How Long Does Kitchen Renovation Take? Real Timelines Explained

If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, one of the first questions that pops into your head is: “How long does a kitchen renovation take?” And honestly, it’s a fair question. A kitchen isn’t just another room in your house — it’s the heart of your home. When it’s out of service, your daily routine is turned upside down. No morning coffee at the counter, no family dinners, and you’ll probably end up eating takeout more than you’d like.

Here’s the thing: kitchen renovation timelines aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some updates, like painting cabinets or swapping out hardware, can be done in a week or two. But a full gut renovation, with new plumbing, electrical, and custom cabinets? That can stretch into several months.

How long does kitchen renovation take?
A kitchen renovation can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months or more, depending on the scope, materials, permits, and contractor availability. Small updates are quick; full remodels take longer.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what influences a renovation timeline, the different phases of a remodel, and real-life case studies. On top of that, I’ll share practical tips from my years as a contractor to help you plan smarter, avoid unnecessary delays, and stay sane during the process.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide homeowners with trustworthy, experience-backed renovation guidance that simplifies decision-making. We believe in honest timelines, practical tips, and clear information to help you plan a kitchen remodel with confidence.

Key Factors That Influence a Kitchen Renovation Timeline

If you’ve ever heard one neighbor say their kitchen took eight weeks and another swear it took half a year, you’re not imagining things. The truth is, the kitchen remodel timeline depends on a bunch of different factors. Let’s break them down:

Project Scope: Minor Cosmetic vs. Full Gut Renovation

A cosmetic update — like painting cabinets, adding a new backsplash, or changing hardware — usually takes 1–4 weeks. But if you’re tearing the whole kitchen down to the studs, moving plumbing, and ordering custom cabinetry, you’re looking at 4–6 months or more. The scope of your project is the single biggest factor in how long it’ll take.

Structural Changes & Utilities

Want to knock down a wall for an open concept? Planning to move your sink or stove? These changes mean new electrical, plumbing, and sometimes HVAC work. Each of these trades has to come in, do their part, and get inspected before the next step. That alone can add several weeks.

Material Lead Times & Custom Orders

Guess what often delays a kitchen project? Not the contractor’s work — but waiting on materials. Stock cabinets and countertops can arrive in a couple of weeks, but custom cabinets may take 8–12 weeks. Imported stone countertops or high-end appliances can also push timelines way out if you don’t order them early.

Contractor & Subcontractor Availability

Here’s the reality: good contractors are busy. If your electrician or plumber can’t show up on time, it creates a domino effect that slows everything else down. That’s why scheduling and contractor availability are so crucial.

Permits, Inspections & Local Regulations

If your remodel involves plumbing, electrical, or structural work, you’ll likely need permits and inspections. Depending on your city or county, getting these scheduled can add anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Hidden Problems & Unforeseen Issues

This is the part no one likes to hear: once we start demo, surprises often come up. I’ve opened walls to find outdated wiring, water damage, even mold. Fixing these isn’t optional — and it adds both time and cost.

Regional Differences

If you live in a busy urban area, construction schedules and permit offices are often slower. In smaller towns, you might get inspections faster, but shipping delays can be worse. Local conditions definitely play a role in the kitchen renovation duration.

Typical Timeframes for Different Types of Kitchen Renovations

Let’s get real about numbers. Homeowners often ask, “How long does it take to renovate a kitchen?” Here are some common scenarios with rough timeframes:

Cosmetic Updates (1–4 weeks)

• Painting cabinets or walls
• Installing a backsplash
• Swapping out cabinet hardware
• Updating light fixtures
  These projects can be wrapped up in a month or less, especially if you’re not moving anything major.

Mid-Range Remodel (2–3 months)

Think of this as the “fresh new look” remodel:

• New semi-custom cabinets
• New countertops
• Updated appliances
• Some plumbing/electrical tweaks
  This level usually takes 8–12 weeks. The biggest time suck here? Waiting for cabinets and countertops.

Full Gut Renovation (4–6+ months)

A full gut means everything goes: walls, floors, cabinets, plumbing, electrical. Add in permits, inspections, and custom finishes, and you’re looking at 4–6 months minimum. In my experience, 6 months is common if you’re changing layout or adding structural work.

Luxury / Custom Remodel (6–12 months)

If you’re building your dream chef’s kitchen with imported marble, built-in appliances, and designer everything, buckle up. Custom fabrication and complex installations can easily stretch the project to 9 months or even a year.

Step-by-Step Kitchen Renovation Timeline (With Average Durations)

Now let’s walk through the kitchen renovation phases step by step. Every remodel has its own rhythm, but these averages are pretty standard.

Planning & Design (2–6 weeks)

This is where you meet with designers, finalize layouts, and choose materials. Don’t rush this stage — decisions made here save you headaches later. On average, design and planning take 2–6 weeks, depending on how decisive you are.

Ordering & Lead Times (Varies)

This phase can overlap with planning. Cabinets, countertops, and appliances need to be ordered early. Stock items arrive in 2–4 weeks, while custom cabinets take 8–12 weeks. I always tell clients: order ASAP, because material lead times are one of the top kitchen renovation delay causes.

Demolition & Site Prep (1–2 weeks)

Time to tear out the old. Demolition usually takes about a week, maybe two if it’s a large kitchen or you’re doing structural demo. Keep in mind, kitchen demolition time can reveal surprises like damaged subfloors or hidden plumbing.

Rough-In Work (2–4 weeks)

This is the behind-the-scenes stuff: plumbing, electrical, HVAC. Each trade comes in, does their part, and gets inspected. This phase usually takes 2–4 weeks, but it can stretch longer if permits or inspections are slow.

Inspections & Approvals (1–3 weeks)

Depending on your city, inspections can happen quickly or get delayed. For example, in some cities inspectors come out in 2–3 days, while in others you might wait a week or more for each trade.

Drywall, Painting & Flooring (1–3 weeks)

Once the rough-in and inspections are cleared, it’s time to put the walls and floors back together. Drywall goes up, seams get finished, and then comes painting. If you’re also installing new flooring, that typically happens in this stage too.

This phase can be 1–3 weeks, depending on the size of the space and whether you’ve chosen something simple like laminate or something more complex like tile. I’ve seen clients underestimate how long flooring can take—especially if patterns or intricate designs are involved.

Cabinet & Countertop Installation (2–4 weeks)

This is when your kitchen finally starts to look like a kitchen again. Cabinets usually take several days to install, but the countertops are the wild card. Here’s why: once cabinets are in, countertop fabricators come to measure and template. Then they go back, cut your stone or surface, and return a week or two later for installation.

If you’ve ever asked “how long does it take to install kitchen cabinets and countertops?” the answer is usually 2–4 weeks, but it can stretch longer with custom orders or imported stone.

Fixtures, Appliances & Hardware (1–2 weeks)

At this point, the kitchen feels almost finished, but there’s still work to do. Appliances get slid into place, sinks and faucets installed, lights mounted, and hardware added to the cabinets. It’s the stage where all the small details make a huge difference.

This can take 1–2 weeks, especially if appliance hookups require additional adjustments.

Backsplash, Trim & Finishing Touches (1–2 weeks)

Think of this as the polish on the project. Your backsplash ties everything together, trim work cleans up edges, and any paint touch-ups happen here. It’s usually quick work, but again—custom tile patterns or last-minute changes can stretch it out.

Final Inspection, Cleanup & Walkthrough (Few days to 1 week)

Before you can truly enjoy your new kitchen, final inspections need to be passed. Once that’s done, your contractor will do a final cleanup and walkthrough with you to make sure everything meets expectations.

At this point, you’ll finally get to cook your first meal in your brand-new kitchen!

Real-Life Examples & Case Studies

Here are a few scenarios I’ve seen in my own work and heard from clients online:

• Small Kitchen Refresh: A client wanted only new paint, a backsplash, and updated lighting. It took about 3 weeks total. This fits most answers when people ask “how long does it take to redo a small kitchen?”
• Mid-Range Remodel: Another family swapped cabinets, added quartz countertops, and installed new appliances. Everything was semi-custom, and the timeline stretched to 10 weeks because countertops were delayed.
• Full Gut Renovation: A city townhouse project where walls were moved, plumbing re-routed, and custom cabinets were ordered. With permits and inspections, it took 6 months start to finish.
• Community Insights: On Reddit and Quora, homeowners report a huge range — from 8 weeks to over half a year. One homeowner mentioned their project was supposed to be 10 weeks but ended up 22 because of delayed cabinet deliveries. This shows why adding a time buffer kitchen project is so important.

Can You Live in Your House During a Kitchen Remodel?

This is one of the most common questions I get, and the answer is: it depends on the scope of the remodel and your tolerance for chaos.

Yes, you can stay during a remodel if:

• You’re only doing cosmetic updates or mid-range work.
• You set up a temporary kitchen in another room with a microwave, toaster oven, or even an outdoor grill.
• You’re okay with dust, noise, and limited access.

No, it’s better to move out if:

• You’re doing a full gut renovation.
• Plumbing and electrical will be down for weeks.
• You have kids, pets, or work from home and can’t handle disruption.

Pro tip: I always tell clients to set up a folding table with a coffee maker and mini-fridge in the garage or basement. It makes life way easier than eating takeout every night.

So if you’re wondering “can you live in your house during a kitchen remodel?” — yes, but only with the right prep.

How to Speed Up a Kitchen Renovation (Without Sacrificing Quality)

Nobody wants a kitchen remodel dragging on forever. Here are some practical tips from my experience:

• Finalize all decisions before starting. Every time you change your mind mid-project, it causes delays.
• Order long-lead items early. Cabinets, appliances, and stone countertops are the big culprits.
• Go semi-custom. Semi-custom or stock cabinets can save you months compared to fully custom builds.
• Hire the right contractor. A pro with strong scheduling skills can keep trades moving without downtime.
• Communicate weekly. Set up short check-ins to spot small issues before they snowball.
• Overlap tasks where possible. For example, painting can start while waiting on cabinet delivery.
• Build in buffer time. Always assume things will take 10–20% longer than promised.

The best part is: with good planning and the right team, you can shave weeks off the average kitchen remodel schedule.

Common Delays & How to Avoid Them

Even the best-planned project can run into hiccups. Here are the big ones I’ve seen (and how to dodge them):

• Permits & Inspections: Apply early and work with contractors who know the local system.
• Product Backorders: Always have a backup choice in case your dream tile or appliance is delayed.
• Hidden Problems: Expect at least one surprise during demolition—budget and plan for it.
• Change Orders: Lock in your design and stick to it; mid-project changes are timeline killers.
• Weather or Access Issues: For rural or seasonal homes, schedule around the climate.
• Budget Stops: Sometimes delays happen because funds run out mid-project. Always have contingency cash set aside.

These are the most common kitchen renovation delay causes, and avoiding them is half the battle.

Comparison Table (Quick Overview of Timelines)

Type of Kitchen Remodel	Typical Duration	Notes
Cosmetic Updates (paint, backsplash, hardware)	1–4 weeks	Fastest option, no major changes
Small / Mid-Range Remodel (cabinets, counters, appliances)	2–3 months	Semi-custom cabinets add wait time
Full Gut Renovation (layout, plumbing, electrical)	4–6+ months	Includes permits & inspections
Luxury / Custom Remodel (designer finishes, expansions)	6–12 months	Longest due to custom work

Step-by-Step Guide (Timeline Phases)

1. Planning & Design: 2–6 weeks
2. Ordering Materials: 2–12 weeks (depending on custom vs stock)
3. Demolition & Prep: 1–2 weeks
4. Rough-in Work (Plumbing/Electric): 2–4 weeks
5. Inspections & Approvals: 1–3 weeks
6. Drywall, Paint & Flooring: 1–3 weeks
7. Cabinets & Countertops: 2–4 weeks
8. Appliances, Fixtures & Hardware: 1–2 weeks
9. Backsplash & Finishes: 1–2 weeks
10. Final Cleanup & Walkthrough: up to 1 week

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to renovate a kitchen on average?

Most projects take 2–6 months, depending on scope. Cosmetic updates are quicker, full guts are slower.

How long does an IKEA kitchen remodel take?

An IKEA remodel often takes 4–8 weeks once cabinets are delivered. Their availability is usually better than custom, but installation still takes time.

How long does it take to replace kitchen cabinets?

Stock cabinet replacements can be done in 1–2 weeks. Custom orders push that to 8–12 weeks.

Can you live in your house during a kitchen remodel?

Yes, but only with a temporary kitchen setup and patience for noise/dust.

What’s the fastest way to complete a kitchen remodel?

Plan ahead, order materials early, and avoid changing your mind mid-project.

Is $30,000 enough for a kitchen remodel?

Yes, $30,000 is enough for a mid-range kitchen remodel. It can cover semi-custom cabinets, new countertops, updated appliances, and finishes — but not a full luxury gut renovation.

Why do kitchen renovations take so long?

Delays usually come from material lead times (like cabinets), permits, inspections, and hidden problems during demolition. Custom work and scope changes also extend the timeline.

How quickly can a kitchen be renovated?

The fastest kitchen renovations, like cosmetic updates, can be done in 3–6 weeks. Full remodels almost always take several months.

Can you redo a kitchen for $5000?

A full remodel isn’t possible for $5000, but small updates like painting, new hardware, or budget-friendly backsplash changes can give a kitchen a refreshed look.

Can I redo my kitchen for $10,000?

Yes, but it’ll be limited to smaller updates — like refinishing cabinets, adding laminate countertops, new lighting, or swapping appliances. For structural changes, $10,000 isn’t enough.

Conclusion

So, how long does a kitchen renovation take? The honest answer: it depends. Small updates may take just a few weeks, while full-scale remodels can stretch into half a year or more. On average, most homeowners should expect 2–6 months for a complete project.

The key to a smooth renovation isn’t just time—it’s planning. Finalize your design, order materials early, and hire a contractor you trust. And most importantly, add a buffer for delays. Because here’s the truth: it’s better to be pleasantly surprised if things finish early than frustrated when they run late.

At the end of the day, your new kitchen will be worth every week of waiting. After all, this is the space where you’ll cook, gather, and make memories for years to come. And when you finally enjoy that first home-cooked meal in your renovated kitchen, the timeline won’t matter as much as the result.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Actual kitchen renovation timelines and costs may vary based on location, contractor availability, material choices, and project scope. Always consult a licensed professional for personalized estimates before beginning any remodel.