The most common question we get after 'how much does it cost?' is 'how long will it take?' The honest answer is that it depends on scope, but most full kitchen renovations we do run between four and seven weeks. Here is what happens in each phase and what can slow things down.
Week One: Demolition and Rough-In ¶
Demolition is fast. Cabinets, countertops, and flooring typically come out in one to two days. What takes time is what happens next. Any plumbing or electrical relocations need to happen before the walls close, and those trades need to be scheduled in advance. If a permit is required, the rough-in inspection has to happen before drywall goes up. We coordinate all of this before demo day so there is no waiting around.
Weeks Two and Three: Drywall, Tile, and Prep ¶
Once rough-in is inspected, drywall goes up and gets finished to Level 4. Tile backsplash work usually happens in this phase as well, after the lower cabinets are set but before upper cabinets go in. Tile work is one of the phases that can stretch if the pattern is complex or if the tile needs to be ordered and has a lead time. We flag this during the estimate so it does not catch anyone off guard.
Weeks Three to Five: Cabinet and Countertop Installation ¶
Semi-custom cabinets from suppliers like Millbrook Cabinetry typically have a three to five week lead time from order to delivery. We time the order so cabinets arrive just as the drywall is ready. Countertop fabrication happens after cabinets are set, because the fabricator templates off the actual installed cabinets. Quartz countertops from Stoneworks Ontario usually take ten to fourteen days from template to installation.
Final Week: Appliances, Trim, and Punch List ¶
The last week is appliance installation, trim painting, hardware installation, and the punch list walkthrough. The punch list is a written list of anything that needs a touch-up or adjustment. We do not consider a project complete until the punch list is signed off by the homeowner. Final cleaning is included.
A four to seven week timeline assumes no major surprises. Older homes sometimes have plumbing or electrical that needs upgrading once walls are open. We build a contingency discussion into every estimate so you know what to expect if something unexpected shows up.