Are you ready to transform your kitchen? A remodel can bring new life to one of the most important spaces in your home, but it's essential to understand how long the process will take and what each phase involves. Knowing this will help you prepare and minimize the disruption to your daily life. 

Have you been wondering: 

• How long does a kitchen remodel take? 

• How long will the design and planning phase of a kitchen remodel take? 

• How long will the construction phase of a kitchen remodel take? 

• What could cause a kitchen remodel to take longer? 

• How can I keep my kitchen remodel from getting delayed?

• What are the steps involved in a kitchen remodel?

Don’t worry, we’ll answer all of these questions and more!

What are the steps involved in a kitchen remodel?

Before diving into the details, let’s take a look at the main steps involved in a kitchen remodel. This will give you an overview of the entire process:

Design and Planning Phase: 

This is where your dream kitchen starts to take shape. We work closely with you to develop a design that fits your needs and style, select the perfect finishes and products, and plan every detail of your remodel.

Project Preparation: 

After finalizing the design, we prepare everything needed to bring your vision to life. This involves ordering materials, scheduling workers, and managing logistics to ensure everything is ready for construction.

Demolition: 

The old kitchen is stripped away to make way for the new design. It’s an exciting phase where you can start to see the transformation begin!

Rough-In Work: 

This is the essential behind-the-scenes work, such as electrical and plumbing updates, installing support structures, and shimming walls. It sets the foundation for the new kitchen.

Drywall Installation: 

New walls are installed or existing ones are refinished to prepare for the next steps.

Cabinet Installation: 

The new cabinets are installed, bringing your kitchen design to life and adding functionality and style.

Countertop & Backsplash Installation: 

Countertops and backsplashes are installed, adding beauty and practicality to your kitchen.

Flooring Installation: 

The new flooring is laid down, completing the major structural changes in the kitchen.

Painting: 

The final touches of paint are added to walls, ceilings, and trims, giving your kitchen a polished look.

Plumbing & Electrical Trim-Out: 

Sinks, faucets, lighting, outlets, and switches are installed, making the kitchen fully functional.

Appliance Installation: 

The new appliances are installed, ready to make your kitchen work for you.

Hardware & Punch List: 

Cabinet hardware is installed, and any final adjustments or finishing touches are made to ensure everything is perfect.

Now, let's explore each phase in detail to understand what to expect during your kitchen remodel.

How long will the design phase of my kitchen remodel take?

The design and planning phase is a crucial first step in your kitchen remodel. It involves detailed consultations, design iterations, and careful selection of finishes and products. Typically, this phase takes about 6-8 weeks.

The design phase of a kitchen remodel includes:

• Cabinet layout & design

• Product & finish selections

• Scope of work & estimate creation

The timeline for each of these is largely affected by how much time you, the homeowner, have available to make decisions. So, it will vary widely from person to person and family to family. 

How long does the cabinet layout & design for a kitchen remodel take?

During the initial consultation, we will gather measurements and discuss your vision for the new space. Once we have this information, we will move into the cabinet layout and design phase. This step involves creating a plan that includes the placement and sizes of various cabinets. It usually takes about a week to draft the initial layout, with a few days for each revision. Expect this phase to take 2-4+ weeks.

How long does it take to select the products & finishes for a kitchen remodel?

Once the cabinet layout & design is complete, it will be time to pick out the countertops, backsplash, flooring, sink, faucet, cabinet pulls, and appliances. This can be an enjoyable yet time-consuming process. While some decisions can be made online, visiting stores and showrooms is often necessary to ensure you’re making the right choices. This phase typically takes 2-3 weeks.

How long will it take to get a quote for a kitchen remodel?

Once your design and selections are finalized, we will develop a detailed scope of work and create a kitchen remodel proposal. This involves coordinating with suppliers and trade partners to get accurate pricing. This phase generally takes about 2 weeks.

How long does the project preparation phase of a kitchen remodel take?

Once the design is finalized, it’s time to prepare for construction! The duration of this phase mainly depends on the product selections, especially the cabinets, that were made during the design phase. Typically, project preparation takes 8 to 12 weeks, mainly due to cabinet lead times.

The project preparation phase of a kitchen remodel includes:

• Material Procurement

• Scheduling and Coordination

• Logistics Management

How long does it take to get materials for a kitchen remodel?

Kitchen remodels require a large number of materials like cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. The time it takes to procure these materials depends on their lead times. Cabinets usually take the longest. Currently, kitchen cabinet lead times are between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on the manufacturer and product line.

How long does it take to schedule workers for a kitchen remodel?

The time it takes to schedule tradesmen depends on their current workload. Trades like plumbing and electrical are typically available within a month. However, trades like carpenters and tile setters are often booked many months in advance. Our general availability is around 8 to 12 weeks but may vary based on our workload.

How long does it take to prepare for a kitchen remodel?

Logistics management involves receiving material deliveries, placing porta-johns, and dropping off dumpsters. All of this needs to happen before the construction phase can start. This part of the project preparation typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.  

How long will the construction phase of a kitchen remodel take?

The construction phase of a kitchen remodel involves the actual building work, which typically spans 5 to 7 weeks. Each step in this phase builds on the previous one, making careful scheduling and coordination essential.

The construction phase of a kitchen remodel includes:

• Demolition

• Structural Work

• MEP Rough-In

• Drywall Installation

• Cabinet Installation

• Countertop Fabrication 

• Backsplash Installation

• Flooring Installation

• Painting

• Plumbing & Electrical Trim-Out

• Appliance Installation

• Hardware & Punch List

How long does it take to demolish a kitchen?

Demolition is an exciting phase where you see the old kitchen being stripped away to make way for the new! This is fast-paced work, and is usually completed within 1 day.

How long does it take to make structural repairs to a kitchen?

Structural modifications or repairs will vary a lot from project to project. Simple repairs, like replacing the subfloor, generally take 1-2 days. Extensive modifications, like removing load-bearing walls and installing support beams can take 1 week or more. 

How long does the rough-in phase of a kitchen remodel take?

The rough-in phase involves essential behind-the-scenes work, such as running new wires and making plumbing updates. This phase takes about 3-5 days.

How long does it take to install drywall in a kitchen?

Drywall installation can vary depending on the extent of the work needed. If only sections are being replaced, it might take a day, but if the entire kitchen needs new drywall, expect 3-4 days.

How long does it take to install kitchen cabinets?

Installing cabinets is a transformative phase where the new design starts to take shape. This step usually takes 2-4 days, depending on the complexity of the cabinetry.

How long does it take to install kitchen countertops?

Countertop installation can be a scheduling challenge. After cabinet installation, a template is created for the countertops. The countertops are then fabricated and installed. The time from templating to installation varies but is generally 1-2 weeks if working with a general contractor. 

How long does it take to install a backsplash in a kitchen?

It typically takes 2-3 days to install a ceramic tile backsplash. A full splash made from countertop material will require 1-2 weeks, as it requires the same template & fabrication process as the countertops. 

How long does it take to install a kitchen floor?

The type of flooring you choose affects the installation time. Luxury vinyl plank or engineered vinyl tile usually takes 1 day, prefinished hardwood takes about 1-2 days, and porcelain tile can take 3-5 days.

How long does it take to paint a kitchen?

Painting the remaining areas, such as ceilings, trims, and accent walls, usually takes 1-2 days.

How long does it take to install a kitchen sink and faucet?

The plumbing trim-out includes installing sinks, faucets, and other fixtures. This generally takes 1-2 days

How long does it take to install lighting in a kitchen?

Electrical trim-out includes installing lighting, outlets, and switches. This typically takes 1-2 days.

How long does it take to install kitchen appliances?

Installing appliances like the range, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator generally takes 1 day. Gas appliances might take a bit longer, especially with LP gas.

How long does it take to install knobs and pulls in a kitchen?

The final phase involves installing cabinet hardware, adjusting doors and drawers, and installing any cabinet organizational items, like pull-out trash cans, spice racks, or drawer organizers. This usually takes 1-2 days.

How long does the punch list phase of a kitchen remodel take?

The punch list is where we take care of any final details, make any needed touch ups, and ensure your new kitchen has been completed to your satisfaction. This usually takes less than 1 day, though some tasks may be extended if special-order items are involved.

What is the timeline for a kitchen remodel?

Let’s break down the entire kitchen remodeling timeline, from design to completion:

Design Phase (6-8 weeks)

• Cabinet layout & design

• Product & finish selections

• Scope of work & estimate creation

Project Planning (8-12 weeks)

• Material Procurement

• Scheduling and Coordination

• Logistics Management

Demolition& Rough-in (4-6 days)

• Demolition

• Structural Repairs

• Rough-In Work

Cabinetry & Finishes (3-5 weeks)

• Drywall Installation

• Cabinet Installation

• Countertop Fabrication 

• Backsplash Installation

• Flooring Installation

• Painting

Trim-out & Punch list (2-4 days)

• Plumbing & Electrical Trim-Out

• Appliance Installation

• Hardware & Punch List

What could cause a kitchen remodel to take longer than it should?

Delays can occur due to several factors, the most common of which include: poor planning, unforeseen problems, material delays, and labor delays. To minimize these, plan thoroughly, budget for unexpected issues, order materials ahead of time, and hire a reliable general contractor.

What can I do to keep my kitchen remodel from being delayed?

Plan properly

Proper planning prevents poor performance. Ensure all decisions are made before construction begins to avoid delays.

Budget for unforeseen issues

Unexpected problems can arise, such as hidden structural damage. Keeping a reserve budget (at least 20% of the project cost) helps address these without delaying the project.

Order materials ahead of time

Order materials with long lead times early and store them on-site. This reduces delays caused by waiting for items to arrive.

Hire a general contractor

A general contractor has established relationships with trade partners, which can help prioritize your project and avoid labor-related delays.

Conclusion: How long will my kitchen remodel take?

In summary, the design and planning phase of a well-executed kitchen remodel typically takes 6-8 weeks, the project preparation phase takes 8-12 weeks, and the construction phase takes about 5-7 weeks. By planning thoroughly, budgeting for the unexpected, and working with a reputable general contractor, you can minimize delays and enjoy a smoother remodeling process. We know it takes time, but your new kitchen will be worth the wait!

If you need any help with your New Hampshire Seacoast or Southern Maine kitchen remodel, feel free to reach out. We would love to help you create the kitchen of your dreams!