We do roofing, we do siding, we do flooring, but some of our favorite projects are kitchens. That’s where so much personality can really shine, and a place that can change a home completely.
Installing a new kitchen is one of the most involved types of home renovations. It requires coordination from multiple directions, careful planning of layout and materials, and – often – time to ensure that everything is installed correctly.
While some cosmetic kitchen updates can be completed quickly, a full kitchen installation can take longer than many homeowners expect. The timeline is going to vary based on many variables, but it’s helpful to be prepared.
Typical Timeframes for a Full Kitchen Installation
One thing that we want to note here is that Christian Construction is often *must faster* than other contractors by design. This isn’t just a sales pitch – one thing that we do very differently is that we employ, in house, the people that are working on your kitchen. Many other general contractors sub-contract out, and that means that you’re at the mercy of not only your schedule, but the schedules of others, too.
By completing the work in house with our in house team, we can cut time – and costs – dramatically.
The following is a more generic answer, but note that we are frequently able to work at a much faster pace.
For most contractors, a standard kitchen installation typically takes anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. Some projects move faster, and others take longer, depending on the complexity of the design and any unexpected issues that arise.
Most full kitchen remodels follow a timeline similar to this:
- 1 to 2 Weeks – Demolition and Initial Prep – This includes removing old cabinets, flooring, countertops, and appliances. During this stage, contractors also inspect plumbing, electrical, and structural components to identify any issues that need to be addressed before installation.
- 2 to 4 Weeks – Rough-In Work and Structural Changes – If you’re changing the layout, moving plumbing lines, or upgrading electrical systems, this is the phase where that work happens. It may also include reframing walls or installing new windows and insulation.
- 2 to 4 Weeks – Cabinetry, Flooring, and Countertop Installation – Cabinets are usually installed first, followed by countertops and flooring. If you’ve ordered custom cabinetry or stone countertops, there may be lead times that affect this stage of the schedule.
- 1 to 2 Weeks – Final Fixtures, Appliances, and Punch List – This includes installing backsplashes, light fixtures, appliances, hardware, and finishing touches. Contractors also complete the final adjustments and resolve any last-minute issues before closing out the project.
This assumes that all materials have been ordered in advance and that there are no major structural surprises. One challenge for some contractors is that delays on one end can introduce delays in others, especially when subcontracting. If one contractor requires work to be completed before the other contractor can come, and both have tight schedules, that may delay much of the work.
Factors That Can Extend the Timeline
There are many reasons a kitchen installation might take longer than expected, and most of them are outside of the homeowner’s control. Even with a good contractor and proper planning, the following can introduce delays:
- Supply chain disruptions or backorders for cabinets, flooring, or countertops
- Permit delays depending on your municipality
- Discovery of outdated or unsafe electrical, plumbing, or structural components
- Design changes after work has already started
- Scheduling conflicts between subcontractors or inspectors
While not every project experiences delays, building in extra time can reduce stress and avoid unrealistic expectations.
What Homeowners Can Do to Keep the Process Moving
Although you may not be handling the installation directly, your decisions can influence the timeline. Ordering materials early, finalizing layout details in advance, and avoiding mid-project changes all help reduce avoidable delays. It’s always a good idea to come up with your plan and stick to it. We work together in depth to make sure that the kitchen is well planned and everything is in place.
Kitchen Installations Require Time, but the Results Are Long-Lasting
Installing a new kitchen is a significant undertaking, but it’s also one of the most high-impact upgrades you can make in a home. A typical project will take at least several weeks, and in most cases, closer to two or three months from start to finish. But it’s worth it. Once you have a new kitchen, you’re going to love it for decades, and it will add value to your property as well.
