How long does a kitchen renovation take

Your Kitchen Renovation Timeline

Remodelling a kitchen is time-consuming, and you may wonder how long it takes to complete one. The answer isn't as easy as several days or weeks because it depends on a few distinct factors. For example, if you're doing a total kitchen redesign, it will take longer than if you're just putting in new flooring or cabinetry.

On average, a typical kitchen renovation job will take between three and nine weeks. You may speed this up with a clear strategy, budget, and the proper personnel to manage your kitchen makeover. Generally, a typical kitchen renovation team finishes projects in one to three weeks.

These projects can take four to five months to accomplish in severe circumstances when the strategy is not as clear and the scope of work is vast. However, you may easily avoid this with appropriate preparation and a good team. This article will cover various aspects of kitchen remodelling to help you figure out how long it would take to complete your project.

Reasons Kitchen Renovation Projects Delay

Remodelling delays might occur even if you meticulously plan your kitchen renovation project. Here are some of the leading causes of delays in a kitchen refurbishment project.

Slow decision-making

You'll be surprised at how many decisions you'll have to make if you've never done an extensive redesign before. Some people are quick to make judgments and are decisive. Others want to take their time and consider all their options. Neither option is superior to the other.

The most crucial consideration is that you are happy with your design selections. However, if you want to finish your job fast, be aware of how much time decision-making can add to the remodelling process. Working with an expert interior designer will likely assist you, whether you are a quick decision maker or want to take your time selecting paint colours and the like.

Vendors can occasionally give design assistance for minor projects. Hiring a specialist designer or team for more extensive remodels will benefit you. A skilled designer can help you narrow down your options and perhaps accompany you to showrooms to help you select what works for your space best. An objective viewpoint and a skilled design eye may be quite beneficial.

Delays in choosing a contractor

One of the most frequent mistakes homeowners make is choosing a contractor too late. In areas with a high volume of repair and construction, you will likely need to get on a company's calendar months (or perhaps a year or more) before the date you want to begin construction.

You should begin searching for a builder right from the moment you start designing. Consider working with a design-build company to eliminate the need to formalise your design with an architect or designer and then get bids from general contractors. It may result in unnecessary delays.

Estimation errors

Accurately estimating the cost of a refurbishment requires time and experience. Unfortunately, the treatment does not always go as planned, which can cause substantial delays and financial difficulties. This occurs when homeowners work with a single architect or designer who is not also a contractor and may underestimate actual building costs.

You might be shocked to uncover that the addition you meticulously designed would cost 40% more than anticipated. This might become evident when you, the client, present your detailed plans to general contractors for bids. The practice of "value engineering," which costs a lot of money and wastes time, must be restarted.

Another instance is when you engage a time-and-materials professional who visits your house, evaluates your ideas, and delivers what looks to be a reasonable estimate. Everything goes perfectly until the bills begin to arrive. Even though the contractor may be charging you reasonably for their time and materials, it is apparent that you are on track to pay far more than the first "quote."

This quote was a ballpark figure offered by the contractor, who had no incentive to be accurate. Either you'll need to find additional funds to complete the project on schedule, or you'll be forced to put it off.

Poor scheduling

Clarity is vital when a considerable team is collaborating on a task. Materials, workers, and other factors must operate in tandem. If one stage is delayed, the whole process is slowed. Your bricklayer will have to swap projects if the supply of bricks is delayed, for instance, and who knows when you'll be able to schedule them again?

An organised work plan may be of great use, mainly if the large remodelling project includes many people and resources. All services, workers, and materials must be available simultaneously for your home renovations schedule to stay on track. It's recommended to find a remodeler who is organised and can provide instances of formal project timelines used to keep work on schedule.

DIYing part of the project

You may choose to undertake part of the work to save money, such as doing the paintwork. That's fantastic! However, you must be realistic about the amount of time you have available.

Examine your remodeler's timeline to ensure you can complete the work within the specified period. Your project might be delayed for days or weeks if you can't keep up the pace, costing you more than if the contractor handled the work.

Typical Kitchen Renovation Timeline

Your kitchen renovation timeline might take anywhere from a few months to a year or more. This depends on the scope of the job. The steps to redesigning a kitchen are the same for most projects, but the size of the changes can vary.

Following these steps will take you through a successful kitchen makeover. Some remodelers may run into a few problems along the way, but if you have a plan, you can have a beautiful new kitchen in no time!

Step One: Preparation

Prior to beginning a project, significant decisions must be made, such as whether to hire a contractor or do it yourself. At this preparation stage, the following tasks have to be completed.

Visualise what you would like to achieve

Begin by visualising what you would like to accomplish at the end of the project. Collect images and design ideas. Will you replace the countertops, cabinetry, flooring, and appliances?

Should you have a fancy range hood or second sink? Should you move or take down a wall? Dream big, and then ask yourself what is essential to your renovation and optional.

Make a budget

Budgeting is essential for any project and can be tricky. Think about your expenses and how much you can afford to contribute to the project.

Find and hire a contractor

Do your homework and schedule a minimum of three interviews if you're looking for a general contractor. Start this process early because skilled contractors are often booked four to eight months out.

Step Two: Planning

The cornerstone of a successful kitchen makeover is careful planning. Depending on when you decide to redesign your kitchen, it might take anything from a few weeks to a few months.

Measure your area

Take a few simple measurements of your area to determine if it can fit any of the modern kitchen designs. If you're dealing with a contractor, they can gather precise measurements.

Request for cabinet samples

The style and colour of your cabinet doors set the tone for your kitchen. It also assists you in selecting countertops, flooring, and other items. If you order samples early in the project, you will have plenty of time to choose a favourite.

Consult a kitchen designer

Speaking with a kitchen designer can assist you in transforming your ideas and inspiration into a beautiful and efficient kitchen. After you talk to your designer about your goals, needs, and budget, they will come up with an initial design that you can change together until it fits your vision and goals.

Request building permits

A construction permit is frequently required for structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical home improvements. If you have a contractor, they should handle the permits. This procedure might take weeks or months, depending on the intricacy of the project and the municipality, so apply early.

Finish your plans

Complete your kitchen cabinet design, timetable, and contracts. Create your scope of work that specifies who is in charge of each aspect of the project. Determine a deadline for completing the assignment. This will help to avoid any project delays and misunderstandings.

Step Three: Shop for fittings

It might take months to shop for and order fittings. It is best to wait until after you have all of your supplies before dismantling any part of your kitchen.

Purchase appliances

Keep in mind that the size of your appliances will affect the size of your cabinets. Before buying cabinets, talk to your designer about any changes you want to make to your appliances to ensure they will fit with your final design.

Purchase cabinets

Order the cabinets when you have finalised your kitchen design. Cabinetry lead times will vary based on the cabinet maker.

Look for accessories

It's time to look for accessories after you've decided on your cabinets. These items include flooring, hardware, worktops, lights, sinks, faucets, and other items. Keep in mind that any special-order goods may require additional delivery time.

Product inspection and storage

Make room in a garage or other dry location to evaluate and store each new item. Many materials, such as wood cabinetry and flooring, may require climate-controlled storage.

Create a makeshift kitchen

Before dismantling your present area, create a makeshift kitchen. For some, a dorm-sized refrigerator and microwave may suffice. An outside barbeque is an ideal choice for others. You may wish to set aside additional time and money to eat out regularly over the remainder of the project.

Pack up your kitchen

Pack everything in your kitchen before you start swinging the sledgehammers. If you haven't already, now is the time to declutter your kitchen. Make a list of the goods you will need in your makeshift kitchen.

Step Four: Dismantle existing features

The construction process entails destroying the current kitchen and constructing new structural elements. If you choose to preserve the same room size and appliance placement, you might do this phase in a day, which is drastically less time-consuming than previous estimates.

Dismantling your kitchen

Start dismantling your current kitchen once all the new supplies have arrived and been examined. If you're doing the demo yourself, include a strategy for garbage disposal. Ensure that the gas, water, and electricity are all turned off in the area where you will be working before you begin.

Change the structure

Now is the time to make any structural alterations, such as new windows, walls, or entrances. DIYers should consult a professional before making major structural adjustments, such as removing walls. You cannot build countertops before cabinet installation. Make sure you schedule the measurements after the cabinets have been installed.

Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical rough-ins

Most utility rough-in work must be performed before drywall and flooring are installed. This lets the wiring be looked at and also allows outlets, fixture boxes, and switches to be put in.

Paint and hang drywall

Hang and finish the new drywall and insulation if necessary. Prepare, prime, and paint any surfaces that can be finished before installing flooring.

Install flooring

Lay flooring before installing cabinets. Floating floor options must be installed after fitting cabinets, such as luxury vinyl flooring and laminates.

Step Five: Install new features

Install all the new kitchen items that you purchased. This is the final and maybe most rewarding stage of the kitchen renovation process.

Fit new cabinets

It's time to put in the kitchen's main attraction: new cabinetry.

Measure, fabricate, and install countertops

You must collect countertop measurements before the cabinets are installed. Fabrication, or the creation of the countertop, can then occur. Depending on the material, this might take up to a month.

Install fixtures and appliances

Lighting is installed once countertops have been fitted. You can also fit appliances and plumbing fittings. Move large appliances cautiously to avoid dinging or scratching new floors and cupboards.

Install hardware and finishing touches

Cabinet hardware, crown moulding, paint touch-ups, and other details are finishing touches in a kitchen.

Install backsplash

The last important feature to be placed in is the backsplash. It usually takes two days, but it might take longer if you're designing anything intricate. Therefore, schedule a final examination by a building inspector if a building permit is necessary. These occur throughout business hours.

Clean up the construction area

Cleaning means getting rid of dust and dirt from the room and ventilation system, wiping down cabinets, and setting up a garbage dumpster pickup.

Hire A Consultant To Complete Your Renovation

Kitchen renovation or remodelling is the most important home improvement project you will ever carry out. They are not just capital-intensive but involve several phases that need the input of experts.

While it is possible to supervise your kitchen renovation yourself, hiring an expert to handle the project on your behalf is always better. You will not only save yourself a lot of stress but also know that the work will be done well and on time.