How to Plan a Kitchen Renovation Timeline can feel overwhelming, but understanding the timeline for your new kitchen makes the entire process manageable. Whether you’re undertaking a small kitchen refresh or a complete remodel, having a clear kitchen renovation timeline helps you prepare for each stage, avoid delays, and ultimately achieve your dream kitchen without unnecessary stress.
In this ultimate kitchen renovation guide, we’ll walk you through every phase of the renovation process, from initial planning to final touches, so you know exactly what to expect when you renovate a kitchen.
Why a Kitchen Renovation Timeline Matters
A kitchen renovation is an exciting project, but without careful planning, it can quickly become stressful and costly. Understanding how long a kitchen renovation takes allows you to set realistic expectations with your family, coordinate effectively with your contractor, plan temporary kitchen arrangements, budget appropriately for the entire project, and minimise disruptions to your daily life.
The typical kitchen renovation timeline ranges from 8 to 20 weeks, depending on the scope of your renovation. Let’s break down each phase so you can create a realistic timeline and budget for your new kitchen renovation.
Phase 1: Initial Planning and Design (4-8 Weeks)
Planning and Design
The design phase is where your dream kitchen begins to take shape. This stage can take several weeks, but it’s crucial for a successful kitchen renovation. During initial planning, you’ll work with a kitchen designer to assess your current space and existing kitchen layout, define your goals (increase storage, improve functionality, update aesthetics), explore different kitchen design options, and make key design decisions about the layout of your kitchen.
At Aloco Kitchens, we guide you through the design process with detailed 3D visualisations, helping you see exactly how your new kitchen will look before any work begins.
Design and Material Selection (2-4 Weeks)
Once you’ve finalised your design plan, it’s time to select materials. You’ll need to choose kitchen cabinets and cabinetry finishes, worktop materials (quartz, granite, or composite), flooring options, appliance specifications, fixtures including taps and faucets, lighting choices and light fixtures, and splashback tiles or materials.
Custom kitchen cabinetry often has long lead times of 6-8 weeks, so order materials early in the planning and budgeting stage to avoid delays later.
Planning and Budgeting
Understanding the timeline and budget together is essential. Your contractor should provide a detailed breakdown of costs and expected timeframes for each stage. This helps you prepare financially and mentally for the renovation work ahead.
Phase 2: Pre-Construction Preparation (2-3 Weeks)
Finalising Contracts and Schedules
Before any physical work begins on your kitchen project, you need to sign contracts with your contractor, confirm delivery schedules for cabinets, appliances, and fixtures, book tradespeople for plumbing and electrical work, and obtain any necessary building permissions for structural changes.
Setting Up a Temporary Kitchen
Living without a full kitchen during renovation can be challenging. Create a temporary kitchen in another room with a microwave and kettle, a small fridge, basic utensils and dishes, and a portable cooktop if possible. Planning how you’ll prepare meals in advance will make the renovation process much smoother for your family.
Phase 3: Demolition and Structural Work (1-2 Weeks)
Demolition
The demolition phase marks the physical start of your kitchen remodel. Your contractor will remove existing kitchen cabinets and cabinetry, take out old appliances, strip away old flooring if you’re installing new flooring, remove existing fixtures and fittings, and clear the kitchen space completely.
Demolition typically takes 2-4 days for a standard kitchen, though it may take longer if you’re removing walls or making significant structural changes.
Structural Work and Changes
If you’re changing the layout of your kitchen or removing walls to create an open-plan space, structural work happens now. This stage can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on complexity, and may include removing or installing walls, adding support beams, creating new doorways or windows, and reinforcing floors.
Structural changes require careful coordination with engineers and building inspectors, so factor in potential delays at this stage.
Phase 4: First Fix – Plumbing and Electrical Work (1-2 Weeks)
Electrical and Plumbing
Once structural work is complete, the renovation can proceed to “first fix” services. This crucial phase involves both electrical work and plumbing work that needs to happen before anything else can be fitted.
For electrical work, contractors will be installing new wiring for appliances, positioning outlets and switches, wiring for lighting and under-cabinet lights, and preparing electrical connections for cookers, ovens, and hobs.
The plumbing work at this stage includes relocating or installing new plumbing for sinks, running pipes for dishwashers and washing machines, installing waste pipes and drainage, and preparing connections for your faucet and any special features like Quooker taps.
Professional electrical and plumbing work is essential for safety and compliance. Your contractor will coordinate these trades to work efficiently and minimise the timeline.
Making Good
After the first fix, plumbing or electrical work is complete, walls are plastered and made smooth, any ceiling repairs are completed, and the space is prepared for the installation phase. Communication with your contractor during this stage ensures any issues are caught early before they impact the overall kitchen renovation timeline.
Phase 5: Kitchen Installation (2-3 Weeks)
Cabinet Installation
With services in place, cabinet installation can begin. This typically takes 3-5 days, depending on the size and complexity of your kitchen layout. Your installer will fit base and wall cabinets, ensure everything is level and secure, install internal fittings and drawer systems, and fit cabinet doors and handles. Quality kitchen cabinets properly installed form the foundation of your new kitchen and should last for decades.
Worktop Templating and Fitting
After cabinets are installed, worktop suppliers will template your kitchen space to ensure a perfect fit. The process involves templating, where precise measurements are taken (usually 1-2 days after cabinet installation), fabrication, where worktops are cut and finished (typically 1-2 weeks), and installation, where the finished worktop is fitted, usually taking 1 day.
Appliance Installation
Once cabinetry and worktops are in place, appliances can be fitted. This includes built-in ovens and microwaves, hobs and cooktops, integrated dishwashers and fridges, and extraction systems. Your contractor coordinates with appliance suppliers to ensure everything arrives on schedule. Long lead times for speciality appliances can extend your kitchen remodel timeline, so order early.
Tiling and Splashbacks
With cabinets and worktops installed, tiling work begins. Floor tiles (if you’re installing new flooring) and wall tiles for splashbacks need to be fitted, grouted and sealed. This stage can take 2-3 days, depending on the complexity of your design.
Second Fix Plumbing and Electrical
The final plumbing and electrical work includes connecting and testing all appliances, installing the faucet and sink, fitting light fixtures and switches, connecting waste disposal units, and final testing of all electrical and plumbing systems.
Phase 6: Final Touches and Inspection (1 Week)
Final Touches and Finishing Touches
As your kitchen renovation nears completion, the finishing touches bring everything together. This includes installing handles and knobs, fitting plinths and cornices, applying sealant around sinks and worktops, touching up paintwork, and installing any decorative elements. These final touches transform your functional kitchen space into a beautiful, complete room.
Final Inspection and Snagging
Before your contractor hands over the keys to your ultimate kitchen, a thorough final inspection is conducted, any minor issues are identified and resolved, all appliances are tested, you’re shown how to operate new fixtures and appliances, and warranty and care information is provided.
At Aloco Kitchens, we don’t consider a job complete until you’re completely satisfied with every detail of your new kitchen.
Deep Clean and Handover
The final step involves professional cleaning of all surfaces, removing all packaging and debris, a final walkthrough with you, and handing over instruction manuals and warranty information.
Typical Kitchen Renovation Timeline: At a Glance
Here’s how long a kitchen renovation will take based on scope. For a simple kitchen refresh with minimal changes, the timeline is 8-10 weeks and includes new cabinets, worktops, appliances, and no layout changes. A standard kitchen remodel takes 12-14 weeks and includes new everything, possible minor layout changes, and updated plumbing and electrical. A comprehensive kitchen renovation with major changes takes 16-20+ weeks and includes structural changes, complete layout redesign, high-end custom cabinetry, and extensive electrical work.
Remember, a typical kitchen renovation timeline assumes everything runs smoothly. The reality is that delays can happen, so always add a buffer of 2-3 weeks to your expected timeline.
Common Factors That Can Extend Your Kitchen Remodel Timeline
Lead Times for Materials
Custom elements have long lead times. Bespoke kitchen cabinets take 6-8 weeks, specialist appliances take 4-8 weeks, natural stone worktops take 3-4 weeks, and custom lighting fixtures take 2-6 weeks.
Structural Changes and Permissions
Removing walls or making significant structural changes can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline, especially if building regulations approval is required.
Supply Chain Delays
Whilst your contractor will do their best to keep your kitchen renovation on track, external factors like material shortages or delivery delays can impact the schedule. This is why it’s essential to order materials early.
Design Changes Mid-Project
Changing your mind about materials, layouts, or fixtures during the renovation process can cause significant delays and additional costs. Thorough planning and design at the start help avoid this.
Discovering Hidden Issues
When you renovate a kitchen, especially in older homes, hidden problems can emerge. Old plumbing that needs upgrading, electrical wiring that doesn’t meet current standards, structural issues behind walls, or damp or rot requiring treatment can all add days or even weeks to your kitchen renovation timeline.
Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Renovation on Schedule
1. Plan Thoroughly Before Starting
The more complete your planning and design work upfront, the smoother the renovation process will be. Spend adequate time in the design phase making decisions about every element of your kitchen layout.
2. Order Materials Early
Don’t wait until work starts to order materials. Long lead times mean you should order kitchen cabinetry, appliances, and speciality fixtures as soon as your design is finalised.
3. Choose the Right Kitchen Designer and Contractor
Working with experienced home renovation professionals like Aloco Kitchens ensures your project is managed efficiently. A general contractor who specialises in kitchen renovations understands how to coordinate trades, manage timelines, and anticipate problems.
4. Build in Buffer Time
When planning your timeline for your new kitchen, add at least 2-3 weeks of buffer time. This cushion helps absorb any unexpected delays without causing stress.
5. Make Decisions Quickly
When your contractor needs answers about materials, fixtures, or design decisions, respond promptly. Delays in decision-making can push back your entire schedule.
6. Maintain Open Communication
Regular communication with your contractor keeps everyone aligned. Weekly check-ins help catch potential issues early and keep your kitchen renovation on track.
7. Plan Around Seasonal Factors
In Ireland, consider scheduling your kitchen project during drier months when possible. Whilst this won’t affect indoor work significantly, deliveries and some trades may be impacted by severe weather.
Living Through a Kitchen Renovation: Practical Tips
Keep Your Kitchen Functional (Sort Of)
Whilst you can’t keep your kitchen fully operational, you can set up a temporary kitchen area to help prepare meals. Designate a room (utility room, dining room, or garage) and install a microwave, kettle, and toaster. Use a portable induction hob if possible, store frequently used items in easy-reach boxes, and keep cleaning supplies handy.
Plan Your Meals
A typical kitchen renovation will take several weeks, so plan how you’ll eat. Batch cook and freeze meals before work begins, invest in easy, healthy ready meals, use the opportunity to explore local restaurants, and consider simple meals that require minimal cooking.
Protect Your Home
The renovation work can create dust and disruption. Seal off the kitchen area with plastic sheeting, cover nearby furniture and belongings, establish a clear pathway for contractors, and plan to clean adjacent rooms regularly.
Stay Flexible
Even with careful planning, things may not go exactly as planned. Flexibility and patience will help you through any unexpected challenges during your kitchen remodel.
Creating the Right Kitchen Renovation Timeline for You
Every kitchen renovation is unique, and your timeline should reflect the scope of your renovation, your budget, and your personal circumstances. Whether you’re undertaking a simple refresh or a complete transformation, understanding each phase of the renovation process helps you plan effectively.
Remember these key points. A typical kitchen renovation takes 12-16 weeks for a standard remodel. Planning and design should never be rushed. Order materials with long lead times early. Build buffer time into your schedule. Choose experienced professionals who understand kitchen renovation timelines. Stay flexible and maintain good communication.
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Renovation?
Now that you understand the typical kitchen renovation timeline, you’re ready to take the first step towards your dream kitchen. At Aloco Kitchens, we’ve completed hundreds of kitchen renovations across Dublin and Ireland, and we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Contact us today for a consultation. We’ll assess your current space, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed, realistic timeline and budget for your kitchen project. With Aloco Kitchens managing your renovation, you can look forward to a smooth process and a stunning result that you’ll love for years to come.
