A kitchen remodel is a huge project that can be incredibly difficult to live through, which is why it’s normal to ask “how long does a kitchen remodel normally take?” The answer to the question depends on several factors, all of which can get you away from your grill and bathroom sink dishwashing and into a beautiful, newly-remodeled kitchen.
Length of a Kitchen Remodel
Typically, the length of a kitchen remodel is 5-8 weeks, though it can last as long as 12 weeks. The exact timeline for a kitchen remodel depends on several factors.
- Size and Extent of Project. The size and extent of the remodel is the biggest factor in the length of a kitchen remodel. A smaller remodel without any changes to electrical, plumbing, or structure can take as few as five weeks. When major changes are included in the project, such as removing walls or moving a sink, or if the kitchen is very large, the kitchen remodel can take as long as 8-12 weeks.
- Ordering. Ordering supplies for a kitchen remodel can keep a kitchen remodel moving forward smoothly OR can cause major delays in the project. Those delays can also have a trickle-down effect; a delay in cabinet arrival and installation can push back the installation of the new sink (because the cabinets need to be in before the sink). The responsibility for ordering kitchen remodel supplies may fall on the homeowner or on a contractor. To prevent delays, homeowners should always ask when supplies are going to arrive.Unfortunately,some supplies may not arrive on time due to unexpected delays; in this case, homeowners may need to have a plan B when their first choice is not available or accept the delay in the project timeline.
- DIY versus Professional Kitchen Remodel. Typically, a do-it-yourself kitchen remodel takes more time than a professional kitchen remodeler.
Kitchen Remodel Project Steps
The exact steps for a kitchen remodel are different for every kitchen, but this list gives homeowners a general idea. A professional kitchen contractor can give you a kitchen renovation checklist and more exact timeline with steps specific to your kitchen and design.
- Planning Process (Planning, Design, Permits, Etc.)
- Kitchen Demolition
- Major Structural, Plumbing & Electrical Changes
- Drywalling
- Flooring Replacement
- Cabinets
- Countertop Installation
- Appliance Installation
Where to Start a Kitchen Remodel
Because there are so many steps involved in a kitchen remodel (and many of those steps are dependent on the completion of a step), a kitchen remodel involves an extensive planning process. During planning, homeowners should:
- make a list of kitchen remodeling ideas,
- contact contractors for an estimate (plus a full inspection of any systems that may need to be updated for the project, such as the electrical)
- set a budget for the project
- determine what items need to be ordered (ask the contractor, along with this list of kitchen remodeling questions for a contractor)
- decide on a final kitchen design
The next step is to hire a contractor for the project or set a timeline for a DIY kitchen remodel. Once the kitchen remodel project has started, homeowners should expect some dust and an interruption to their schedule (especially for food prep and eating). Some contractors can take steps during the remodel to minimize the dust. Homeowners need to remember that the end result—a new kitchen—is only weeks away.