Create a Realistic Project Timeline
A realistic timeline is your roadmap through the renovation. It helps you plan your life around the disruption, holds contractors accountable, and prevents the project from dragging on indefinitely. Here's how to create one that actually works.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-2 hours (planning)
Typical duration
6-12 weeks (major remodel)
Difficulty
Medium
Why a Realistic Timeline Matters
Most homeowners underestimate how long kitchen renovations take. Contractors, eager to win bids, often provide optimistic timelines. The result? Families expecting a 6-week project living without a functional kitchen for 4 months.
The Timeline Reality Gap: If your contractor says "8 weeks," that means 8 weeks of actual work time— it doesn't include material lead times, permit delays, inspection scheduling, or the inevitable surprises. The real timeline is often 50% longer than quoted.
A realistic timeline helps you plan work schedules, arrange temporary living situations, schedule time off if needed, and set proper expectations with family. It also gives you checkpoints to ensure the project stays on track.
How to Build Your Timeline
1. Understand Typical Duration by Scope
Kitchen renovations vary wildly in duration based on scope. Know what's realistic for your project type.
Minor Kitchen Update (Cosmetic Only)
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Includes: Cabinet painting or refacing, new countertops (same footprint), backsplash, new appliances, lighting updates, hardware replacement
Why it's faster: No structural changes, minimal plumbing/electrical, shorter material lead times
Major Kitchen Remodel (New Everything)
Timeline: 6-12 weeks
Includes: New cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, lighting, plumbing fixtures, backsplash—but keeping same basic layout
Why it takes time: Custom cabinets (6-12 weeks lead time), countertop fabrication (2-6 weeks), careful sequencing of trades
Full Gut Renovation (Layout Changes)
Timeline: 3-5 months
Includes: Everything in major remodel PLUS moving walls, relocating plumbing/electrical, structural changes, adding windows/doors
Why it's longest: Permits take longer, structural work is complex, moving utilities is slow, inspections at multiple phases
2. Map Out Project Phases with Your Contractor
Kitchen renovations follow a specific sequence. Work with your contractor to create a phase-by-phase plan with realistic durations.
Typical Kitchen Renovation Phases:
Phase 1: Pre-Construction
2-12 weeks- • Order materials (cabinets, countertops, appliances)
- • Obtain permits (1-6 weeks)
- • Final design decisions and selections
- • Clear out kitchen and set up temporary space
This phase runs BEFORE demolition and can't be rushed
Phase 2: Demolition
1-3 days- • Remove old cabinets, countertops, appliances
- • Tear out flooring if replacing
- • Remove any walls (if layout is changing)
- • Haul away debris
Fast but messy—peak disruption period
Phase 3: Rough-In Work
1-3 weeks- • Rough plumbing (new lines, relocations)
- • Rough electrical (new circuits, outlets, lighting)
- • HVAC modifications if needed
- • Framing for any structural changes
- • Rough inspection before closing walls
Critical phase—must pass inspection before continuing
Phase 4: Close-In Work
1-2 weeks- • Install insulation if walls were opened
- • Hang and finish drywall
- • Tape, mud, sand, prime walls
- • Paint walls and ceiling
Dusty phase—proper sealing of work area is critical
Phase 5: Installation
2-4 weeks- • Install flooring (if not done earlier)
- • Install cabinets and secure to walls
- • Install countertops (fabrication, template, install)
- • Install backsplash tile
- • Install sink, faucet, and fixtures
Sequencing matters—countertops require cabinet installation first
Phase 6: Finishing & Final Inspection
3-7 days- • Install appliances and connect utilities
- • Install light fixtures and outlet covers
- • Install cabinet hardware
- • Touch-up paint and caulking
- • Final inspection and punch list items
- • Deep clean and final walkthrough
Last 10%—small details that take longer than expected
3. Account for Material Lead Times
One of the biggest timeline killers is waiting for materials. Order early and track delivery dates carefully.
Typical Material Lead Times:
These are typical times in normal market conditions. Supply chain issues, custom orders, or backorders can extend these significantly.
4. Add Realistic Buffer Time
Every kitchen renovation encounters delays. Planning for them prevents stress and disappointment.
The 20-30% Rule:
Add 20-30% to your contractor's estimated timeline. If they say 8 weeks of construction, plan for 10-12 weeks. If they say 10 weeks, expect 12-15 weeks. This isn't pessimism—it's realistic planning based on how renovations actually unfold.
Common Causes of Delays:
- • Material backordered or damaged in shipping (1-4 weeks)
- • Permit approval slower than expected (1-3 weeks)
- • Inspection failures requiring corrections (3-7 days)
- • Unexpected issues during demo (water damage, electrical issues)
- • Contractor juggling multiple projects
- • Weather delays (if any exterior work involved)
- • You changing your mind on selections mid-project
- • Subcontractor no-shows or scheduling conflicts
5. Plan for Living Without a Kitchen
Don't underestimate how disruptive living without a kitchen will be. Plan ahead to minimize stress on your family.
Temporary Kitchen Setup Ideas:
Essential Equipment
- • Microwave
- • Mini fridge
- • Electric kettle
- • Toaster oven
- • Hot plate or portable burner
- • Slow cooker or Instant Pot
Setup Location
- • Dining room
- • Basement
- • Garage (if climate-controlled)
- • Guest room
- • Near a bathroom for water access
Meal Strategies:
- • Stock up on paper plates and disposable utensils
- • Plan for more takeout/restaurant meals
- • Prep and freeze meals before renovation starts
- • Use bathroom sink for washing dishes
- • Consider staying with family during peak disruption
Sample 10-Week Major Remodel Timeline
Here's what a realistic timeline looks like for a major kitchen remodel with new cabinets but no layout changes:
Pre-Construction
Order cabinets, countertops, appliances. Obtain permits. Finalize all selections.
Demolition
Remove all existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances. Haul away debris.
Rough-In Work
Electrical, plumbing, any minor framing. Rough inspection at end of week 3.
Drywall & Paint
Hang drywall, tape, mud, sand. Prime and paint walls and ceiling.
Flooring
Install new flooring (if tile, add grouting time).
Cabinet Installation
Install base and upper cabinets. Level, secure, adjust doors.
Countertops & Backsplash
Template counters early in week, install mid-week. Install backsplash tile.
Fixtures & Appliances
Install sink, faucet, lighting. Deliver and connect appliances.
Finishing & Inspection
Install hardware, touch-up paint, final inspection, punch list, deep clean.
Note: This assumes materials arrive on time and no major surprises. Add 2-3 weeks buffer for real-world delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical kitchen renovation take?
Minor kitchen updates (painting cabinets, new countertops, backsplash) take 2-4 weeks. Major remodels (new cabinets, layout changes, all new finishes) typically take 6-12 weeks. Full gut renovations with structural changes can take 3-5 months. Material lead times often add weeks before work even begins.
What takes the longest in a kitchen renovation?
Custom cabinets have the longest lead time (6-12 weeks from order to delivery). Stone countertop fabrication and installation takes 2-6 weeks. Appliance delivery can take 2-8 weeks depending on availability. These timelines often overlap with construction, but delays in any can push back your entire project.
How much buffer time should I add to my kitchen renovation timeline?
Add 20-30% to your contractor's estimated timeline. If they say 8 weeks, plan for 10-12 weeks. This buffer accounts for material delays, permit issues, weather delays (if exterior work is involved), unexpected problems discovered during demo, and contractor scheduling conflicts.
Can I live in my house during a kitchen renovation?
Yes, most people stay in their homes during kitchen renovations, but it requires planning. Set up a temporary kitchen (microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker) in another room. Plan for takeout, meal prep, and simplified cooking. Expect dust, noise, and disruption. Some families choose to stay elsewhere during the most intense phases.
What can delay a kitchen renovation?
Common delays include: custom materials taking longer than expected, permit approval delays, unexpected issues found during demolition (water damage, electrical problems), contractor scheduling conflicts, material shortages or backorders, weather delays for exterior work, and inspection failures requiring corrections.
Ready to Begin?
You've completed the planning phase! With your timeline set, you're ready to move into the demo phase and start the actual renovation work.