Kitchen remodeling is often an exciting undertaking.
And while most people will put finances on top of their considerations list, the time to complete it sits pretty high on that list too.
After all, we can’t live too long without our trusted kitchens.
So how long does it take to remodel a kitchen?
Depending on the scope of the project and your vision, complete kitchen remodeling can take anywhere from two weeks to four months, with the national average hovering around six to eight weeks.
As with all projects, the duration varies relative to the degree of work required.
We’ve broken down the project into stages, giving you a decent understanding of how the entire process might work.
The tasks mentioned below are essential to bringing the remodeling project to life, with some differences from project to project.
Why Does a Full Kitchen Remodel Take Too Long?
A full kitchen remodeling requires ample time to complete because it includes everything from demolition and removal of all the existing cabinets, plumbing, and electrical to new cabinetry and countertops.
On many occasions, the entire space has to be gutted down to its very foundation to start over fresh and build it back up again with brand new materials and appliances.
Factors to Consider Before Kitchen Renovation
Very few renovation projects flow perfectly according to schedule, and there’s a long list of issues that could dismantle your best-laid plans.
Consider the pointers below that could help you craft a more robust strategy to prevent this.
- Is the project just an aesthetic remodel or a complete overhaul?
- Do you intend to hire a contractor, or is this a DIY endeavor? As many homeowners have discovered, going DIY on a full kitchen renovation in your spare time might cause the project to last for more than a year, which is obviously not ideal.
- Is the contractor you intend to hire an owner-operator, or does he subcontract electricians, plumbers, and carpenters? Working with a one-man-band of a contractor might be the most cost-effective option, but they’ll most likely be juggling multiple other jobs while attempting to complete everything alone. The project might take fewer days if the contractor delegated the different tasks to their trusted specialists.
- Do you have access to all needed supplies, or do you have specific items waiting to be delivered from overseas? Imported items might push back your schedule, so you have to account for them.
After you’ve considered these pointers, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the phases of your project.
Stages of A Full Kitchen Remodel
1. Planning
You must already have a solid plan before meeting with your contractor or even before scouting for one.
This will make for a smoother planning and negotiation process.
You’ll need to discuss your designs with the said contractor, who will require some time to measure out the area, figure out the features you want to add, where they’ll go, and how much the entire endeavor will cost.
2. Material Procurement
You may start ordering materials when you’ve finalized the design and determined your budget.
As we mentioned, this stage might take a long time if you plan to purchase bespoke cabinets or tiles that must be sent from another country.
Certain supplies may also arrive in a staggered form.
Make sure you and your contractor are on the same page regarding the arrival of supplies.
To expedite this process, prioritize local shops and big-box stores when shopping for materials.
3. Demolition
This step should take no more than a day or two, and it involves steps like site preparation, floor protection (unless that’s part of what needs to be renovated), and dust barriers to keep the work contained and protect the rest of the home.
During the demolition stage, structural beams will be installed to support the replacement of walls or windows.
4. Structural Assessment and Repairs
First, the remodeler will perform a structural assessment, where he will find out if the house needs any repairs before it can handle the new kitchen.
If there are issues that need to be addressed before getting started, they’ll do that at this point.
Before you can start updating your cabinets, floors, or appliances, you’ll need to make sure everything is structurally sound.
If your walls are bowed or cracked, for example, they’ll need to be adequately repaired.
5. Plumbing Assessment and Repair
The plumber will assess the overall condition of your plumbing system, including the pipes, valves, and faucets.
They may also recommend replacing any parts that are worn out or damaged.
The next step is to replace any parts that need replacing.
The plumber will install new piping where needed, along with new fixtures like faucets and valves.
This stage can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on how much work needs to be done.
6. Flooring Installation
The flooring in your kitchen is one of the most crucial parts of any renovation.
It will be the first thing people see, so it needs to look good and last for years to come.
If you have a tiled floor, you’ll need to remove the old tile and grout before installing the new one.
If you have wooden floors, you might need to sand them down and apply fresh stain or varnish to protect them from water damage.
This is also an opportunity to replace old floorboards with new ones if necessary.
7. Cabinetry Installation
Cabinetry installation encompasses all the steps required to get your cabinets in place and ready to use.
This includes measuring and cutting wood sheets to size, gluing and screwing them together, sanding down any rough edges, priming them with an oil-based primer for stains or painting, and finally, painting or staining the cabinets.
If you’re using prefabricated cabinets from a home improvement store, there are usually clear instructions on how to assemble them on the box they came in.
In either case, most remodelers are adept at installing cabinets anyway.
8. Countertop Installation
Your skilled contractor should be able to install any kind of countertop.
Corners, joints, and end pieces are critical and must be treated with care to ensure that there are no gaps and that good sealing is achieved.
9. Backsplash Installation
The backsplash is a wall surface that you can use to accent or cover up a section of the wall.
It’s usually made of tile, but it can also be made of other materials like stone or glass.
The purpose is to decorate the wall and hide areas that are not as appealing.
Backsplashes are usually on the wall behind your stove or sink.
They can be used to create a focal point in an otherwise bland room, or they can be used as an accent color to add some pizzazz and style to your kitchen.
10. Appliance Installation and Finishing Touches
This is the final and the most exciting part of your project.
It’s when all your appliances are installed, including the sink and range.
The finishing touches, such as arranging your cutlery and other kitchen equipment, are also completed during this stage.
Stages of a Full Kitchen Remodeling Project – Conclusion
The stages of a complete kitchen remodeling project involve the planning, budgeting, and general organization required to move forward with the actual construction.
Because each step of this process is crucial, you must enlist the help of a kitchen renovation contractor who will do it excellently.
To ensure you get the highest return on your investment, consider IDB Enterprise as your remodeling company!