinets.
  • Skip the chaos — your kitchen stays mostly functional.
  • Cut down on waste by reusing what’s already solid.
  • Get a modern, updated look without months of work.
  • Avoid many of the common delays that slow full renovations.

• Ideal for:
  • Kitchens with a layout that works and doesn’t need major changes
  • Cabinets that are in good shape structurally
  • Homeowners who want a quick refresh without a long project
  • People who can’t be without a kitchen for weeks
  • Projects where time is the biggest factor

Kitchen Cabinet Guys is ready to serve all of your cabinet refacing needs wherever you are in the Greater Chicago Area!

Kitchen Remodel Resources to Consider

Top Kitchen Design Trends & Remodeling Ideas

Need inspiration? This video is packed with modern design ideas and has helped thousands of homeowners explore new styles and finishes.

Have a nice watch!

DIY Kitchen Remodel From START To FINISH

For those who seek advice on remodeling the kitchen with their own hands (it’s possible if you are handy!), we invite you to watch this video, which has the most views and comments among all such videos.

Have a nice watch!

Conclusion

Remodeling your kitchen takes time, but planning each phase carefully helps you stay on track. Most projects take 3-6 months from the first ideas to the final walkthrough, and rushing through the process often leads to bigger delays.

The key is to give yourself enough time to plan properly, choose the right materials, and work with experienced pros. A well-done kitchen upgrade will last for years and feel well worth the wait.

If you’re looking for something faster that still makes a big impact, cabinet refacing is a great option. In just a few days, you can give your kitchen a whole new look without the long timeline.

Ready to start planning your kitchen transformation? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you create a realistic timeline for your dream kitchen!