The Length of a Kitchen Remodel and Timeline That You Should Consider

The Length of a Kitchen Remodel and Timeline That You Should Consider

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, apart from considering the cost, one of the most important factors you might consider is the length of the kitchen remodel. 

The length of a kitchen remodel depends primarily on the scope of the project. Similarly, it also depends on the availability of materials and the requirements of the design. If the kitchen remodel plan is straightforward, new components replace the old ones in the same layout, known as a replacement kitchen. 

Since minimal construction or customization is involved, replacement kitchen projects average around 4-6 weeks for a moderate-sized kitchen. 

Further, kitchen remodeling projects involving a larger space, structural changes, wall removals, and floor plan reconfiguration take longer. A fair expectation is 10-12 weeks, which is the average length of a kitchen remodel. 

 

Average Length of a Kitchen Remodel

 

There really is no exact time for a kitchen remodel since it will depend on several factors – the extent of the remodeling, the initial state of the kitchen, if it is a partial or complete remodel, size, distribution of kitchen furniture, etc. 

When so many variables are involved, it’s best to leave the renovation in the hands of experts. This way, you will avoid unseemingly bumps and delays and minimize the inconvenience that may arise.

To give you an idea, a complete kitchen remodel of about 160 square feet area with medium to high-quality finishes can last between 8 and 10 weeks. 

The remodel takes into account the design phase, selection of materials, and the request for kitchen permits. Add to this time a margin of about one week for unforeseen events that may occur during the remodeling phase. 

If the kitchen remodel also involves demolishing the partitions and new construction work, the execution time could increase by another 1-2 weeks. For instance, if you want to expand the kitchen, change its location or get a more open space next to the living room.

Length of a Kitchen Remodel Based on the Scope

 

Minor Changes – A Few Days

Is your current kitchen interior in good shape, and do you only want a facelift? If you don’t have any plan for something extensive, it’s possible to revamp the decor of your kitchen in a few hours. Minor kitchen remodel is simple, fast, and economical – and the best thing is you don’t need an expert to intervene. 

A simple DIY approach is enough! You could cover the cabinet doors with vinyl wrap or repaint them with a wood finish. Similarly, you can also replace the handles of the cabinet with new ones.

You will be amazed to see the enormous impact this minor change could have on your kitchen’s decor. Similarly, you can transform the look of the backsplash. Clean it, then apply a primer. 

Next, paint your kitchen cabinets, and add color to your kitchen. These are all simple interventions which neither require huge investment nor take too much time. Only a few days suffice for a minor kitchen remodel.

 

Partial Kitchen Remodel – 4 to 6 Weeks

If you want to keep the kitchen layout and most of the existing structure, you can opt for partial renovation to modernize your kitchen. However, the renovation is way more extensive and requires a timeframe spanning weeks. 

In a partial remodel of the kitchen, you could change the kitchen flooring or counters, add light fixtures or replace cabinet doors. Adding an island is also a great option. It adds to your storage space and work surface while also expanding the sitting area.

Unlike a minor remodel, a partial kitchen renovation requires professional intervention, mainly due to the construction and demolition tasks needed for the renovation. Therefore, for a partial remodel, plan for about 4 to 6 weeks for the planning and construction phase.

 

Complete Kitchen Remodel – 8 to 12 Weeks

A complete kitchen remodel is a comprehensive project which often involves restructuring the space. It also involves replacing cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances, and furniture. 

Change of plumbing and electricals is also very common with this kind of remodeling project. Due to the scale of work, extensive planning is needed, which could take anywhere between one to two months. To save time and avoid unnecessary delays, take the service of expert interior designers and contractors. 

When deciding on the schedule, consider every aspect from design to material procurement. From the start to the final finish, allow 8 to 10 weeks. 

This duration is a rough estimate and can vary depending upon the number of workers involved, the extent of demolition work, and the state of plumbing and electricals. For such extensive work, be prepared for unexpected delays. Therefore keep a margin of one-two week to outmaneuver unpleasant surprises.

 

Complete Timeline for a Kitchen Remodel 

 

• Start the kitchen remodel with the removal of dated elements and evaluation of the exposed space. It will take approximately two to three days.
• If the remodel involves restructuring the space, the remodel will also include demolition work. This will take around a week to complete.
• The next phase is about marking the space for kitchen lighting, electric outlets, and also appliances. The work will take one to two days.
• Then comes the fixing of plumbing, installing the mechanicals, and laying of new wiring. Allow between 5 to 7 days for the work to be complete.
• Next comes the new flooring, priming, and drywall, and insulation. The work involves several elements and also needs the flooring to be firm and fixed. Allow at least a week for the job.
• In the next phase, the countertop and furniture are installed. It’s a time-consuming process as the fabrication of the countertop will take around 7 to 10 days. Therefore two weeks will be the best estimate for the whole work to complete.
• The last phase is about fine-tuning the finishing, painting, and installation of all the appliances. It also includes installing decor elements and the final cleanup. Allow another 7 to 10 days for the whole wrap-up.