Kitchen Remodel Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

The ranges below come from Fixr, with one week added to the upper end of each range. They are national figures, not Imperial Finishes schedules.

The 6 to 12 week range does not include planning. Design, selections and ordering happen before that clock starts.

Two waits come before demolition: permits and cabinets. Fixr says permit approval can take a week or two, or longer depending on the city. Permit requirements vary by city. Cabinet delivery depends on the kind of cabinet you order.

This is why demolition should not start the day the contract is signed. In most kitchens it starts when the cabinets have a delivery date.

The phases follow the same sequence in most kitchens. A cosmetic update skips several of them.

1. 01

   Planning, layout and selections

   Scope, budget, layout, cabinets, countertops, appliances and fixtures are decided and ordered.

2. 02

   Agreement and permits

   The scope is put in writing and permits are applied for where the city requires them.

3. 03

   Demolition

   A temporary kitchen is set up and the old cabinets, counters and flooring come out.

4. 04

   Framing and rough-ins

   Walls change if the design calls for it. Plumbing, electrical and ventilation are run in the open walls.

5. 05

   Drywall, flooring and cabinets

   Walls are closed and finished, then flooring and cabinets are installed.

6. 06

   Countertops

   Countertops are measured after the cabinets are in place, then fabricated and installed.

7. 07

   Finishes and walkthrough

   Backsplash, final connections, appliances, paint and hardware, then a list of last corrections.

The same phases are explained with the decisions you make in each one on the kitchen remodeling process section of our main page.

• Design changes after work has started.
• Long lead times or backorders on cabinets, countertops and appliances.
• Hidden conditions found at demolition, such as water damage or old wiring.
• Waiting for inspections where a permit applies.
• Scheduling between trades that must work in sequence.

“Delays are common in remodeling projects. Build some flexibility into your timeline and budget to account for unforeseen issues.”

This Old House, “The (Don’t Get Burned) Kitchen Remodeling Guide”

• Make every selection before demolition. Each open decision is a possible pause.
• Order cabinets and appliances early and schedule demolition around their delivery.
• Ask your city what needs a permit before you set a start date.
• Set up a temporary kitchen with the refrigerator, a microwave and a place to wash dishes.
• Avoid hard deadlines such as holidays; leave a margin at the end.

A shorter project is usually a smaller one. If the cabinets are sound, professional cabinet painting keeps the job in the cosmetic range. A longer project also costs more: see the kitchen remodel budget by project type.

Every kitchen has its own timeline. Imperial Finishes handles kitchen remodeling in the Kansas City metro from its base in Overland Park, KS. Send the estimate form and tell us when you would like the work done.