How Long Does it Take to Renovate a Kitchen?
One of the first questions our clients always ask us is, "How long does it take to renovate a kitchen?" It's a common concern, and understandably so—since understanding the timeline of a kitchen renovation is crucial for a successful outcome. Planning a kitchen remodel isn’t at all like what is shown on HGTV; it involves coordinating a complex sequence of tasks that need to happen in a specific order to transform your vision for your kitchen into reality. Understanding how long each phase of the renovation will take will help you prepare mentally, financially, and logistically, to ensure that your kitchen remodel stays on track, within budget, and doesn't make you completely crazy by the end.
The biggest mistake we see clients make is jumping into a kitchen remodel without a clear understanding of the time, money, and effort it is going to take to complete the project. Falling into these common traps can cause your once exciting kitchen project to quickly become overwhelming, leading to unnecessary stress, project delays, and a runaway budget. That's why working with a professional designer who has experience with kitchen remodels from the start to help you plan a personalized timeline is essential. As professional interior designers we can help you navigate the complexities of the renovation process, anticipate potential challenges, and tailor a schedule and design that fits your specific needs and lifestyle.
In this blog post, we'll explore the general timelines involved in the kitchen remodels we work on with our clients so you have a better understanding of what to expect as you plan your own transformation.
Phase #1: Planning & Designing Your New Kitchen
The first step in any kitchen remodel should always be the planning and design phase. Kitchens are the most complex room in a home to renovate so taking the time to design and plan your new kitchen is essential. This design phase typically takes between 8-12 weeks for our studio and will lay the foundation for your entire project to ensure it will stay within your budget and timeline during construction. We *highly* recommend you work with an experienced interior designer who understands the complexities involved in a kitchen remodel, but you should also understand the general steps we follow in the planning and design phase:
1.1: THE DESIGN CONSULTATION (1 Day):
Determining the Scope of Your Kitchen Remodel
The first step in any Paige Studio project is a Design Consultation, also known in the industry as the "programming" phase, this allows us to get a good understanding of your vision, your space, what you're hoping to accomplish with your kitchen remodel, and when you'd like it to be complete. We’ll discuss if your expectations are realistic plus tricks and ideas we have to help you accomplish what you’re looking for. We will also measure your space while we’re in your kitchen or schedule another day to come take site measurement, depending on the size of your space, in order to draw the plans necessary to develop the design for your new kitchen.
1.2: CONCEPT DESIGN (1-2 Weeks):
The Daydreaming Phase
In this phase of a kitchen remodel, we are daydreaming with you about what your space could become. We are using the floor plans we measured in the Design Consultation to go through different layout ideas for your kitchen based on the vision you shared with us and the features on your wishlist. We're also looking at initial materials and potential color schemes through concept images and mood-boards which we will present to you for your feedback at our first touchpoint - the Concept Presentation. This allows us (and you) to confirm that the design direction is on the right track before selecting any materials and finishes.
1.3: TRADE DAY & INITIAL PRICING (1-2 Weeks):
Putting Numbers to Your Kitchen Renovation Wishlist
We believe in pricing early and often to ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs associated with your wishlist before diving into your kitchen remodel. During Trade Day, we invite our trusted contractors to visit your home alongside us to review the initial design presentation and discuss your wishlist and ideas. They provide preliminary bids, offering itemized insight into how much the remodel is likely to cost. This early feedback allows us to refine your wishlist, prioritize your key features, and ensure that the design remains within your budget as we proceed to the finish selection phase. These estimates early on are designed to help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises down the line.
1.4: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT (2-4 Weeks):
AKA, the Fun Part
The Design Development phase is the part of your kitchen remodel where we are (finally) selecting the actual finishes and materials that will go into your space. Armed with all of the information from the work we’ve already done, we’re able to select finishes that are highly tailored to your specific style, lifestyle, and budget. This phase culminates in the highly anticipated Design Presentation where you get to touch and feel everything we recommend for your new kitchen and see renderings and elevations so you can envision exactly what your new kitchen will look like after the remodel is complete.
Rendering from a kitchen remodel project in the Kessler Park neighborhood in Dallas.
1.5: CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION (1-2 Weeks):
Building the Instruction Manual for Your Kitchen Remodel
The last phase of the planning and design portion of your kitchen remodel is the construction documentation phase. This is the phase in which we produce the highly technical plan set that your contractor will use to actually build from. It is essential to have an experienced designer draft these plans as they can make or break the success of your kitchen remodel, it does no good to have beautiful renderings of your space if your contractor doesn’t know which materials go where or how to lay your tile. A good plan set is key to a smooth and efficient construction process that doesn’t involve runway budgets or timelines.
You might be tempted to skip the planning phase and dive straight into construction to speed up your kitchen remodel. However, we strongly advise against starting any construction without a detailed, well-thought-out plan. Investing time upfront with a designer allows you to address potential issues before they arise during construction, ultimately saving you both time and money and allowing you to enjoy your new kitchen sooner. It’s far easier to adjust the layout or choose different materials when everything is still on paper, rather than when items are already ordered and installation is scheduled.
Phase #2: The Construction Phase
The construction phase is where things start to get messy, ideally you’ll have a full set of plans and every finish selected so this should be an execution phase. The number one thing that causes kitchen remodels to exceed budget and timelines are client driven reselects and changes. We caution our clients against changing their minds on things after construction has started.
While every contractor does things a little differently, these are the main steps we typically see in the construction phase of a kitchen remodel:
#1. PRE CONSTRUCTION
Permitting - Submitting plans for permits and awaiting approval from local authorities.
Ordering Materials - Purchasing and scheduling delivery of cabinets, appliances, fixtures, etc.
Site Preparation - Setting up temporary kitchen space, moving out appliances, and prepping the area for construction.
#2. DEMOLITION
Removing the Old Kitchen - Demolishing existing cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and possibly walls.
Assessing additional work - Demo often uncovers issues that are otherwise hidden, most contractors we work with recommend saving 10-20% of your budget to address these.
#3 ROUGH CONSTRUCTION
Framing - Building any new walls, doorways, or windows if structural changes are part of the plan.
Plumbing and Electrical Rough-In - Installing or upgrading plumbing and electrical systems.
HVAC Adjustments - Modifying ventilation, ductwork, and any necessary HVAC changes.
#4 DRYWALL & PAINT
Drywall Installation - Hanging, taping, and finishing drywall.
Painting - Applying primer and paint to walls and ceilings.
#5. FLOORING, CABINETS, COUNTERTOPS, & FINISHES
Flooring Installation: Laying down new flooring, such as tile, hardwood, or laminate, to create the foundation for your kitchen.
Cabinet Installation: Installing base and wall cabinets, ensuring everything is level and securely attached.
Countertop Installation: Measuring, fabricating, and installing countertops for a precise fit.
Backsplash & Tile Work: Installing backsplash tiles and grout to add style and functionality to your kitchen.
#6. PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, & APPLIANCES
Final Plumbing and Electrical: Installing sinks, faucets, outlets, switches, and any other fixtures.
Appliance Installation: Setting up major appliances like your refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher.
#7 FINISHING TOUCHES & FINAL WALKTHROUGH
Finishing Touches: Installing hardware, touch-up painting, and making minor adjustments to ensure everything is perfect.
Final Walkthrough: Final walkthrough with your contractor and designer to review the completed work, ensure it meets your expectations, and address any final details.
Note: Depending on your jurisdiction, inspections by local authorities may be required at various stages of the remodel to ensure everything complies with building codes. Be sure to discuss this with your contractor.
Planning a kitchen remodel is no small feat, but with the right preparation and a clear understanding of the process, it can be a rewarding journey that transforms your space into the kitchen of your dreams. By taking the time to design thoughtfully and partnering with experienced professionals, you can avoid common pitfalls and keep your project on track. Whether you’re just starting to think about a remodel or you’re ready to dive in, having a detailed plan will make all the difference.
To help you get started, we've created a comprehensive Kitchen and Bath Planning Guide that covers everything you need to know about planning your remodel—from budgeting tips to what to expect during construction. Download it now and take the first step toward your dream kitchen.
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