Dreaming about a new kitchen is fun—imagining the layout, choosing finishes, picturing the first dinner you’ll cook in it. But the big question is, “How long does a kitchen remodel take?”
If you’re thinking about remodeling, knowing the kitchen remodel timeline from start to finish can help you plan ahead, avoid surprises, and get back to enjoying your space as soon as possible.
So, how long does a remodel take? Let’s break it down step by step, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and when you’ll be back to cooking in style.
The short answer? Most kitchen remodels take about 6 to 8 months—but the real answer depends on your design, materials, and the scope of work.
A refresh with all cosmetic updates? That’ll be on the shorter side. A full-scale renovation with layout changes, custom cabinetry, and all-new finishes? You’ll want to plan for a longer timeline.
We believe in keeping things clear and predictable, so we’re breaking down the kitchen remodeling timeline step by step. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect at every phase of your project.
No surprises, just progress.
A well-planned kitchen remodel isn’t just about picking beautiful finishes—it’s a step-by-step process that involves careful planning, expert craftsmanship, and seamless project management.
Every kitchen remodel starts with a conversation. We begin with an initial phone consultation to ensure we’re the right fit for your project.
This is where we discuss your goals, expectations, timeline, and budget.
We get it—some homeowners aren’t sure what they want to spend yet. That’s why we share ballpark estimates based on past projects with a similar scope, helping you get a realistic sense of costs.
If everything aligns, we will schedule an in-home assessment. This is where we:
Plan to set aside 60 to 90 minutes (sometimes more) for this meeting. After this step, we’ll have a solid game plan to move forward with a kitchen remodeler you can trust.
For straightforward kitchen remodels that keep the existing layout, we skip the drawn-out estimating process and go straight to a detailed proposal.
This step allows us to give homeowners a more precise final project cost early on.
Since materials and selections can shift the overall price up or down, we include allowances in the proposal. These act as a guiding framework to help keep your budget on track while ensuring you get the best design possible.
Our team walks you through what these allowances cover, so there are no surprises down the road—just a smooth process toward the kitchen you’ve been dreaming of.
Once we have the green light, the real fun begins: design development.
This phase is where we fine-tune your vision, explore layout possibilities, and turn ideas into a functional plan.
We bring in architects for kitchen expansions and structural changes, while our designers handle projects that stay within the existing footprint.
If an engineer is needed for structural elements, we’ll set up a separate meeting to assess what’s needed.
We introduce multiple design ideas—one that fits within your target budget and another with expanded possibilities.
You might not land on the perfect layout right away, so this step allows for refinements and adjustments based on feedback.
By now, we’re closing in on the ideal design.
We review any revisions, confirm layout details, and prepare for the selection phase. At this point, we bring in our trade partners, project managers, and lead carpenters to assess your space and plans.
Their insight ensures we catch potential scope impacts early and provide a detailed, accurate job cost before construction begins.
Now it’s time to pick the fun stuff—cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and finishes. To keep this process smooth, our designers coordinate visits to vendor showrooms, often pre-selecting samples based on your style and needs so you’re not overwhelmed.
This phase may require multiple showroom visits, depending on availability and decision-making time.
At this stage, everything is coming together—your kitchen design is finalized, selections are set, and we’re ready to turn plans into action.
Before we break ground, we go through a few essential steps to ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Once all selections are made and the scope of work is confirmed, we provide a final contract and proposal.
This document includes detailed costs, project scope, and a clear breakdown of what to expect. This step ensures that everyone is on the same page before moving forward.
With paperwork signed, we immediately begin ordering long lead-time materials like custom cabinetry, specialty finishes, and high-end appliances.
At the same time, we apply for building permits, which vary in processing time depending on the project’s location and scope.
Our team manages all permitting so you don’t have to worry about the red tape.
A few weeks before construction kicks off, we schedule a pre-start meeting to get everything in place.
Even though our project manager has been involved since the design phase, this meeting is important to refresh their knowledge of the scope and start coordinating logistics.
We cover:
Once we break ground, it’s full speed ahead.
Your kitchen transformation is officially underway, and our team is committed to keeping everything on track and on time.
A lead carpenter is assigned to your project and is on-site every day to manage the day-to-day operations. Their role is to:
While your lead carpenter manages the daily progress, a project manager oversees the big picture. Their job is to monitor the overall schedule, handle logistics, and keep you in the loop.
We believe transparency is key, so we set up weekly check-ins to:
Your project team is always available to keep things running smoothly and ensure that you feel informed every step of the way.
As construction wraps up, we take the time to ensure everything is perfect before calling the project complete.
We schedule a comprehensive walkthrough with you to:
Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we don’t consider the project done until every last detail meets your expectations.
Once everything is finalized, it’s time to enjoy your brand-new kitchen—built with craftsmanship, care, and attention to detail!
We know you have way more questions about a kitchen remodel than about the timeline. These are just a few. When you're ready to find out more about your kitchen remodel, we're available for you.
You can stay in your home during a kitchen remodel, but let’s be honest—it won’t be business as usual.
No stove, no sink, and no refrigerator mean that everyday tasks take a little extra planning. If you’re sticking around, setting up a temporary kitchen can help keep things manageable.
Find a practical spot like a garage, basement, or even a spare room, and stock it with essentials like a microwave, coffee maker, and mini fridge. If your remodel is on the larger side, or if you love to cook, relocating temporarily may be the more comfortable option—your kitchen remodel timeline and daily routine will help guide your decision.
A kitchen remodel is a major investment, and the last thing you want is to realize you’ve overlooked something after the dust settles. Here are some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make—and how to avoid them:
Avoiding these common pitfalls ensures your new kitchen isn’t just beautiful—it’s functional and built to fit your life.
Kitchen remodels take time, but smart planning helps avoid delays.
The biggest factor? Making decisions early! Locking in your must-haves, setting a clear budget, and finalizing materials before construction keeps things running smoothly.
Having these answers early keeps your kitchen remodel timeline on track.
Start with essentials like storage, lighting, layout, and durable materials. Once those are covered, add wish list items like a large kitchen island, walk-in pantry, or custom cabinetry.
Yes! Collect images from Pinterest, Houzz, home magazines, and showrooms to give your remodeler a clear vision of your style.
Setting a budget upfront avoids overspending and keeps the project moving. Need help? Your remodeler can guide you toward the best materials and features within your price range.
The right planning makes all the difference—start strong, stay on track, and get the kitchen you’ve been waiting for!
A kitchen remodel is a big investment, but with the right team and a clear kitchen remodel timeline, the process can be smooth, exciting, and—dare we say—fun!
Knowing what to expect at each phase helps you stay prepared, make confident decisions, and look forward to the finished result.
At Metro Building & Remodeling Group, we’re here to guide you through every step—from design and planning to construction and the final reveal. If you’re ready to get started on your dream kitchen, reach out today to schedule a consultation.
Let’s bring your vision to life!