Kitchen Remodel Timeline
A successful kitchen renovation is best broken up into phases. This way you can visualize the big picture and build a schedule that works for you. There are several ways you can interpret a kitchen remodel timeline, but the experts at Prime Cabinetry have found the following breakdown to be the most effective.
The diagram below shows a brief overview of what a kitchen remodel timeline looks like from start to finish. We simplified it into 6 broad phases to cover as much information as possible.
The two leading questions that accompany almost any project are How much will it cost? and How long will it take? We reviewed the cost of a kitchen remodel in our article The Cost to Remodel Your Kitchen, so now, let's further discuss the time it will take to complete it.
A kitchen renovation has many moving parts. It requires a course of action, organization, and plenty of helping hands. Whether you have friends assisting or you're hiring a professional, getting organized will help you maintain group productivity and keep costs under budget
Keep in mind, this is a general synopsis. Your timeline may differ based on the kitchen size and level of involvement.
For example, according to HGTV, it can take anywhere from three weeks to five months to complete a kitchen remodel, but we believe that you can expect a full kitchen renovation to take an average of a month minimum. The key to determining your unique project timeline is shopping your sources and requesting lead times for your chosen products and services in advance.
Phase 1: Planning & Budgeting.
You will need to choose your layout, determine your budget, and define your design preferences during phase one. Fortunately, this period is undemanding and can be accomplished at your own pace.
Choose Your Layout.
Ultimately, the layout will establish the overall functionality and flow of your kitchen. So, you want it to make practical sense and allow the opportunity for design improvements. Whether you are working against plan restrictions or with a clean slate, a Prime Cabinetry designer can help settle those tough choices. Start Your Free Kitchen Design with us to receive a 3-D visual of our cabinets in your space.
Define Your Design Preferences.
As previously mentioned, discovering your design style is a fun yet essential part of a kitchen remodel. Planning out your overall aesthetic is a time and cost saver. Whether you are remodeling your forever home or a rental property, consider these questions while searching for your kitchen design style.
1. How long do you plan to live in your home?
2. Do you plan to do it yourself or hire a professional?
3. Are you making any architectural changes to the house?
4. What improvements are comparable for homes in your area?
5. Are you investing in quality cabinetry?
In a recent article, HGTV stated that "Cabinetry should be one of the biggest investments in a kitchen even if it's a rental property." So, talk with a Prime Cabinetry Kitchen Designer to determine what cabinets you are considering for your kitchen remodel.
Once you have decided on your design, take a moment to capture photos of your current kitchen along with planning for the final reveal later. Before and after pictures are a great way to reflect on your hard work and encourage beginners once your project is complete.
Determine Your Budget.
Determining your budget is a crucial step in the planning phase of a kitchen remodel. It is a must if you want to stay on course with the details while keeping in mind the big picture. Prime Cabinetry has recognized some general practices that help homeowners evaluate project goals, deadlines, and costs. So, we built an entire article around this topic to best explain The Cost to Remodel Your Kitchen. Customize a budget that works for you, and consider our Financing Options available.
Remember, if you plan to take days off work during your kitchen remodel, we suggest scheduling around the delivery days of your products and services. Ask each vendor in advance what their lead time is and once you have a set delivery date you can plan your other schedules accordingly.
Phase 2: Ordering.
You will place orders for materials such as cabinets, flooring, backsplash, and hardware during phase two.
Ordering goes hand in hand with planning because it requires scheduling. We suggest dedicating a person on your team to manage lead times and delivery dates for all products.
Phase two can take between 1-2 months to shop, select, and purchase everything, but as little as 1-2 days if you already know what you need. Cabinets will generally have the longest lead time compared to other products in your kitchen remodel. We recommend ordering early, so you have the leisure to be flexible if an issue or delay arises. Cushioning your expected lead times and deadlines will only benefit your project timeline.
On average, our customers spend 1-2 weeks shopping and selecting their cabinets, and nailing down their layout with our design team. Once an order is placed, unassembled stock cabinets ship in 7-10 business days, and assembled stock cabinets in 3-4 weeks. Semi-custom cabinets will have a longer lead time at 4 weeks+ depending on your order's level of customization.
Cabinet lead times vary by location and order list, so plan your kitchen remodel timeline around your specific cabinet lead time. Call or email Prime Cabinetry to obtain the exact lead time for your cabinet list and door style before ordering.
Phase 3: Demolition.
You will tear out your old cabinets, appliances, and flooring and complete structural demolition during the third phase.
Based on what we have learned so far, you can expect to be without a kitchen for a minimum of one month. So, before starting demolition, remove all your items from the cabinets, and arrange a makeshift kitchen while your remodel is in progress. A temporary sink, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwashing station will be beneficial during construction.
According to Austin Demolition Services, two contractors can spend three days - three weeks gutting your kitchen. The exact number of hours spent demoing will vary based on the materials they're removing and your kitchen's size. It is best to determine if you are demoing the kitchen yourself or hiring a professional during the planning phase. Read our full article, Professional or DIY Kitchen Renovation, to make an informed decision
If you are eliminating walls, relocating plumbing, or rewiring electrical, expect demolition to take 1-2 weeks on average. The age of your home can alter the course of a structural change with one swing of your sledgehammer. So, we believe these jobs should be left to a licensed professional.
We suggest renting a roll-away dumpster for quick and easy clean up. This is a great way to clean as you go and efficiently remove large debris from the job site. According to Dumpters.com, a residential dumpster should be scheduled for drop off 4-5 business days before it is needed. Once it is ordered, prepare for delivery, fill your container, and schedule pick up once demolition is complete.
Phase 4: Painting & Finishing.
You will finish the flooring, paint the walls and ceiling, and prepare your space for cabinets to arrive during phase four.
If you are laying wood flooring, it is best to have it in place before the cabinets are installed. On the other hand, vinyl and similar materials can be installed after cabinets and cut to fit. Expect for this phase to take 3-5 days, depending on the scope of your project.
At this part of the remodel, consider breaking out your paintbrush to save some money. Choosing to DIY over hiring a professional, where you can, will help cut out added labor cost.
Phase 5: Installing & Templating.
You will install the cabinets during phase five.
Hiring a cabinet installer is recommended to all Prime Cabinetry customers. However, we also have great resources if you choose to DIY your cabinet installation. Assemble and install your kitchen cabinets with confidence by watching our assembly videos or contacting our knowledgeable staff when questions arise.
Assembly takes 2-3 days, depending on your experience and the total number of cabinets. Once the cabinets have dried and cured for 24 hours, installation can take another 2-3 days. In total, you can plan for 4-7 days to complete both.
Phase 6: Cleaning.
You will clean all leftover debris and haul away any trash from the remodel during the sixth and final phase.
After clean up, check your cabinets and vents for dust that may have accumulated during construction. Wipe down all flat surfaces, dust between appliances, and sweep inside your cabinets. Then, you can unpack and organize your pots, pans, dishes, and decor.
Finally, stage and take pictures of your completed kitchen remodel. It is rewarding to document and share with friends. Plus, we love showing off your final results to new customers.
Once the renovation is complete, share your thoughts on your remodel journey with Prime Cabinetry.
