How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? (Timeline Breakdown + What to Expect)

Wondering how long you’ll be without a functioning kitchen? You’re not alone. One of the first questions we hear from homeowners is, “How long will this take?”

This article breaks down a typical kitchen remodel timeline, from the first design consultation to the final walkthrough. It also highlights the delays most homeowners don’t see coming, so you can be fully prepared before you take the first step toward the kitchen you’ve been dreaming of.

How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? The Quick Answer

Kitchen remodel timelines vary a lot depending on the scope and finishes. 

For a cosmetic refresh (paint, new counters, hardware) you can expect everything to be done in just a few weeks. For a full gut remodel (new layout, plumbing, electrical, new cabinets) most homeowners see anywhere from 6-12 weeks once construction starts — though the whole process (planning and design included) often stretches 3-6 months or more. 

High-end, custom jobs or projects with structural or permitting complications can take longer. But a good contractor will help you set realistic expectations up front to help you avoid those not-so-fun surprises!

Phased Timeline Breakdown Example

Here’s a more detailed look at the phases a typical kitchen remodel goes through, with median durations in weeks. Keep in mind: at Kitchen Concepts Plus, we often overlap some of the stages below so we can make the process move faster, hence the averages between a few weeks to a couple months above.

On average, a Kitchen Concepts Plus remodel takes just 4–8 weeks.
Most of our projects wrap up within this window, so you can start enjoying your new kitchen sooner.

Common Culprits of Kitchen Remodel Timeline Delays

The remodeling shows you see on HGTV love to play up big dramatic delays. In reality, the usual suspects are pretty predictable, especially when you’ve got an experienced contractor steering the ship.

Here are the top causes we see:

• Cabinet and material lead times: Most often it’s custom cabinetry, but certain stone countertops or specialty appliances can also take many weeks to build and ship. It’s the most common scheduling blocker we need to account for. 
• Permits and inspections: Municipal review times vary; a busy office can easily add weeks. But if you plan ahead, you can handle the permitting process concurrently with some of the other phases.
• Hidden damage discovered during demo: Water-damaged subfloors, outdated wiring, or plumbing problems can add cost and time when found behind walls. It’s smart to add some buffer time into your timeline for this, especially if you own an older home.
• Scheduling bottlenecks: Skilled trades (plumbers, electricians, tile setters) book up fast. A contractor who manages their schedules well or has in-house resources you can depend on helps keep things on track.
• Decision delays: Changes to the project scope after work starts lead to reorders and rework. The more decisions you lock in early, the smoother things go.

Keep Your Project on Track

Here are a few strategies we recommend (and that are in your control) to keep things humming along: 

• Order long-lead items early: Lock in cabinets, countertops, and appliances as soon as possible. 
• Hire a pro who manages scheduling: Contractors who coordinate trades and order materials proactively can smooth the timeline.
• Get permit expectations in writing: Ask your contractor early on what permits are required and typical local review times, then build them into your schedule.
• Avoid mid-project changes: Finalize your selections before ordering to save time and money.

Living Without a Functional Kitchen: Temporary Setup Ideas

Going without a kitchen for a few weeks to months isn’t fun to say the least, but you can make it bearable with a little preparation and creativity ahead of time. Here are some ways we’ve seen homeowners make it work: 

• Use small countertop appliances (microwave, hot plate, slow cooker). 
• Set up a folding table for prep and a mini fridge in another room.
• Plan a “remodel meal schedule” with easy-to-prepare meals and a few takeout nights (or more than a few if you’re into that!).
• If possible, do the demo in phases (e.g., keep one sink active) so you retain partial functionality. 

Final Walkthrough: What to Check

Before you’re ready to call the project done, make sure to verify everything looks and functions how you like it. Check for: cabinet alignment and hardware, countertop seams, appliance operation, plumbing (no leaks), electrical outlets and switches, tile and grout finish, paint touchups, and any other punch-list items included in the project scope. 

Your Dream Kitchen Starts Here

Yes, the kitchen remodel process can feel overwhelming. There will be decisions, deadlines, and days when you wonder if you’ll ever see a clean countertop again. But with the right plan, clear communication, and a contractor who manages every detail, your vision will move from the Pinterest board to reality without losing momentum — or your sanity!

At Kitchen Concepts Plus, we understand both the excitement and stress that come with transforming the heart of your home. Our team is here to guide you through each step, anticipate challenges before they happen, and keep your project on track from the first sketch to the final walkthrough. 

Your dream kitchen is closer than you think — let’s make it happen! Contact us here for a consultation.