Are you wondering how long it takes to plan a kitchen remodel? Are you hoping to have your kitchen remodeled by a certain date? Are you wondering if the design process will be completed in time? 

Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers for you!

Planning a kitchen remodel is an exciting process that requires meticulous attention to detail and a well-structured timeline. Understanding the various phases of a remodel, and their respective durations, can help you set realistic expectations and ensure a smooth remodeling journey. Let's break down the steps involved in planning a kitchen remodel, and discuss the timeline for each phase.

Setting the goal and working backwards

When planning a kitchen remodel, it's crucial to start with a clear goal and work backward to establish a realistic timeline. 

For instance, if you want your kitchen remodel completed by Thanksgiving, it isn’t enough to account for the timeline of the construction phase of your project. You also need to account for the planning phase and material lead times. 

It is important to understand all of the necessary steps, and their durations, in order to make a realistic timeline by starting from the end goal and moving back to the present.

What is a realistic timeline for a kitchen remodel?

The bulk of the time required for a kitchen remodel can be broken down as follows:

Design phase (4-8 Weeks)

Before ordering the cabinets, you need a finalized design. The design process includes creating a cabinet layout, selecting products and finishes, and finalizing the scope of work and estimate.

The design phase typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly you, the homeowner, make decisions. Large projects, complex projects, high-end projects, and projects with exceptionally busy decision-makers will take substantially longer to design. 

Let's break down the design phase further:

Cabinet fabrication & delivery (8-12 Weeks)

Cabinets are a cornerstone of any kitchen remodel, and their lead times can vary significantly, usually between 8 to 12 weeks. Assuming the longest lead time, this means you would need to order your cabinets by late July to ensure they arrive by mid-October! This step is critical because having your cabinets on site before starting the remodel helps avoid potential delays caused by damaged or incorrect deliveries.

The remodel process (4-6 Weeks)

The actual construction phase of a kitchen remodel typically takes between 4 to 6 weeks. This phase involves demolishing the old kitchen, installing new cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, and finishing touches like painting and cabinet pulls. 

If you have a holiday or event deadline for your remodel, it's prudent to allow a one-week buffer, at minimum, after the remodel completion. This ensures you will have ample time to clean and prepare your home for the festivities. 

How long does the design phase of a kitchen remodel take?

The design phase of a remodel can be broken down into 3 main parts:

Cabinet layout & design (2-4 Weeks)

The design phase starts with an initial consultation and measurement of your kitchen space. During this phase, you’ll collaborate with your contractor, designer, and/or cabinet supplier to develop a detailed cabinet layout. The first iteration of the cabinet plan usually takes about a week. Subsequent revisions, based on your feedback, will generally extend this phase to 2-4 weeks.

Selecting products & finishes (1-3 Weeks)

Once the cabinet layout is finalized, the next step is to select products and finishes such as countertops, backsplash, flooring, sink, faucet, cabinet pulls, and appliances. This phase can vary widely in duration. If you’re decisive and have ample time to commit to the task, you might complete it in a week. However, for most homeowners juggling work and other commitments, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to make all the necessary selections.

Getting a quote (1-2 Weeks)

After finalizing your design decisions and selections, your contractor will create a detailed scope of work and estimate. This step involves verifying all the details and obtaining pricing from suppliers and trade partners. Expect this phase to take about 1-2 weeks.

Why is it important to start the planning process early?

Based on the outlined timeline, starting the planning process well in advance is crucial. For a remodel to be completed by Thanksgiving, for example, you need to begin the design phase by approximately early June. This early start ensures you have enough time for each phase and can handle any unexpected delays without compromising your deadline.

Practical tips for efficient kitchen remodel planning

Start Early: 

Begin planning at least six months before your desired completion date. This allows ample time for each phase and helps avoid last-minute stress.

Make Decisions Promptly: 

The timeline can vary based on how quickly you make decisions. Being decisive and responsive can significantly streamline the process.

Communicate Regularly: 

Maintain open and regular communication with your contractor. This helps address any issues promptly and keeps the project on track.

Prepare for the Unexpected: 

Despite meticulous planning, unexpected delays can occur. Having a buffer in your timeline helps manage these without derailing the entire project.

Stay Involved: 

Actively participate in the design and selection phases. Your involvement ensures the final outcome aligns with your vision and preferences.

Bonus Video: Planning a kitchen remodel with Kelly Rothrock

To give you a more visual understanding of the kitchen remodel planning process, our very own Kelly Rothrock created a fantastic video where she discusses the planning process for a kitchen remodel. In this video, Kelly walks through the detailed timeline of planning a kitchen remodel, starting from the end goal and working backward to the present day. Here's a summary of the video content:

In the video, Kelly uses a full-year calendar to illustrate the timeline of a kitchen remodel project, starting with the goal of completing the remodel by Thanksgiving. She explains that the actual remodel process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, and she adds a buffer week before Thanksgiving for final cleaning and preparation.

Kelly highlights the importance of ordering cabinets well in advance, as current lead times can range from 8 to 12 weeks. She works backward from the remodel start date, demonstrating that, in order to ensure pre-Thanksgiving project completion, cabinets should be ordered by late July, to ensure their arrival by mid-October. This step is crucial to avoid potential delays caused by damaged or incorrect deliveries.

Next, Kelly discusses the design phase, which takes about 4 to 6+ weeks. She emphasizes that the timeline for this phase largely depends on how quickly clients make decisions. The design phase includes creating a cabinet layout, selecting products and finishes, and finalizing the scope of work and estimate.

Kelly's engaging and informative video not only outlines the steps involved in planning a kitchen remodel but also provides valuable insights and practical tips to help homeowners manage their projects effectively.

You can watch Kelly’s video below to get a detailed visual guide to planning your kitchen remodel:

In conclusion

Planning a kitchen remodel is a comprehensive process that requires careful consideration of various factors and a well-structured timeline. Starting the planning process early, being decisive, and maintaining open communication with your contractor are key to ensuring a successful remodel. 

By understanding the steps involved and their respective durations, you can set realistic expectations and enjoy a smooth and rewarding remodeling journey. So, if you’re aiming to have your kitchen ready for a specific occasion, remember to start the planning process well in advance and work closely with your contractor to bring your vision to life.

If you would like some help planning your Exeter, NH or New Hampshire seacoast kitchen remodel, please reach out! We would be happy to help you plan your dream kitchen!