“How long does a kitchen remodel take?” is the first question that comes to the mind of homeowners who want to give their kitchens a makeover. The time required will depend on various factors. These include the extent of the remodeling undertaken, the size of your kitchen, and the working schedule of the contractor. We can divide the kitchen remodeling process into different phases in order to determine how long does a kitchen remodel take.
Design and Pre-Construction – 2 To 5 Weeks
When you begin remodeling your kitchen, you have to state your requirements. You may hire an interior architect or might choose a design from various resources available. The architect may take a week or two to finalize the design. After that, you will be inviting bids from contractors. They will prepare their bids after visiting the site and considering your remodeling requirements. A contractor may take up to two weeks to submit the bid. You might take a week or two for reviewing the bids of the contractors and selecting the one that suits your needs. The pre-construction process for kitchen remodel may take anywhere from two to five weeks.
Obtaining Permits – 2 Weeks to 3 Months
You will need to obtain the required permits from your local authorities before beginning the construction work. The contractor you have hired may help you with filing paperwork and documents for the permits. It can take anywhere from two weeks to three months, depending on your local body. Your contractor will order all the materials, equipment, and hardware required once you receive the necessary permits.
Remodeling Construction Work – 4 to 6 Weeks
The contractor will undertake the construction work once all the required materials are delivered. Any delay in their delivery will increase the time it takes for a kitchen remodel. We can sub-divide the time required for kitchen remodeling based on the construction activities being undertaken.
Demolition – 2 to 3 Days
The workers will demolish your existing kitchen to make it ready for remodeling. It can take up to three days for the demolition process to complete.
Structural Repairs – 1 to 3 Days
If your kitchen requires structural repairs, the contractor will do the same after demolition. The repairs may require anywhere from one to three days, depending on the extent of repairs needed. Your kitchen may not require structural repairs if it is in good shape.
Rough-In Utilities – 2 to 5 Days
All utilities for your kitchen, including plumbing for gas and water as well as electrical supplies, will be installed. The plumber may take a couple of days while the electrician may take another day or two. You can expect the rough-in to take up to five days. If you are not making any major changes to the layout, the time required may reduce.
First Inspection – 1 Day
Once the rough-in is complete, authorized persons from your local body will pay a visit to inspect the work. They will check water and gas plumbing as well as electrical work to make sure everything is in order. The inspection only takes a few hours, but scheduling can be an issue. It may take up to a few weeks before the inspectors can pay a visit to your site.
Insulation and Drywall Installation – 3 to 5 Days
The contractor will resume work after the inspection is complete and everything is approved. The workers will install insulation which may take a day or two depending on the size of your kitchen. It will be followed by drywall installation. The workers will hang drywall, apply joint compound, and sand and prime it. Expect up to three days for drywall installation and drying of the compound.
Painting Walls and Ceilings – 2 to 4 Days
After the drywall has dried, the walls and ceilings of your kitchen will be painted. It may take the workers a couple of days for painting the kitchen. The paint will be allowed to dry for a day or two.
Flooring Installation – 2 Days
If you are having the floor redone, then the contractor will take it up after the paint has dried. They will install tiles or vinyl flooring as per your preferences. The flooring will be installed in a day while another day will be allocated for it to dry.
Final Inspection – 1 Day
A final inspection will be carried out by the city officials to ensure that everything is according to the plan and meets the regulations. The inspection takes a few hours, but scheduling a visit may take up to a few weeks.
Cabinet Installation – 2 to 4 Days
Once the inspecting officers approve everything, your contractor will begin installing cabinets. Smaller kitchens may be done in a day or two while larger kitchens may take up to four days. You can minimize delays by preordering cabinetry.
Countertop Measurement – 1 Day
You will have to schedule a visit from a countertop vendor of your choice for measuring countertops. The person will take all the measurements and ask for your preferences. Once done, the vendor will place an order for the countertops. Ready-made countertops may be delivered in a week, while those that need to be fabricated, such as granite countertops, may take two or three weeks to arrive.
Electrical Fixtures Installation – 1 to 2 Days
While your cabinetry is on the way, the contractor will finish other jobs. The workers will install electrical fixtures including ceiling lights, under-cabinet lights, and power outlets. It will take a day or two depending on the number of fixtures.
Plumbing Trim Out – 1 to 2 Days
The contractor will install plumbing supplies such as taps, sinks, and fittings for connecting appliances.
Initial Appliance Installation – 1 to 2 Days
The appliances that don’t require countertops may be installed after the plumbing fit off is completed. These may include built-in ovens, ranges, and hoods.
Counter Top Installation – 1 to 3 Days
Once the vendor delivers countertops, they will be installed by the contractor. The process may take one day for small kitchens and up to three days for large kitchens. Stone countertops may require a specialist stonemason and may take a few additional days to install.
Backsplash Installation – 1 to 2 Days
Backsplash panels or tiles will be installed in the required areas after countertop work is finished. The process will take one or two days at the maximum.
Final Appliance Installation – 1 to 2 Days
After the countertop installation is complete, the remaining appliances will be installed. Gas and water connections as well as electrical wiring will be completed.
Finishing Touches – 1 to 4 Days
Any finishing touches that are required will be applied. These can include minor adjustments, and installation of floor trims and toe kick area. Expect one to four days, depending on the extent of work required.
Site Clean-up – 1 Day
Once everything is done, the workers will clean the kitchen of debris and dust. You should hire a professional cleaning crew afterward to make everything look spick and span.
Post Construction – 1 Day
You can inspect the work after the contractor completes the remodeling. If you find anything that requires addressing, you can point it out to the contractor. He or she will make sure that it is rectified. You can complete the payment once you are satisfied.
