How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?

Ask About Scheduling Restraints 

Although it is rare for remodeling contractors to have a "slow season," there certainly are times of the year when you can expect the most delays. The busiest times for remodeling professionals are typically in the summer and the few months before the holidays. As a result, it may take longer if you're trying to remodel your kitchen during this time. This is because it's harder to get subcontractors on the schedule, and shipping materials may also take more time due to demand. 
 
This is why you're usually better off planning a kitchen remodel about a year in advance with a kitchen designer/remodeling contractor. When you approach your project in this fashion, you can choose a time that works best for you, and you benefit from being one of the first people on the schedule. 

Kitchen Renovation Timing: Anticipate Delays 

When you look at the sample schedule, you might see some timelines that you think should take much less time. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, some tasks take longer than others, and some are more complicated than you expect. Second, your contractor may add a small cushion of time (1-2 days) to each step for delays in materials, labor or even the weather. This way, if one task takes a day or two longer, it doesn't throw the entire project schedule off. 

Your New Kitchen: An Adjustment 

Once you get the kitchen of your dreams, you might think you will learn how to use it efficiently within minutes. And while this may be true for some people, you should still plan for an adjustment period. When you're looking for something in the kitchen, your brain might try to switch to an older, familiar process in your previously existing kitchen that is now incorrect in your new kitchen remodel. Getting used to the different drawers, cabinets and new appliances could take a little practice. 

Give yourself a couple of weeks before a big event to get settled. This gives you time to put food and tools away, shop early, take advantage of new storage space, and ensure everything is right before you add the stress of hosting. 

Be Realistic About Your Kitchen Remodel Timeline 

To understand the kitchen renovation process, think about it like a relay race. The first person has to reach the first benchmark before the second person can get started. Similarly, there are a few parts of a kitchen remodel project that can be done at the same time, but many of them run linearly. 

Work also must be completed in a particular order. For example, if there's a delay in installing new plumbing lines, contractors cannot move ahead to installing the flooring or appliances. It's worth keeping in mind that some tasks cannot be done more quickly by adding more labor. Having two or three people to lay flooring may go faster than one, but hiring five won't double that speed. Understanding these factors can help you to relax and trust your remodeling contractor. Know that a good result is better than a quick one. 

A couple of notes from the sample kitchen remodel schedule above: 

• The Design Phase of planning any home remodeling project is a critical time in the overall schedule of a project. This is where all the details are determined, including the project's scope, and what the remodeled project will look like. We must take the necessary time for kitchen design (with a design rendering). With all the planning done upfront, delays during construction are greatly reduced. 
• As mentioned earlier, decision-making is a significant component of remodel planning. Again, this reduces the possible delays once the project is underway. You will need to decide on what the project will include before we begin demolition, such as cabinets, countertops, lighting, appliances, flooring, windows, and more because all materials have different lead times. Otherwise, your project may come to a screeching halt and create delays in the construction calendar. 
• This sample renovation schedule does not consider major changes you may have in mind. For example, is there a wall dividing the kitchen and family areas that you'd like to take down? What about the functionality of the kitchen itself? Should you explore moving things around a bit for a better layout? Do you want to consider new ideas that our kitchen designer can share? This all adds a little bit of time to the schedule, but how much is unclear until you dive into the design phase of project scope development.

Take a look at our gallery of completed Kitchen Remodeling Pictures, our Process for Remodeling, and learn more about Scott & Lorrie. Then let's get serious about getting you that new kitchen you deserve!