How Long Does A Kitchen Remodel Take?
There are many questions people have about remodeling their kitchen. How much will it cost, what needs to be renovated, and lastly, how long will it take? The question of how long the project will take has many implications for a homeowner. Life events and lifestyle changes must be accounted for before beginning a large kitchen project. Before the decision is made to start a kitchen project, a homeowner will need to answer several major questions:
- What kind of kitchen renovation do I want? Will it be a minor update or a whole kitchen project?
- Will my kitchen use the same layout or will that change?
- What appliances and amenities will I change or update?
Once these questions are understood, the timeline for the project begins to fall into place. Materials, the scope of work, and the availability of a contractor are some of the most important factors.
When you schedule a free consultation with 3Rivers General Contracting, we will help you with every decision of the kitchen remodeling process. From layout choices to cabinet options and electrical work to flooring, we can talk through your future kitchen. We are proud to be Pittsburgh’s premier general contractor with years of experience delivering dream kitchens to clients.
Demolition
The demolition phase of your kitchen renovation is pretty straightforward… out with the old kitchen! This work generally takes a few days to one week depending on the size of the kitchen and the scope of the project. If you plan on doing this step yourself, make sure to plan for the disposal of the waste.
Kitchen Cabinetry
Whether you are looking to repurpose existing cabinetry or want to incorporate new cabinets into a larger project, it is a great place to start planning your kitchen project. Cabinetry provides functionality and fashion for a kitchen. If you are looking to get custom cabinetry, 10-14 days is the average timeline for completion. Cabinetry work is often accompanied by backsplash and countertop work, each taking about a week to complete.
Flooring
Kitchen flooring is one of the more straightforward projects. If this is all you plan on remodeling, a simple demolition of your existing flooring and installation of new material will get the job done. In certain circumstances, the old floor may not even need to be removed. The average kitchen floor installation will take anywhere from a day to a week to complete. The size of the kitchen, flooring material, and demolition will all cause this timeline to vary.
Drywall and Painting
Many kitchen projects require new walls to be installed. Drywalling a whole kitchen and applying paint is fairly straightforward. Hanging the drywall, prepping the wall, priming and painting will take two days to a week to complete.
Lighting
Electrical work is pretty straightforward in most kitchen remodeling projects. There will be existing wiring and electrical features that make installing new fixtures a breeze. Although this step does not require much work, it is still best left to the professionals. Electrical work done incorrectly can be fatal, so leave this to a licensed general contractor. A good contractor can get most electrical work done in under a day.
Appliance Installation
Appliance installation is usually the last step in any kitchen remodeling project. Your walls are done, electrical work completed, flooring installed, and all that is left are the final touches. A general contractor will connect the plumbing and electrical work to your new appliances and ensure they are operating properly. This generally takes one to two days, depending on the number of appliances and the complexity of their features.
Why Do Kitchen Remodels Take So Long?
Kitchen renovations can be some of the longest projects a homeowner can undertake. Unlike many rooms in your home, the kitchen has many moving parts that must be accounted for. Plumbing, wiring, expensive appliances, and functional layouts will cause longer projects. No kitchen project is the same, but they do tend to be the lengthier home projects. To give you a better idea of why they exactly take so long, read about all of the steps that go into building a new kitchen:
Steps To A New Kitchen
- Planning – Decide on what work you want to be done and consult with a licensed contractor. They will talk through your ideas and the feasibility of your project, then agree on a schedule to begin working.
- Demolition – Once you have a design, out with the old! Depending on what you want to change, you may have a large or small demolition underway.
- Framing, Electrical, Plumbing – When your house was built, they didn’t start with the furniture, right? The framing must be established so the rest of the kitchen can be properly built around it. The electric and plumbing may need to be altered as well, which will accompany the framing.
- Walls, Windows, and Doors – Walls will cover the framing and new entryways and windows can be installed. If you plan on keeping your existing layout and windows, this step will shave time off the project.
- Flooring – Depending on what type of flooring you will have in your new kitchen, this step could fall at different points in the project timeline. Hardier floors will generally be installed after the framing is completed, but it could be pushed back depending on the material.
- Cabinets, Countertops, and Fixtures – Wow, you almost have a full kitchen by this step. Once cabinets and countertops are installed, your new room starts to resemble a fully functioning kitchen.
- Appliances – What is the purpose of a kitchen if there is no way to cook food? This is the last step in the kitchen remodeling process. Ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, ranges, and other appliances are installed.
- Enjoyment – You now have yourself a new kitchen! Check to make sure everything is working properly and that all of your wishlist items have been met. Enjoy the breath of new air that your new kitchen brings to your home.
Kitchen Remodeling Budget
Americans spend an average of $20,000 on kitchen remodeling projects. Before you dive into your kitchen renovation, it is best to create a budget and stick to it. Sit down with your family and discuss must-haves, major wants, and dream goals. Prioritize the must-haves and then plan from there. A great tip for budgeting for a kitchen renovation is to expect the unexpected, so leave a little money in your reserves in case of an emergency that arises.
To give an idea of kitchen remodeling costs, here are the numbers from HomeAdvisor:
- Average kitchen: $25,656 or $150 per square foot.
- Smaller kitchens: $10,000 to $15,000
- Large renovation: $30,000+ (including custom cabinets, hardwood floors, and high-end appliances)
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Ideas
A small budget does not mean you cannot renovate your kitchen. There are many options that give you bang for your buck. Take these ideas into consideration:
- Repurpose cabinetry. A great way to save on a kitchen remodel is to ditch the custom cabinetry. Your existing cabinets may only need a coat of paint or sanding to turn them into eye-catching features of your kitchen. If the cabinets need to go, buy stock products with limited customization.
- Break up your project. Renovating your whole kitchen does not have to be done at one time. You can plan the renovation in stages to help with the financing of the room.
- Eliminate unnecessary ideas. Understand what must be done to your kitchen and be realistic with what you really need. While a refrigerator that tells you when your milk is low is cool, it is likely not practical and will cost you a fortune.
Kitchen FAQs
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
This question varies from kitchen to kitchen, but the average kitchen remodeling project takes about8-10 weeks. There are many factors that go into this timeline, such as contractor availability, material availability, and the size of the project.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen?
This once again depends on the size of the kitchen. Large kitchens may necessitate more cabinetry, which will become your most expensive feature. A complete remodel of your kitchen with new cabinetry can cost you from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the quality and customization. If you have a smaller kitchen, the most expensive part will likely be your appliances.