How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? (Realistic Timeline for Homeowners)
If you’ve ever watched a home makeover show, it can seem like a kitchen remodel happens in a week. In reality, most projects take much longer. Between planning, ordering materials, demolition, installation, and inspections, a kitchen remodel is a multi-stage process with a lot of moving parts.
As a company that focuses on cabinets, countertops, tile, and flooring, we’re in the middle of that process on almost every kitchen job. We see what speeds things up, what slows them down, and what homeowners wish they had known before they started.
This guide walks through realistic timelines, what affects them, and how to plan around the stages where cabinet, countertop, tile, and flooring work play a major role.
So…How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Really Take?
There isn’t one simple answer, because “kitchen remodel” can mean very different things. But there are some reliable ranges.
For most projects, here’s what you can expect:
Minor cosmetic updates: about 2–6 weeks
Typical renovation: about 4–12 weeks of active work
Full-scale overhaul: 8–12 weeks or more for construction, and often 2–8+ weeks of planning and permits before that
A quick paint job or a hardware swap can be done in days. A full gut renovation with layout changes, new systems, and inspections can stretch into several months.
The key is understanding where your project falls on that spectrum.
Kitchen Remodel Timelines at a Glance
Cosmetic updates – 2 to 6 weeks
These are “refresh” projects that keep your existing layout and most of your infrastructure. You might:
Repaint walls and ceilings
Change out cabinet hardware
Add a new backsplash
Replace some lighting
Possibly update a small area of flooring
There’s usually little to no demolition, and often no permits required. Much of the timing depends on your contractor’s schedule and how quickly materials arrive.
Standard renovation – 4 to 12 weeks
This is the most common category for homeowners who say they’re “remodeling the kitchen” without changing everything.
Typical work might include:
New cabinets
New countertops
New backsplash tile
Updated flooring in the kitchen area
New lighting and appliances
Minor layout tweaks (but not moving structural walls)
This kind of project often runs six to eight weeks in construction once everything is planned and ordered, though it can be shorter or longer depending on complexity and trades involved.
Cabinets, countertops, tile, and flooring are right in the heart of this timeline.
Full-scale overhaul – 8 to 12+ weeks
A full overhaul goes beyond finishes. It may include:
Removing or moving walls
Changing the footprint of the kitchen
Relocating plumbing, gas lines, and electrical
New windows or exterior openings
Structural changes
Here, design, engineering, and permitting play a large role. The construction phase alone can take two to three months or more, and the planning and permitting stages can add several weeks on top of that.
In these projects, the phases where cabinets, countertops, tile, and flooring are installed still happen toward the later part of the schedule, but the groundwork beforehand is much more involved.
No matter how big or small the remodel, the basic flow is similar. The length of each phase is what really changes.
Planning, design, and budget – 2 to 8 weeks
This is where everything begins. In this stage you clarify what you want to change and why, decide whether the layout will stay the same or shift, and set a realistic budget. You’ll also meet with contractors or designers and start choosing core materials like cabinets, countertops, tile, and flooring.
Spending enough time here pays off later. The more decisions you finalize before work starts, the fewer delays you’ll face once the schedule is underway. This is often when we’re brought in to talk through cabinet layouts, storage needs, and how surfaces like countertops and tile will work with the rest of the design.
Permits and approvals – 2 to 8+ weeks (if required)
Not every kitchen remodel needs permits. Simple cosmetic updates or like-for-like replacements may not. But if your remodel involves moving walls, changing windows or doors, running new plumbing or gas lines, or reworking electrical layouts, then permits and inspections usually come into play.
How long this takes depends on your city, the complexity of the plans, and how busy the building department is at that time. Your general contractor or design–build team typically handles this step, but it still affects the overall timeline.
Ordering materials and lead times – 2 to 10+ weeks
Materials often drive the construction schedule. Cabinets in particular are a major anchor. Stock cabinets from large retailers can sometimes be ready in a week or two. Semi-custom lines often take several weeks. Fully custom cabinets can take longer depending on the shop, the level of detail, and the chosen finish.
Countertop slabs may be available locally or may need to be ordered in. Tile and flooring can sometimes be sourced quickly, but special styles, patterns, or imported materials can extend lead times.
This is why it’s so important to finalize selections early. When we’re involved, we help homeowners choose cabinets, countertops, tile, and flooring with realistic lead times that support their ideal schedule.
Demolition and rough work – 1 to 3 weeks
Once permits are in place (if needed) and key materials are on order, the physical work begins. Demolition usually involves removing existing cabinets, pulling out old countertops, taking up older kitchen flooring, and removing the old backsplash. It can be noisy and dusty, but it’s a relatively quick stage.
After demo, rough work starts. This may include framing adjustments, plumbing and electrical changes, and any HVAC or vent adjustments that are needed to support the new layout.
If hidden issues are discovered—like water damage, outdated wiring, or structural concerns—this is when they usually appear. Fixing them can add time, but it’s important to address these problems before new finishes go in.
Cabinets, countertops, tile, and flooring – 2 to 4 weeks
This is the phase most homeowners look forward to, because the new kitchen starts to take shape. Cabinet installation usually comes first. Once cabinets are secured and aligned, countertop fabricators come in to template the space.
The countertops are then cut and installed, followed by backsplash tile. Flooring, if it wasn’t installed earlier, is laid and finished according to the project plan.
Timing here can vary. Cabinet installation alone might take several days to a week or more, depending on the size and complexity of the kitchen. Countertop fabrication and installation often adds another week or two.
Tile and flooring work can extend the schedule slightly, especially if there are intricate patterns or detailed layouts. This is the stage where our team is most involved, making sure cabinets are level, counters are properly supported, tile is cut and set cleanly, and flooring ties everything together.
Finishes and final touches – 1 to 2 weeks
In the final phase, the kitchen comes together as a finished space. This is when appliances are installed, plumbing fixtures and lighting are connected, and cabinet hardware is added.
Painters handle touch-ups and caulking, and the crew makes final adjustments to doors, drawers, and trim to ensure everything operates smoothly and lines up correctly.
A thorough cleanup usually happens at this stage as well. If inspections are required, they’re typically scheduled around this time. Once everything is signed off and you’ve walked the space with your contractor, your kitchen is ready for everyday use.
What Affects How Long Your Kitchen Remodel Takes?
No two projects are identical, but some factors almost always influence the timeline.
Scope and complexity
A small cosmetic refresh will be faster than a full reconfiguration. Keeping your layout the same saves time on design, permits, and rough work. Moving walls or opening up to another room adds steps, approvals, and inspections.
Custom vs. stock materials
Custom kitchens look and feel fantastic, but they do add time. Custom cabinets, special-order tile, or imported stone can extend lead times. If your schedule is tight, choosing in-stock or quicker-ship options for some items can help.
Permits and inspections
If your project requires permits, you’ll need to account for plan review and multiple inspection stages. These aren’t just red tape—they help ensure the work meets safety and building standards—but they do add to the total duration.
Contractor scheduling and coordination
An organized contractor will sequence trades carefully so work flows smoothly. Poor scheduling, gaps between trades, or miscommunication can quickly stretch a project. This is one reason it’s so important to work with licensed, experienced professionals rather than the lowest bid.
Homeowner decisions and changes
Late changes are one of the most common reasons a remodel takes longer than expected. Switching cabinet styles, picking new tile mid-project, or changing appliance models can all create ripple effects in the schedule. Finalizing as many choices as possible before work starts is the best way to avoid this.
Unexpected issues
Once walls and floors are opened up, it’s not unusual to find surprises—especially in older homes. Water damage, out-of-code wiring, or structural concerns can’t be ignored. They have to be addressed before installation continues, which can add days or weeks to the timeline.
How to Help Keep Your Kitchen Remodel on Schedule?
You can’t control everything, but you do have more influence than you might think.
Here are a few practical ways to support a smoother timeline:
Spend enough time in the planning phase. Get the layout right, and think through how you really use the space.
Make and finalize material selections early, especially cabinets, countertops, tile, and flooring.
Order long-lead items as soon as decisions are made.
Work with licensed, insured professionals who communicate clearly and provide realistic schedules.
Try to minimize major changes once construction has started.
And perhaps most important: build in a little buffer. Even well-run projects can experience small delays. If you mentally plan for the “longer side” of the estimate, you’re less likely to feel stressed if something shifts by a week or two.
How Contrive Builders Fits Into Your Kitchen Remodel Timeline?
While every kitchen remodel has many phases, the most defining moments often happen when cabinets, countertops, tile, and flooring are installed. That’s where our team comes in.
We don’t manage full remodels, but we partner with homeowners and contractors to ensure these key finish stages are completed with precision and clean workmanship.
During planning: We help you select cabinet styles, countertop materials, tile, and flooring that match your design and timeline.
During material ordering: We guide you through lead times—especially for custom cabinets and stone—so your schedule stays realistic.
During installation: Our team installs cabinets, countertops, backsplash tile, and flooring with careful alignment and attention to detail.
During final touches: We make sure doors, drawers, edges, grout lines, and flooring transitions all look and function exactly as they should.
These finishing elements bring your kitchen together, and our goal is to deliver craftsmanship that lasts long after the remodel is complete.
Living Through a Kitchen Remodel
While your kitchen is out of commission, daily life does feel different. Setting expectations up front helps.
Many homeowners:
Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, and small prep area
Use a fridge in the garage or another room
Rely a bit more on simple meals, takeout, or meal delivery during the heaviest construction
A good contractor will protect adjacent areas, manage dust as much as possible, and keep you updated on what’s happening each week so you’re not left guessing.
FAQs: How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?
What is the average time for a kitchen remodel?
Most kitchen remodels fall somewhere between 4 and 12 weeks of active construction, depending on scope. Small cosmetic updates can be done in 2–6 weeks, while major overhauls may stretch into several months once you include planning and permits.
How long does a small or cosmetic kitchen remodel take?
If you’re mainly changing finishes—paint, hardware, backsplash, maybe some flooring—you can often expect 2–6 weeks, depending on contractor availability and material lead times.
How long does a full gut kitchen remodel take?
A full gut remodel that includes new layout, infrastructure, and finishes can easily take 8–12 weeks or more for construction, plus 2–8+ weeks for planning, design, and permits.
Does changing the layout make the remodel take longer?
Yes. Changing the footprint, moving walls, or relocating plumbing and electrical adds design work, approvals, and more trades in the field. It’s one of the biggest factors that can extend the schedule.
How much time should I allow for planning and design before demo?
It’s wise to allow at least 2–8 weeks for planning, depending on how decisive you are and how complex the project is. That includes meeting with professionals, finalizing the layout, and choosing key materials like cabinets, countertops, tile, and flooring.
Do custom kitchen cabinets add weeks to the timeline?
They can. Custom or semi-custom cabinets often have longer lead times than stock options. This is why your cabinet decisions should be made early—they influence when installation can start and how the rest of the schedule lines up.
Can delays be avoided completely?
Not always. Weather, inspections, supply chain issues, and hidden conditions can all affect timing. But good planning, early selections, and working with organized professionals can significantly reduce unnecessary delays.
Where do cabinets, countertops, tile, and flooring fit into the schedule?
These elements are usually installed in the middle and later phases of the project, after rough work is complete and the space is ready for finishes. That’s the stage where our team typically steps in: installing cabinets, fitting countertops, setting tile, and finishing flooring so the kitchen is ready for final fixtures and appliances.
