A kitchen renovation is an exciting venture but requires thorough planning and time management. Knowing how long the process takes is essential whether you’re considering a small update or a complete overhaul.
The time it takes to renovate a kitchen depends on several factors, including the size of the kitchen, the scope of work, material availability, and the scheduling of tradespeople. Breaking the renovation into phases can help you better plan and prepare for the journey.
Let’s get straight to the point.
The duration of a kitchen renovation varies based on factors such as kitchen size, the scope of the renovation, material availability, and trade scheduling. Renovation phases typically include:
- Planning (1-3 weeks) – Budget setting, contractor selection, and finalising layout and materials.
- Ordering Materials (2-8 weeks) – Custom vs. stock material availability affects timing.
- Preparation & Demolition (1-2 weeks) – Removal of the old kitchen and necessary inspections.
- Construction & Installation (4-8 weeks) – Electrical, plumbing, cabinet, and benchtop installations.
- Finishing Touches (1-2 weeks) – Backsplash, appliances, final adjustments, and cleanup.
Plan early, use stock materials, avoid last-minute changes, and schedule tradespeople well in advance to speed up the process.
Kitchen Renovation Timeline Breakdown
Let’s break it down into its key phases to give you a better idea of how long a kitchen renovation might take. Each stage of the process, from initial planning to the final touches, plays a crucial role in the overall timeline.
Step 1: Planning (1-3 Weeks)
Proper planning is the foundation of any successful kitchen renovation. Rushing through this phase can lead to delays and additional costs later on. Here’s what you should focus on during the planning stage:
- Set your budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the renovation, including a contingency fund (typically 10-15% of the total budget) to cover any unexpected costs that may arise.
- Hire qualified contractors: Research to find experienced contractors, including kitchen designers, cabinet makers, plumbers, and electricians. Ensure they are licensed and have the appropriate qualifications to complete the work.
- Finalise the layout and materials: Decide on your kitchen layout and choose the materials you want to use for countertops, cabinets, flooring, and appliances. This process may take a little longer if you’re opting for custom or special-order items.
The planning phase usually takes one to three weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and how quickly decisions are made.
Step 2: Ordering Materials (2-8 Weeks)
Once the plans are in place and the design is finalised, ordering the materials is time. The time it takes for this phase largely depends on whether you choose standard or custom-made items:
- Custom cabinets and benchtops: Custom-made cabinets, countertops, and other specialty items can take several weeks or even months to manufacture and deliver. If you’re using bespoke materials, placing your orders as early as possible is important to avoid delays.
- Stock materials: In-stock materials, such as pre-made cabinets and readily available flooring or countertops, can be delivered more quickly. Choosing stock items may help reduce the waiting time if you’re on a tight schedule.
The ordering phase can take anywhere from two to eight weeks, depending on the availability of the materials and whether they need to be custom-made.
Step 3: Preparation And Demolition (1-2 Weeks)
After the planning is complete and the materials have been ordered, the next phase is preparation and Demolition. This is where the physical work begins, and it involves several key tasks:
- Demolition: The old kitchen must be removed before the new installations begin. This includes removing cabinets, removing appliances, and removing old flooring.
- Structural inspections: If your renovation involves any structural changes, the builders must inspect the area to ensure everything is safe and up to code.
- Disconnecting utilities: Before any new work can start, the electrician and plumber must disconnect the existing electrical wiring and plumbing. This ensures safety during the renovation process.
The preparation and demolition phase typically takes one to two weeks, depending on the size of the kitchen and the extent of the Demolition required.
Step 4: Construction And Installation (4-8 Weeks)
The construction and installation phase is where your new kitchen comes to life. This phase involves multiple tradespeople working together to install the new elements of your kitchen. Key tasks include:
- Electrical and plumbing installation: New electrical wiring and systems are installed according to the new kitchen layout. Licensed professionals must do these to ensure everything meets safety standards.
- Cabinet installation: The new cabinets will be installed once the plumbing and electrical work is complete. Depending on whether the cabinets are custom-made or pre-manufactured, this process can take a few days to complete.
- Benchtop installation: Custom benchtops, such as granite or engineered stone, are typically measured and fitted after the cabinets are installed. Installing benchtops can take up to two weeks, especially if custom-made.
- Lighting installation: New lighting fixtures are installed to complete the kitchen’s look and functionality. This is done after the cabinets and benchtops are in place to ensure proper positioning and lighting coverage.
The construction and installation phase generally takes four to eight weeks, depending on the project’s complexity and the availability of the tradespeople.
Step 5: Finishing Touches And Cleanup (1-2 Weeks)
Once the main installations are complete, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches. This phase is essential to bring your kitchen renovation to a polished finish:
- Backsplash installation: Depending on the material you choose (tile, stone, or glass), the installation usually takes one to two days.
- Appliance installation: Your new appliances, such as the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, are installed and connected to the appropriate plumbing, gas, or electrical systems.
- Final adjustments and painting: This stage is used to complete any final touch-ups, such as painting, adjusting cabinet doors, or adding trim, to ensure everything looks perfect.
- Cleanup: The work area is thoroughly cleaned, removing any debris and ensuring the kitchen is ready to use.
The finishing touches and cleanup phase typically take one to two weeks, marking the completion of your kitchen renovation.
Factors That Affect Kitchen Renovation Time
The duration of a kitchen renovation can vary significantly based on several factors. Here are the most important aspects that can influence the overall timeline of your kitchen renovation:
- Size of the kitchen: Larger kitchens naturally take longer to renovate due to increased Demolition, installation, and finishing work. The larger the space, the more materials and labour are required, adding to the renovation time.
- Scope of the renovation: A minor renovation, such as replacing fixtures or upgrading appliances, can be completed much faster than a full-scale remodel that involves knocking down walls, reconfiguring the layout, or installing custom features.
- Material availability: If you’re using custom materials or special-order items, such as unique countertops or cabinets, the renovation may take longer due to sourcing and shipping delays. On the other hand, choosing readily available materials can speed up the process.
- Scheduling tradespeople: Coordinating trades such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and tilers can be challenging, especially in a busy market. Delays can occur if tradespeople are not available when needed.
Tips For Completing Your Kitchen Renovation Faster
If you’re hoping to speed up the kitchen renovation process, there are several practical steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays:
- Start planning early: Start planning to lock in contractors and place material orders as soon as possible. The earlier you start, the less likely you are to encounter delays.
- Choose readily available materials: Opt for stock materials instead of custom-made products to reduce waiting times. Custom items can take weeks or months to manufacture, so using in-stock options can significantly speed up renovation.
- Minimise last-minute changes: Changing your mind halfway through the renovation can cause delays, especially if new materials need to be ordered. Try to finalise your design decisions early to avoid disrupting the schedule.
- Schedule tradespeople well in advance: Tradespeople, especially in-demand ones, can be booked for months. To ensure your renovation stays on track, book all necessary trades well before you need them.
- Prepare for unexpected costs: Renovations often uncover hidden issues, such as outdated wiring or structural problems. Setting aside an extra portion of your budget for these surprises can help prevent delays if they occur.
- Keep pets and children away from the renovation zone: Renovations can be noisy and chaotic, which may lead to interruptions if pets or children are in the way. Consider arranging for them to stay elsewhere while the renovation is underway to keep things running smoothly.
Conclusion
Renovating a kitchen is a significant project that requires time, effort, and careful planning. While the timeline for each renovation will vary depending on factors like the size of the kitchen, the complexity of the project, and the availability of materials, following a clear plan can help you stay on track.
From the initial planning and demolition to the final touches, each renovation phase plays a key role in determining how long the process will take. Planning early, choosing available materials, and scheduling trades in advance can ensure a smoother and more efficient kitchen renovation experience.
FAQs
Is A Kitchen Renovation Worth It?
An average kitchen remodel will pay off more than a high-end renovation. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost Vs. Value Report, a major kitchen remodel costs $68,490 and homeowners recoup $40,127, which is 58.6 percent. An upscale kitchen remodel costs $135,547, with a 53.9 percent ROI.
Are Ikea Kitchens Worth It?
Yes, Ikea kitchens are good. I believe that Ikea kitchen are a great product for the price. Of course, custom cabinetry is better. But if your budget does not allow for a completely custom, locally built kitchen then I believe that an Ikea kitchen remodel is an excellent second choice.
Where Should A Fridge Go In The Kitchen?
The fridge should always be located in close proximity to a bench with ample available space. This will allow grocery loading to be prompt, meaning the door is open for a lesser amount of time, and when gathering ingredients for food preparation one can easily grab what is required and place down promptly on the bench.
Is It Cheaper To Paint Or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
Price out replacing your kitchen cabinets and painting will look better and better. The cost to paint a kitchen is typically 1/3 to ½ the cost of replacing. The paints applied to cabinets are also very durable and will last just as long as new cabinets in most cases.
Will A New Kitchen Increase House Value?
A good kitchen could potentially add between five and 10 per cent to the value of a property.” However, it is important not to overspend on a kitchen. If your existing kitchen is very old, worn or out of date, then a brand new kitchen may well add 5 to 10 per cent to your home’s value.