Remodeling Timelines

Don’t let the heat and humidity fool you—fall is almost here! The back-to-school hustle and bustle has already begun, and before you know it you’ll be planning your holiday menu.

This is also the time of year when our clients start thinking about that new kitchen they wished for last holiday season. They remember being frustrated with the lack of counter space, the need for additional burners on the stove, and how hard it was to keep all of the wine at the right temperature for each dinner course. If you want a new kitchen by the holidays, act now; even under the most ideal circumstances, a kitchen remodel is a big undertaking. Beginning now will ensure you have the kitchen of your dreams by the time you have to pop that ham, turkey, or goose in the oven.

If you think you have plenty of time, you’re right—but only if you begin soon. To illustrate this, we’ll share with you a Kitchen Remodeling Timeline to help you visualize and plan your remodeling project.

Kitchen Remodeling Timeline:

Week 1 [The Planning Stages]:  Gather the family and assess the state of your current kitchen.  What key features would you like? Which appliances would you like to keep? What can you not do without?  Set a budget, and determine if you need a loan.

Weeks 2-4 [Meet with a Kitchen Designer]:  Planning can begin! During this period you will be choosing your style, finishes, and materials to be incorporated.  Interview general contractors and discuss what permits will be necessary.

Weeks 5-10 [Preparing Your Kitchen]:  Once the cabinetry, countertops, and appliances are ordered begin packing up your kitchen.  Stay organized, and designate boxes/containers with labels: keep, donate, or trash.  Identify a sink in which you can wash dishes.  Move your microwave to a convenient location for cooking or re-heating.  Decide where to put your refrigerator.  If you are planning on all new appliances, this may be a good time for a garage sale.

Week 11-19 [Demolition]:  The length of the demo phase varies, depending on the size of the remodel. It generally takes a week or less for a professional crew to deconstruct a room; typical remodels take eight weeks from the time construction begins. Plumbing, electrical, drywall, the overall extent of the project, and materials chosen—these issues, among others, will also impact the length of this phase.

Weeks 11-19 Cont’d [Installation]:  Installation typically occurs in this order: flooring, cabinetry, countertops, paint and finally appliances.  Then it’s time to unpack those boxes and start enjoying your beautiful, new kitchen—just in time for the holiday season.

Call or visit Cabinets & Designs today to consult with a designer and build the kitchen of your dreams.