There’s a reason home renovation shows are so popular. You get to watch a boring, outdated room turn into a dream space in the time it takes you to finish a sandwich. Thanks to TV magic, everything old becomes new, shiny, and perfect in just a few minutes. If only it were that simple.
TV shows only showcase the glamorous bits-the big reveals. What they skip over are the endless hours of planning, the hard work behind the scenes, and the inevitable hiccups along the way, such as material delays, juggling contractor schedules, and even the occasional weather mishap.
If you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen cabinets or embarking on a larger renovation project, you should know how long the entire process might take. Drawing on our nearly 50 years of experience, here’s what Holland’s Custom Cabinets sees as the typical timeframe for an average kitchen remodel done by professionals. (DIY timeframes are tough to estimate and depend greatly on the skill of the person doing the work.)
Typical Timeline for Kitchen Renovations
How long a complete kitchen remodel takes depends on the size and complexity of the project. We’ll break it down into three levels: minor, moderate, and major renovations.
Minor Renovations (1-2 Weeks)
If you’re looking to refresh your kitchen without tearing anything down, you’re in the “minor” renovation zone. Since these projects don’t need any demolition or heavy-duty planning, they are the fastest to complete, usually done in 1 to 2 weeks.
Examples of minor renovations:
- Repainting or refinishing cabinets
- Replacing cabinet hardware (handles, knobs, pulls)
- Adding a new backsplash
- Installing new light fixtures.
Moderate Renovations (3-5 Weeks)
Moderate kitchen renovations are slightly more involved, but you’re still not making any significant structural changes. Depending on the size of your kitchen and how quickly materials arrive, moderate renovations can take about 3 to 5 weeks.
Examples of moderate renovations:
- Installing new countertops (granite or quartz)
- Upgrading appliances
- Replacing sinks, faucets, and lighting
- Installing new flooring.
Major Renovations (6-12 Weeks)
With major renovations, you’re giving your kitchen a complete makeover. Because these projects are so extensive, they can take 6 to 12 weeks (and sometimes even longer).
Examples of major renovations:
- Completely redesigning the kitchen layout
- Moving walls, plumbing, or electrical lines
- Custom-built cabinets and countertops
- Full flooring replacement.
Factors That Affect the Duration of a Kitchen Renovation
While the scale of your complete kitchen renovation plays a big part in how long it will take, other factors can also impact the timeline.
1. Kitchen Size
The bigger your kitchen, the longer the renovation. Larger kitchens require more materials and labor, which naturally extends the timeline. On the other hand, smaller kitchens might be done a bit quicker, even if you’re making significant upgrades.
2. Custom vs. Prefabricated Materials
Custom-built pieces take time to produce and install, potentially adding a few extra weeks to the kitchen renovation process. If you’re in a hurry, consider using prefabricated materials.
3. Availability of Materials and Appliances
Your project might stall if the items you want are on backorder, delayed in shipping, or difficult to source. To avoid such frustrating hold-ups, you’ll want to pre-order everything well in advance or choose readily available materials.
4. Contractor Availability
Good contractors (like Holland’s) are often in high demand, so you may have to wait a while before they can start on your kitchen. We recommend planning your renovation during slow seasons to improve availability.
5. Permits and Inspections
If your renovation involves major structural changes, such as moving walls or altering plumbing and electrical systems, you’ll likely need permits and inspections. This process can add more time to your project. Be sure to factor it into your schedule.
Breakdown of the Kitchen Renovation Process
Now that we’ve covered what can affect the timeline, let’s break down the key phases of a kitchen design renovation and how long each stage typically takes. This example assumes a major renovation.
1. Planning and Design (1-4 Weeks)
The first big step is planning. You’ll work with your contractor or designer to finalize the layout, materials, and overall look of your new kitchen. If you have a clear vision, this phase could take about 1 to 4 weeks. But if you’re opting for custom cabinets and countertops, expect to spend a little extra time here to make sure everything fits your needs perfectly.
2. Demolition (1-2 Weeks)
During the demolition phase, your old cabinets, countertops, appliances, and maybe even some walls or flooring get removed. Based on the size of your kitchen and the extent of the renovation, this part usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. However, if unexpected issues such as hidden water damage or outdated wiring are discovered, you may need to allocate extra time to fix them before moving forward.
3. Structural Changes (1-3 Weeks)
Structural upgrades involve contractors, electricians, and plumbers, and can take 1 to 3 weeks, depending on how complex the changes are.
4. Installation (2-4 Weeks)
With the new layout set, you’ll start putting in your new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and lighting. The installation stage usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
5. Finishing Touches (1-2 Weeks)
The final step is to add all the finishing touches, such as painting, backsplashes, light fixtures, or trim. These details typically take around 1 to 2 weeks. That said, intricate work may take longer.
Tips to Speed Up Your Kitchen Renovation
While kitchen renovations can be time-consuming, there are a few strategies you can implement to minimize delays.
1. Plan, then Plan Some More
Before your renovation begins, be sure to have the following:
- A clear design vision
- Selected materials
- A reputable contractor.
By making the key decisions well in advance-such as choosing your cabinet style and paint colors-you’ll avoid the stress of last-minute changes once the work starts. Plus, having everything planned allows your contractor to fully understand your timeline, so the contractor’s team is ready for each phase of the project.
2. Pre-Order Materials and Appliances
Custom cabinets, specialty tiles, or certain appliances can sometimes take weeks or even months to be delivered. To prevent this, consider pre-ordering any custom or built-to-order items as early as possible. Get your contractor involved in the timeline to make sure the materials arrive exactly when they’re needed.
3. Choose Readymade Options
If you’re on a tight deadline, choose pre-fabricated cabinets, countertops, or flooring. Pre-fabricated items are often readily available and can be installed much more quickly than custom pieces. When choosing pre-fabricated materials, look for options that complement your overall kitchen design and fit your budget. Always opt for trusted brands with good reviews.
4. Work with Experienced Professionals
Hiring experienced contractors is one of the best ways to speed up your renovation. Experts who’ve been through the process several times know how to spot potential issues early, troubleshoot problems, and keep things moving forward. Do your research, check references, and choose a kitchen designer with a strong track record of delivering projects on time.
5. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s natural to want your kitchen renovation done as quickly as possible. Still, you’ll want to set realistic expectations from the start to avoid disappointment. Build a bit of extra time into your schedule for potential delays. Remember-quality takes time. Rushing the process could lead to costly mistakes or cutting corners.
Let’s Work Together
A kitchen remodel is a big commitment in terms of time and money. With thoughtful planning, though, it can be an incredibly rewarding journey. At Holland’s Custom Cabinets, we offer custom cabinetry services designed to match your unique style and needs. We’ll work closely with you to make sure your dream kitchen is completed on schedule, with no unnecessary delays. Contact us today to get started.
