How Long Does A Kitchen Remodel Take?

As a rule of thumb, a professional kitchen remodeling project can take 6 to 8 weeks for a small kitchen or 10 to 12 weeks for larger kitchens or kitchens with more complex needs. However, you should note that significant structural works, such as building an extension, can add several months.



No two kitchens are the same, and every project delivers a unique set of challenges. For example, the process to remodel a galley kitchen is different from standard kitchens. There is a long list of variables that could influence your upgrade, including but not limited to;

• The size and layout of your kitchen
• Whether you are taking the DIY route or calling a professional kitchen specialist
• The complexity of the project and whether new cabinets or appliances are needed

Of course, taking the DIY route will make the project take far longer as you won’t have the tools and experience to complete a quick upgrade. Likewise, you won’t have as much availability as a hired contractor.

What’s Involved In A Kitchen Remodel Project?

The main reason why kitchen remodels take so long is that contractors must break the project up into many smaller tasks.

The kitchen is probably the most complex living space in the entire home because it requires a sophisticated network of electrics, plumbing, appliances, cabinets, and flooring. A contractor must handle all of this in a way that brings your vision to life at a high-quality level.

Here is what contractors and DIY kitchen remodelers need to do to get the best result for their kitchen remodel.

Design

Before you begin any work, you must first build a clear vision of how you want your kitchen to look. After all, the project is far too complex for anyone to rely on guesswork.

You can take design inspiration from many sources like magazines, websites, and TV. Creating an accurate blueprint of your kitchen will help direct your future design choices. It can subsequently maximize the spatial possibilities of the room and meet budget requirements.

You can also find kitchen remodeling contractors who can design your kitchen based on your ideas, materials, and budget.

Demolition

Before fitting new hardware or appliances, it will be necessary to remove any existing items that are no longer needed. Some projects only require minor removal work, but others will demand removing almost all features from the kitchen space.

The demolition aspects could include removing a wide range of items, including but not limited to; appliances, cabinets, hardware, flooring, wall tiles, and more.

Generally speaking, this process can take two days. However, there are occasions when a contractor can complete demolition in one day

Mechanics

Once the kitchen is free from unwanted items, it is important to mark out the locations of all power outlets, electrical feeds, and key features of the room. This info will be priceless when having electrical cut-sheets manufactured.

Following this, the contractor should install the mechanicals before the cosmetic works start. HVAC systems usually take the longest time, consuming a few days. The plumbing can only take one day. Meanwhile, most contractors can complete the electrical components in two days.

Drywall And Flooring

After completing the mechanics, you should move on to treating the walls and floors.

Drywall should be prepped, installed, and treated with a primer. Overall, this usually takes 1 to 2 days. The next job on the checklist is to install the flooring. The timings for this job can vary significantly depending on the materials you choose. For example, wood materials will take longer to install than tiles. 

Extending your kitchen is a whole other beast. You or your contractor may need to build a whole new area depending on how large you want it. A bump out adding a few feet will take less time and complexity than adding a whole area.

Fitting Cabinets

Fitting new kitchen cabinets may seem like a relatively easy task, especially as the parts can be manufactured to your design before delivery. This means less time spent cutting or preparing materials.

Still, the cabinets need to be fitted without gaps while ensuring that all surfaces are level. The positioning needs to be precise for every item too. Adding cabinets to intricate products like kitchen islands will require at least one day for installation.

The job as a whole can usually take up to 10 days, which includes all internal cabinet shelving, testing the weight load capacities, and adding the countertops.

Lighting And Aesthetic Touches

The lighting fixtures will have a huge influence on the look of any kitchen. Most contractors can complete a simple ceiling light installation in one day. However, recessed lighting or countertop lighting can extend this to two days.

Painting may be completed before cabinets are added to save time, but many homeowners choose to do it afterward. This decision is often made to avoid the threat of scratches. A backsplash can also be added at this stage, which can take one day to install.

Appliances

One of the final touches is to add your appliances, which could include oven ranges, dishwashers, and more. Some homeowners will use the products that they had before starting their kitchen remodel. Most homeowners will leave their appliances in the same location. This makes the project less complex and costly.

This can be a great opportunity to upgrade to eco-friendly appliances.

Final Touches

Finally, you can add all the accessories that make your kitchen feel personal and functional. Whether it’s a countertop appliance or decorative pieces to place on your shelves, it is a quick and easy task that you can complete within minutes.

How To Make Your Kitchen Remodel Run Smoothly

Kitchen remodeling does take a long time compared to many other home upgrade projects. However, partnering with a reliable and highly professional team of kitchen remodeling specialists will ensure that the work is completed at a high quality.

To get your project started today, get in touch with Algeria Builders by using our contact form.