Understanding how long it takes to remodel a kitchen and what you should expect
If you are thinking of renovating your kitchen, you may wonder just how much time the process takes. Maybe you have an event coming up or need to plan your year, but there are some helpful tips to determine how long your project will take. But, of course, the planning stage always happens first, and your designer can help you understand the timeline and where the time goes.
How long does it take to do an entire kitchen remodel?
The length of time an entire kitchen remodel takes can depend on many factors. From the time of the year to how much needs to be removed and more, all factors into the total time span. A good remodel will take between three to five months, depending on the complexity of the remodel.
On average, a kitchen overhaul takes a minimum of six weeks to eight weeks. Larger kitchens tend to take between ten and twelve weeks. However, an entire remodel can take up to five months in total, from planning to implementation. While it may seem tempting to try and rush the job to get life back to normal, this time frame ensures everything is done correctly, from sturdy floors to cabinets to fixtures and much more.
Additionally, the more elements involved in the remodel, the longer it will take. Also, you should always build in a little time for delays. During this time, you will need to make arrangements for eating or cooking elsewhere as the kitchen will not be functional. It might be time to try grilling in the backyard!
In what order should I remodel my kitchen?
Only a few stages stand between you and a new kitchen in your home. Let's discuss those steps in detail.
Step 1 - Start planning and get a feel for what design elements speak to you.
Step 2 - Figure out your budget, timeline, and when you need the kitchen finished by not interfering with your life too much.
Step 3 - Now that you know what you want and how much money you have to spend, you can start planning and designing.
Step 4 - Hire a designer to handle the remodel or at least research how to remodel the kitchen. Calling Skipp is the best option, as we have a four-step process for remodeling and can help save you time and money.
Step 5 - Demolition Day is a fun day as it's time to remove all the old kitchen elements to make room for the new kitchen.
Step 6 - Assembling the new kitchen takes the longest as this step involves configuring a new layout, painting, tiling, and installation of everything.
Step 7 - You may need to get an inspection to ensure everything is up to code. With a designer, this step is made for you.
Step 7 - Finish all the little parts and clean up the kitchen. Now the remodeling is done!
Within step six, there are more steps and probably what you really want to know. Inside this step, you will follow these stages for the best success:
Step 1 - In this step, the framing and plumbing for the new parts will go into the kitchen.
Step 2 - Get the inspection to be sure everything installed is up to code.
Step 3 - Finish the walls and paint.
Step 4 - Install windows and doors or doorways.
Step 5 - Add in the cabinets, faucets, plumbing, and other components related to electrical and plumbing.
Step 6 - Next, appliances need to go back into the kitchen, although you can always buy new.
How long does each step of a kitchen remodel take?
With the first stage, planning, you can take as long as you like to figure out what you want in your kitchen. Most people take about two months for this stage unless they seek a designer who can help formulate their vision. They can also help to keep your dream kitchen on a budget, which is the next step.
Budgeting will only take a few days to set up, especially if you hire a designer who knows the cost of everything and can get deals from contractors. Designers can also help with the next step, hiring contractors, and this needs to happen early on, as contractors can often be booked out for months in advance.
Now it's time to take measurements, which should only take a day or two, but while waiting for the samples to arrive and figuring out where to allocate space for everything coming in. This planning stage will take a few weeks to figure out what goes where and what to buy. If you hire a kitchen designer, they will handle this entire step along with applying for building permits and inspections, which can take a couple of weeks.
Once the plan is in place, it's time to get started. Phase two, or ordering products, takes one to two months as you need to wait for all the pieces to arrive after ordering. Setting up a temporary kitchen can take about a week, but it works well outdoors by the grill. Don't forget to pack everything in your kitchen, which can take a day or two.
Construction takes about one to six weeks, starting with demolition, followed by installation and placement once the frame is set. Demo can take about a week, and structural changes take between two and four weeks. Electrical and mechanical will take a little under a week. Finally, installing drywall, painting, and flooring will take a little over a week.
The final stages can take anywhere from one to four months. All the beauty goes in now, including cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, appliances, fixtures, and finishing touches. Cleaning takes between one and two days. Now the kitchen is ready to use, and you can clean up the temporary kitchen and start enjoying your new kitchen!
How long does it take to demolish a kitchen before remodeling?
Gutting a kitchen averages about ten to twenty man-hours, taking more or less time depending on the size of the kitchen. Removing appliances takes an hour or two, cabinets take about eight hours, countertops take about two hours, and floors take between one and ten hours, depending on the type of flooring. Finally, drywall can take between one and three hours.
Can you remodel a kitchen in stages?
Yes, you can remodel in stages, but this does mean you will spend more time working in a partially unfinished kitchen. However, working in stages can make it more affordable for those on a tight budget to afford everything they need. Keep in mind that you will need a lot of patience and a strategy to make the process work.
What part of a kitchen remodel typically takes the most time?
Construction takes the most time as every part of the kitchen needs to be installed, from the countertops to the floor. Even the ceiling may need a fresh coat of paint to make sure it looks new. During this stage, you may want to stay with a friend or in a hotel, as the entire house may not function well.
What part of a kitchen remodel takes the least amount of time?
Cleanup up after installation and finishing touches takes the least amount of time. At this point, everything just requires a little work to remove dirt, grime, glue, and other debris to make the kitchen sparkle and shine. If you have a designer, then they will take care of this step; otherwise, the contractor may clean up debris but may not clean the entire room. Discuss with your contractor if they will cover up cleaning or if you will need to do this yourself.
How can I save time on a kitchen remodel?
Saving time does not work well with a kitchen remodel, especially if you want the job done correctly. Unfortunately, no matter what you do, an entire remodel will take a minimum of a month, but much longer with planning, contractors, purchasing, and much more. Therefore, it's better to wait to do a kitchen remodel until you have at least three months available to start the process.
Does hiring a professional kitchen designer help with the kitchen remodel timeline?
Hiring a professional kitchen designer can help dramatically with the timeline. They can help with contractors, purchases, and the whole work, saving you tons of time and money too, as they can often get discounts from vendors and suppliers. You do not have to give up control, but instead, you are putting someone else in charge of doing all the work to make your dream kitchen come true.
Additionally, you will not have to find vendors or contractors or be home for deliveries. Nor will you have to schedule it around work as the designer will handle all the details. As designers know exactly how the process works, they can keep everything running smoothly and handle any delays that come up with ease.
Furthermore, a professional designer will ensure that your remodeled kitchen provides the best long-term value in terms of aesthetics, function, and style. Because your designer is also an interior architect, they'll help you avoid costly mistakes and concerns by weighing all of your alternatives and determining the optimal combination of floor plan, design, and materials. They'll watch out for your best interests and assist you to figure out how to make the space function and look the way you want it to - with no guesswork and just a little faith on your part.
Conclusion
Kitchen remodels usually take at least three months from planning to finished product. In the end, you cannot underestimate the scope of a kitchen remodel—there's a lot to do! Rather than freaking out and wasting all of your time and money hoping everything goes according to plan, employ the pros and let them do what they do best! Skipp offers a four-part process to streamline kitchen remodels and give you the kitchen of your dreams while saving time and money in the process. Start the process today!
