How Long Does a Full Kitchen Remodel Take?

how long does a full kitchen remodel take?

Every kitchen is unique, so a full kitchen remodel can take anywhere from six weeks to a few months. It’s challenging to determine exactly how long your remodel will take before seeing your space and talking through your vision.

The more big changes you make — like creating a new layout, removing or adding walls, moving plumbing and electrical, removing a brick fireplace, or bumping out the kitchen to add more square footage — the longer the project will take.

According to HGTV, a full kitchen remodel that involves changes in electrical and plumbing will take between 3 to 5 months.

Why Does a Kitchen Remodel Take So Long?

When an existing kitchen is gutted and a new one is built, there are usually many moving parts. Some to-dos can’t happen until others are completed, which requires a step-by-step process. That means you can’t have multiple people working on multiple areas at the same time — each area has to happen individually.

For example, plumbing and electrical have to get done before drywall can go up. And you likely won’t be able to order your exact countertop dimensions until it’s measured after the cabinets are installed.

There’s a lot that goes on underneath cosmetic updates, and a lot that needs done before those aesthetics can make their way into your kitchen.

Other items that can prolong a full kitchen remodel include:

  • Changing the kitchen layout: Designing a new layout often means moving appliances, plumping, and electrical. That means more materials, labor, money, and time.
  • Moving or adding electrical after-the-fact: Did you decide you want another light switch or outlet added? That’s a small detail that’ll add time.
  • Not ordering materials early enough: Shipping delays and long wait times are the norm these days — it’s best to order your materials sooner rather than later.
  • You think of a new idea you want to add: Need something else done that your contractor doesn’t know you want? Mention it. Talk through the additional costs, potential barriers and additional time that any new ideas would entail as early as possible.

How to Keep a Kitchen Remodel On Track

Some renovation delays are out of your hands — like material backorders and shipping delays. But there are a few guidelines you can follow to help the project move along more smoothly.

First, be upfront and have clear communication with your contractor. Don’t be afraid to tell your contractor what they need to know to get the job done to meet your standards. This is arguably the most important renovation you will make, it’s vital that you walk away with a kitchen that fully meets your needs.

Second, accept that your lifestyle will be disrupted for a while. If your renovation crew has to work around nap times, appointments, and shortened days, the project won’t get done as quickly.

Lastly, make sure to purchase big items like appliances, cabinets and countertops early. They can often take weeks or months to get in, and you don’t want to make your renovation team pause in the middle of the project as you wait.

Kitchen remodels are intensive construction projects and, when done correctly, deserve the proper time and attention. For renovations that only involve cosmetic changes, it can take a few weeks. For more thorough projects that involve layout, plumbing and electrical changes, it can take a few months. Trust us, it will be worth it in the end.

Kitchen Remodels & Refacing Solutions

Every home deserves a kitchen that’s beautiful, welcoming, and functional — designed for the way you live. Established by two long-time central Ohio homebuilders and craftsmen, The Creative Kitchen Co. offers customized kitchen remodeling and refacing solutions. Contact us for more information.