How Long Does It Take to Remodel an Entire Kitchen?
A Dream Custom Carpentry Blog
Remodeling your whole kitchen is a big job. It doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, the process often takes longer than people expect. From the early planning stages to the final coat of paint, it usually takes a few months to complete.
Here’s a simple breakdown by
Dream Custom Carpentry on how long things might take—and why.
Planning and Design Come First
Before anyone swings a hammer, there’s planning to do. This includes measuring your space, choosing the layout, and picking things like cabinets, flooring, lighting, and appliances. Some homeowners move quickly, but others take a few weeks to decide.
If you’re working with a contractor or designer, they’ll guide you through the early steps.
You might also need to get permits, depending on the changes being made. This stage can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how ready you are.

Ordering Materials Can Slow Things Down
Once the design is done, it’s time to order materials. Cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring all need to arrive before installation starts. Some items may be in stock and ready right away. Others, especially custom pieces, may take several weeks.
To avoid long delays, many
contractors wait until everything is delivered before beginning the tear-out. This keeps the project moving more smoothly once work begins.

Demo and Construction Phase
When it’s time to start the actual remodel, the job is broken into stages. The first part is demolition. Old cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring are removed. This part usually takes a few days.
Next comes any changes to plumbing or electrical systems. If the layout stays the same, this is quick. If you’re moving the sink or stove, it will take longer. Once that’s done, new flooring, cabinets, and appliances are installed.
This full stage—from demo to near completion—can take 4 to 8 weeks on average.

The Finishing Touches
After the big items are installed, it’s time for the smaller details. This includes backsplashes, painting, trim work, hardware, and touchups. It also includes inspections if new plumbing or electrical systems were added.
Even though these jobs are smaller, they still matter. A
kitchen might look almost finished, but final details often take another 1 to 2 weeks.

Delays Can Happen
Every kitchen is different. That means the timeline is never exact. Weather, shipping delays, or problems behind the walls can slow down the work. Sometimes something simple—like waiting on a sink or a set of handles—can push the finish date back.
That’s why it helps to build extra time into the schedule. Adding two weeks of “wiggle room” keeps surprises from being too stressful.

So, What's the Total Time?
If everything goes smoothly, a full kitchen remodel often takes 6 to 10 weeks once construction starts. When you include the time spent planning and ordering, the full process can take 3 to 4 months.
Bigger
remodels, or ones that involve moving walls or plumbing, may take longer. But if the layout stays mostly the same, and materials are ready, things move faster.

Final Thoughts
A kitchen remodel is a big project, but with good planning, it doesn’t have to drag on. Talk with your contractor about the timeline and keep in touch during each step.
Expecting some delays is normal, but most homeowners say the finished kitchen is worth the wait.

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