When you are planning to remodel your kitchen, you are likely wondering, “How long does a kitchen remodel take?” It is important for you to figure out how long does it take to remodel a kitchen so that you know when to schedule its start date. Many homeowners don’t know what to expect. While the length of the project will depend on the type of the remodeling job and the size of your kitchen, the average time of remodeling is around four to six weeks, which doesn’t include the design and planning phase. Fortunately, most people will not have to move out of their homes while their kitchens are being remodeled. Here is what you can expect, including tips on kitchen remodeling as well as a kitchen remodeling checklist for each phase.
How long does it take to remodel a kitchen: The design and planning phase
You should take as much time as you need during your design and planning phase. This is important so that you are comfortable with what you will get from your new kitchen. Think about what you want carefully. You should ask as many questions as you need to ask of your design team. Your team will likely use a kitchen remodel tool containing hundreds of questions about everything down to the smallest detail. Make certain that your team is able to show you product and design options in their kitchen remodel tool in a manner that allows you to perform a cost and value analysis so that you can make certain that you stay within your budget.
Tips on kitchen remodeling: Products and materials that have long lead times
Some products have long lead times for ordering, including custom cabinets, some stone and tile products and custom furniture. It can take three to four months for custom cabinets to be built and shipped to you. Ready-made cabinets can bet at your home within a few days of your order, and semi-custom cabinets may take between four to eight weeks.
If you want to have granite countertops, it is a good idea to choose and tag the slab that you like where they are displayed. You should do this before your kitchen demolition is started. If you are having a backsplash tile custom-designed, start that process fairly early in order to allow for the long lead times that are typically associated with stone and tile products.
Seven phases of your kitchen remodel: A kitchen remodeling checklist
After you have finished the design and planning phase, you will be ready to get started on the four to six weeks it will likely take to gut your kitchen and start over from scratch. Here is how your remodeling project will proceed through each phase.
The first step involves the removal of your existing kitchen and then evaluating everything that is exposed. This will take about two days. On the first day, the cabinets, old appliances, flooring and other items will be removed. Then, your team will perform a walk-through in order to evaluate the status of your floor, ceiling and walls. This is important so that your team can determine if anything needs to be modified or corrected before moving on. If something needs to be modified, you should receive a written report detailing what needs to be done so that you can decide what you should do next.
The second step involves marking the locations of the appliances, light fixtures and electrical outlets. This step should take about one day. It is common for kitchen remodeling projects to need new light fixtures at a minimum. Some may need entirely new lighting systems. The locations of where everything will be should be carefully marked out. This helps the electrician so that he or she doesn’t have to try to guess about the placement using a sketch.
The third step involves setting up and installing the mechanical items. This step will take about five days. During this phase of your remodeling project, new electrical, HVAC and plumbing will be installed. If you have home automation items, those will be installed during this phase as well. After the installations are completed, your municipality will need to inspect them before your team proceeds with installing your insulation and drywall.
The fourth step involves the installation of your insulation, drywall and flooring. After your inspection has been completed, the insulation and drywall will be installed. Then, your drywall will be finished and primed. Finally, your flooring will be installed before the cabinets are installed.
The fifth phase of your kitchen remodel will include the installation of your cabinets and countertops. After they have been placed and installed, your countertops will then be templated and your granite or other natural stone will be prepared for installation. This will take about 10 days. The countertop fabricator will need sufficient time to laser-measure the stone perfectly, get the drawings approved and send the slab to the fabrication crew. Your countertop fabricator will then deliver and install your countertops in your new kitchen.
The sixth step of your kitchen remodel will involve all of the final finish and painting. The plumbing fixtures, backsplashes and trim will be installed. If you have hardwood floors installed, they will be finished at this time as well. The painting will be completed last.
The seventh and final phase of your kitchen remodel will involve the installation of your appliances and electrical fixtures followed by the final cleaning. This should take about two days. The only thing left after this step is for you to enjoy your brand new kitchen. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
