Thinking of making your kitchen look all new and shiny? You might be asking, “How long does it take to remodel a kitchen?” Well, the average time to remodel a kitchen varies between 6 to 12 weeks. But this can change based on what you want to do.
If you’re doing small things like changing cabinets and countertops, it could be as short as 4 weeks. But if you’re planning a big makeover with lots of changes, like making your kitchen bigger or getting custom-made cabinets, it might take 12 weeks or even more.
In this blog, we’re going to dig into the things that make your kitchen remodel take more or less time. We’ll explain it in a simple way so you know what to expect.
Let’s get started.
How Long Does It Take to Remodel a Kitchen?
So, how long does it take to renovate a kitchen? The time to renovate a kitchen depends on a few things, like how big the project is, how quickly you can get the things you need, and what kind of design you want.
If you’re just swapping old kitchen stuff with new stuff in the same way, it’s called a replacement kitchen. It’s a quicker job because there’s not much building or custom work involved. For a medium-sized kitchen, this usually takes around 6-8 weeks.
But if you’re thinking about a bigger project, like making your kitchen larger, moving walls, changing how things are built, or rearranging the whole layout, it’s going to take more time. For this kind of custom kitchen renovation, you should expect it to take 10-12 weeks.
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Average Timeline by Kitchen Remodel Type
So, how long to remodel a kitchen? Different kitchen remodels can take different amounts of time. Here’s a breakdown based on how big the changes are:
Small-Scale Kitchen Remodel
- If you’re making minor changes, like getting new appliances or changing cabinets, it might take around 4 to 8 weeks, as long as nothing unexpected happens.
- But if you’re doing a bit more, like getting new appliances, cabinets, and flooring, it could take about 2 months, assuming you’re not moving things around or messing with the plumbing or wiring. You can even finish quicker if you do some of the work yourself, like painting or putting on the floor.
Medium-Scale Kitchen Remodel
- Maybe you want to add a kitchen island or get custom cabinets. In this case, your medium-scale remodel might take 8 to 10 weeks. This usually involves upgrading appliances, lighting, fixtures, cabinets, countertops, and flooring.
- You won’t have to wait for permits or inspections because you’re not changing the layout or knocking down walls, so it’s faster than a major renovation.
Large-Scale Kitchen Remodel
- If you’re going all out with major changes, like moving plumbing and wiring, high-end appliances, and changing the whole layout, it’s going to take about 5 to 6 months or even longer if there are delays with materials or appliances.
- You’re basically starting from scratch, so it takes a lot more time to build the kitchen exactly how you want it.
If you’re curious about the cost of remodeling a 10×10 kitchen, read our detailed blog to find the answer.
Factors Influencing Remodel Duration
Many things can make your kitchen remodel take longer:
Scope of Work
If you’re doing a lot of changes, like moving walls, messing with the plumbing or wiring, or getting custom stuff, it’s going to take more time. For instance, if you’re just making small changes, like getting new countertops and backsplash, it might take a few weeks. But if you’re going all out and changing everything, it could take a few months.
Planning and Design
Before you start the actual work, you’ll spend time planning and designing your new kitchen. How long this takes depends on how complicated your project is and how quickly you make decisions.
Permits and Approvals
Sometimes, you need permission or permits for your project. Getting these can add more time. How long it takes depends on where you live and the rules there.
Materials
Sometimes, it’s hard to get the materials you need, especially when lots of people are doing renovations. You might have to wait for them, so that can slow things down.
Contractors
Finding good, experienced workers can be tough. When they can start and how busy they are will affect how long your project takes.
Surprises
Sometimes, when you tear things apart, you find unexpected problems, like damage or structural issues. Dealing with these surprises can add more time to your project. So, it’s smart to have some extra time in your plan for these unexpected issues.
Kitchen Remodel Steps: From Pre-Construction to Final Touches
So, how long does a full kitchen remodel take? Full kitchen remodeling happens in different steps, from the beginning of planning to the final touches. Each step has its own timeline. Here’s a look at how long each step usually takes:
Designing Your Remodel: 1 to 2 weeks
Before you start building, you need to plan how your kitchen will look. You might need to hire an architect to help with big changes. They’ll give you drawings or pictures to show you the plan.
Finding a Contractor: 1 to 3 weeks
Finding a good contractor is super important for your project’s success. You should also think about hiring a kitchen designer. Talk to at least three contractors or designers, and ask for their past work and what they’ll charge. Make sure your ideas match with your budget.
Getting Permits: 2 to 4 weeks
Before you can start building, you might need permission from your local homeowner’s association or get a permit. The rules for permits can change depending on where you live, and it takes a few weeks to get approval.
You might have to get a permit if you want to:
- Change the structure of your kitchen
- Move or change the plumbing
- Change or add new electrical wiring
- Make alterations to your ventilation system
Getting Materials: 2 to 4 weeks
To make your kitchen look great, you need the right materials. You’ll pick everything from your fixtures to your countertop, flooring, cabinets, and paint. Some things arrive faster than others. You might wait a few weeks, or sometimes even months, if something you want is delayed.
Demolition: 1 to 4 days
To build your new kitchen, the old one has to go. This means knocking down walls, taking out cabinets, and removing the floor.
Construction: 3 to 6 weeks
This is where the real work happens. It’s how your dream kitchen becomes real. It starts with big changes, like building new things or changing the plumbing and electricity. Here’s what you can expect:
- Changing or setting up electricity and plumbing: 1 to 4 days
- Big changes in the structure: 2 to 5 weeks
- Installing flooring and cabinets: 1 to 2 weeks
- Making and installing the countertop: 1 to 2 weeks
- Painting and adding the backsplash: 2 to 3 days
Fixtures, Hardware, and Appliance Installation: Less than one week
At this point, your contractor will finish up your renovation by installing lights, cabinet handles, and appliances like the sink, stove, and refrigerator.
Cleanup and Final Check: 1 day
After all the work, there’s usually a big mess to clean up. It takes about a day to get everything nice and clean, and then you can do a final check to make sure it’s all good.
Final Touches and Payment: 1 day to a few weeks
Your local kitchen remodeling pro can handle small last-minute changes in a couple of days, like fixing a crooked cabinet door. But if you’re waiting for something that’s delayed, it might take a few weeks to finish everything.
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Wrapping Up
To sum it up, when you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, remember that the time it takes can change depending on what you’re doing. Whether it’s a small update or a big makeover, you should plan carefully, pick trustworthy experts, and be ready for possible delays. The answer to “How long does it take to remodel a kitchen?” really depends on the decisions you make and how complicated your project is.
FAQs
How long does it take to redo a small kitchen?
Updating a small kitchen usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, and if it’s a bigger project, it can stretch to about 2 months.
Why does a kitchen remodel take so long?
Kitchen remodeling takes a while because it includes many steps that need to be planned and coordinated by different experts, and having a clear plan, budget, and backup plan can prevent unexpected delays.
Should I move out during the kitchen remodel?
It’s a good idea to leave during big kitchen remodels to avoid disruptions. For smaller projects, staying at home might be okay.
