Many homeowners dream of tearing out their existing kitchen and creating a new luxury space that is perfect for their home. For homeowners who are ready to stop fantasizing and start making their dream a reality, the first question is “How long will it take?” Small scope projects may take only a few weeks, but a complete overhaul can be a lengthy process, so here is a realistic timeline for a major renovation.

Step 1: Planning (At your pace)

What do you want?

This phase is at the homeowner’s pace, and some dreamers spend years collecting photographs, design inspirations, and Pinterest pins to help them develop a vision. Once the vision is complete, creating a realistic budget and sticking to it is crucial. Generally speaking, a major kitchen remodel is typically 10-25% of the value of the home.

Who will you hire?

Major kitchen renovations require an experienced team of subcontractors and can include a demolition crew, a plumber, an electrician, a cabinet installer, a sheet rocker, a flooring specialist, a painter, and an HVAC specialist. Hiring a quality General Contractor to manage the materials, permitting, and subcontractors coming and going throughout the project is key. Sometimes your General Contractor will do minor plumbing, electrical, and other trades in house which can speed up your project considerably. Good contractors may be booked months in advance, so plan ahead. For more information, read 15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor.

Initiating and Finalizing a Design

A kitchen designer collaborates with the homeowner to turn ideas into a functional, stylish design that meets your wants, needs, and budget. After measurements are made, the initial design can be completed in just a few days, but finalization of the design can take several weeks as you work with the designer to adjust the design and ensure you are pleased with the details and final layout of the space.

Select Cabinetry Style

The cabinetry you select will define your kitchen and guide the selection of countertops, flooring, lighting, and appliances. Therefore, determine the style and color of your cabinets prior to making other decisions. If you are working with a cabinet expert, allow a few weeks to work through the design and revision process.

Step 2: Ordering (1-2 months)

Many products have a delayed delivery time, so order, receive, and inspect your materials before you begin demolition.

Order Cabinets and Hardware

The lead-time for cabinetry can vary from days for stock cabinetry, to months for custom cabinetry. At C3 Cabinetry, we can deliver our semi-custom cabinets in 3-4 weeks right to your door.

Order Flooring, Tile, Countertops, and Finishes

While many of these materials are in stock, special orders can take 3-4 weeks for delivery. It is important to allow time for returns or replacements in the case of damaged or missing materials. Faulty or missing materials can significantly delay the renovation process. Countertops will not be fabricated until after the cabinets are installed but you should investigate the timeline for your desired materials during this phase.

Order Appliances, Lighting, Sinks, and Faucets

Appliances add an aesthetic appeal to the design, but functionality and cost will guide the final selection of these high-ticket items. Lighting, sinks, and faucets are often special-order items, so do not wait until the last minute for these details.

Step 3: Rough Construction (3-5 weeks)

Rough construction refers to the demolition of the existing space and building back the structural features of the room such as the walls, floors, and ceiling, as well as making plumbing and electrical changes. At this point in the process, problems such as insects, mold, or structural damage may be revealed. The time requirements can vary significantly according to the scope of the project and newly discovered issues, but for the average renovation, expect the following:

Demolition of existing kitchen and disposal of materials – 3 days

Roughing in electrical and plumbing – 1 week

Install and finish drywall as well as paint – 1-2 weeks

Flooring installation (may be done after the cabinets in some cases) – 1 week

Step 4: Finish Construction (4-6 weeks)

This satisfying stage of construction allows you to see your kitchen dream becoming a reality as the interior elements of the space are installed.

Installation of kitchen cabinets – 3-10 days

Measure, fabricate, and install countertops – 2-3 weeks if you preschedule the measuring and avoid wait time.

Install lighting –1-2 days

Install backsplash – 2 days

Install appliances – 2 days

Finish carpentry – 3-5 days

Clean up – 1 day

Total time – 7-12 weeks

A kitchen renovation is a process, not an event. Proper planning and ordering can make the experience go smoother, but homeowners should expect the unexpected and hold on to the vision of your dream kitchen until it becomes reality.

At C3 Cabinetry, we strive to provide top quality semi-custom cabinetry on a timeline that meets the needs of our customers. Contact us today if you are ready to design the kitchen of your dreams.

Jeni C. Powell is a freelance writer who specializes in blog posts, website content, summary and analysis, and editing. Her industry related strengths include Marketing, Education, Home Living, Construction, Legal, and Parenting. Please visit her website at www.jenifreelance.com.