The 5 Phases of a Kitchen Remodel (and How Long Each Takes)

Key takeaways

• Most kitchen remodels take 6–16 weeks once work starts. The full process, including planning and ordering materials, often stretches to 3–6 months from first idea to final punch list.
• Total costs vary widely, from $8,000–$120,000+. A modest pull-and-replace update is very different from a full gut renovation with layout changes and high-end finishes.
• Design and planning are their own phase—and they matter. Spending time here helps avoid costly changes later and keeps the project moving once demolition begins.
• Lead times for cabinets, countertops, and appliances drive the schedule. Custom cabinets can add 6–12 weeks; stock cabinets and in-stock materials move much faster.
• Changing the layout adds both time and money. Moving plumbing, electrical, or walls usually requires permits, inspections, and multiple trades, stretching the timeline.
• Living without a full kitchen is stressful but manageable with planning. Setting up a temporary kitchen and protecting nearby rooms makes the construction phase easier.
• Clear contracts, realistic timelines, and regular check-ins reduce surprises. Get written scopes, payment schedules, and change-order policies from any pro you hire.

Typical price range

All numbers below are approximate US ballpark ranges for labor and materials. Actual costs depend heavily on your kitchen size, material choices, and local labor rates.

• Cosmetic “facelift” (no layout changes): $8,000–$25,000
  Fresh paint, new backsplash, new lighting, maybe refacing cabinets and swapping out basic appliances. Usually keeps existing cabinets and layout.

• Pull-and-replace remodel: $25,000–$60,000
  New cabinets, countertops, sink, faucet, lighting, flooring, and mid-range appliances, but same basic layout and no major structural changes.

• Mid- to high-end remodel with some layout changes: $60,000–$100,000
  Moving some appliances, adding an island, upgrading electrical and plumbing, semi-custom or custom cabinets, stone countertops, and higher-end finishes.

• Full gut and custom redesign: $100,000–$150,000+
  Walls moved or removed, major plumbing/electrical/structural work, custom cabinetry, luxury appliances, and designer finishes.

What pushes costs lower

• Keeping the existing layout. No moving of sink, range, or major appliances.
• Refinishing or refacing cabinets instead of replacing. Often 40–60% less than new cabinets.
• Choosing stock or ready-to-assemble cabinets. Shorter lead times and lower cost than custom.
• Mid-range materials. Durable but not luxury: quartz or mid-grade granite, LVP or tile flooring, standard lighting.
• Minimal structural work. No moving walls, no new windows or doors.

What pushes costs higher

• Custom or inset cabinetry. Can easily double cabinet costs versus stock.
• High-end appliances. A single range or built-in fridge can run $5,000–$15,000+.
• Structural changes. Removing load-bearing walls, adding beams, or changing window/door openings.
• Major plumbing or electrical upgrades. Bringing older homes up to current code, adding circuits, or relocating plumbing lines.
• Complex tile work or specialty finishes. Intricate patterns, large-format tile, or specialty countertops (like waterfall edges).

The 5 phases of a kitchen remodel (and how long each takes)

Every project is unique, but most kitchen remodels follow the same five phases:

1. Planning & Design
2. Ordering & Pre-Construction
3. Demolition & Rough-In
4. Finishes & Installation
5. Punch List & Final Wrap-Up

Phase 1: Planning & Design (2–8 weeks)

This is where you define your goals, budget, and look.

Typical steps:

• Initial ideas and budgeting (1–2 weeks)
  • Collect inspiration photos and make a list of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
  • Set a realistic budget range with a 10–20% contingency for surprises.
• Design and layout (1–4 weeks)
  • Meet with a designer, architect, or design-build contractor.
  • Create floor plans, cabinet layouts, and lighting plans.
  • Make big decisions: layout, cabinet style, appliance locations.
• Selecting finishes (1–4 weeks, often overlapping)
  • Choose cabinets, countertops, flooring, backsplash, fixtures, and hardware.
  • Get rough pricing to confirm everything fits your budget.
  • Revise selections if needed.

Phase 2: Ordering & Pre-Construction (2–12 weeks)

Once you sign a contract and finalize the design:

• Ordering materials (2–10+ weeks)
  • Cabinets: 4–12 weeks depending on stock vs. custom.
  • Countertops: usually 1–3 weeks from template to install (after cabinets are in).
  • Appliances: 1–8 weeks depending on availability.
• Permits and scheduling (1–4 weeks, often overlapping)
  • Your contractor typically handles permits for electrical, plumbing, structural, and sometimes mechanical work.
  • Inspections are scheduled with your local building department.
  • Start date is set once key materials and permits are in place.

Phase 3: Demolition & Rough-In (1–3 weeks)

This is when your old kitchen comes out and the “guts” get updated.

• Demolition (1–5 days)
  • Remove cabinets, countertops, appliances, and sometimes flooring and drywall.
  • Protect nearby rooms with plastic sheeting and floor coverings.
• Rough plumbing and electrical (3–10 days)
  • Licensed plumbers and electricians run new lines, add circuits, and relocate outlets or fixtures.
  • Any HVAC changes (like new vents or hood ducting) are done now.
• Inspections (1–7 days, depends on your area)
  • Building inspectors check rough-in work before walls are closed.

Phase 4: Finishes & Installation (3–8 weeks)

This is the most visible part of the remodel.

• Drywall and painting (3–7 days)
  • Patch or replace drywall, then prime and paint.
• Cabinet installation (3–7 days)
  • Install base and wall cabinets, island, and trim pieces.
• Countertop template and install (1–3 weeks total)
  • Template after cabinets are in, then fabrication and installation.
• Flooring, backsplash, and trim (1–3 weeks)
  • Install and grout tile or lay other flooring.
  • Install backsplash after countertops.
  • Add baseboards, crown, and other trim.
• Appliances, fixtures, and final electrical/plumbing (3–7 days)
  • Set appliances, connect water and gas (by licensed pros), install sink, faucet, and lighting.
  • Final electrical and plumbing trim-out.

Phase 5: Punch List & Final Wrap-Up (1–3 weeks)

The home stretch:

• Punch list walk-through (1–2 hours)
  • Walk the space with your contractor and note any issues: paint touch-ups, door adjustments, missing hardware, etc.
• Corrections and final tweaks (3–14 days)
  • Contractor schedules trades to address punch list items.
• Final inspection and sign-off (1–7 days)
  • Building inspector completes final inspection.
  • You receive any warranty info and care instructions.

Efficiency and long-term costs

A kitchen remodel isn’t just about looks—it can also affect your monthly bills and maintenance.

• Energy-efficient appliances.
  • Newer fridges, dishwashers, and ranges often use significantly less energy and water.
  • Over 10–15 years, that can offset part of the higher upfront cost.
• Better lighting design.
  • Switching to all-LED lighting cuts energy use and bulb replacements.
  • Layered lighting (recessed, under-cabinet, pendants) improves comfort and safety.
• Durable surfaces.
  • Materials like quartz, quality tile, and durable flooring may cost more upfront but need less maintenance and replacement.
• Improved ventilation.
  • A properly sized, vented range hood helps remove moisture and grease, protecting cabinets and walls and improving indoor air quality.
• Resale value.
  • Kitchens are a major selling point. A well-planned remodel can recoup a significant portion of its cost at resale, especially if it’s neutral, functional, and not overly trendy.

Sometimes it’s worth paying more now to avoid re-doing poor-quality work or replacing failing surfaces in a few years.

What to expect from a kitchen remodel project

Before the pro arrives

• Clarify scope and budget in writing.
  • Get a detailed contract with what’s included, start and estimated end dates, and payment schedule.
• Set up a temporary kitchen (1–3 days).
  • Move a microwave, toaster oven, and coffee maker to another room.
  • Use a utility sink, bathroom sink, or laundry sink if possible.
• Clear the space (1–2 days).
  • Empty cabinets, remove wall decor, and protect adjacent rooms and floors.
• Discuss access and house rules.
  • Work hours, parking, pets, and where materials can be stored.

Typical day-to-day during construction

• Crew arrival and setup (15–30 minutes).
  • Cover floors and walkways, bring in tools, review the day’s plan.
• Noisy and dusty work is front-loaded.
  • Demolition, cutting, and sanding happen early in the project.
• Daily check-ins (5–15 minutes).
  • Quick conversations with your project manager or lead carpenter to review progress and decisions.
• End-of-day cleanup (15–30 minutes).
  • Sweep/vacuum, organize tools, and secure the site.

Typical timeline by project type

• Cosmetic update (paint, backsplash, minor fixes): 1–3 weeks
• Pull-and-replace kitchen (no layout changes): 4–8 weeks
• Layout changes or structural work: 8–16+ weeks

These timeframes assume materials are on-site or readily available and inspections go smoothly.

DIY vs. hire a pro

Reasonable DIY tasks for a handy homeowner

If you’re comfortable with tools and follow safety precautions, you might handle:

• Planning and research. Gathering ideas, measuring your space, and defining your priorities.
• Painting walls and ceilings. After drywall is finished and primed.
• Simple backsplash installation. Basic tile patterns if you have some tiling experience.
• Hardware installation. Adding cabinet pulls and knobs.
• Light cosmetic updates. Replacing outlet covers, caulking, and basic touch-ups.

These can reduce labor costs, but coordinate with your contractor so DIY work doesn’t delay the schedule.

Tasks that should be left to licensed pros

For safety, code compliance, and insurance coverage, certain work should always be handled by qualified professionals:

• Electrical work.
  • Adding circuits, relocating outlets, installing recessed lighting, and wiring appliances require a licensed electrician. Mistakes can cause fire or shock hazards and fail inspection.
• Plumbing work.
  • Moving or adding water lines, drains, and gas lines (for gas ranges) must be done by a licensed plumber. Gas work is especially critical for safety.
• Structural changes.
  • Removing or altering load-bearing walls, adding beams, or changing window/door openings should involve a structural professional and permitted work.
• HVAC and ventilation.
  • Running new ductwork or properly venting a range hood to the exterior should be done by pros to avoid moisture and air-quality issues.
• Permitting and inspections.
  • Your general contractor or design-build firm typically coordinates this. Unpermitted work can cause issues with resale and insurance.

When in doubt, ask your contractor what’s safe and appropriate to DIY—and be prepared for them to recommend pro-only work for anything involving wiring, gas, or structure.

Questions to ask potential pros

• “What is included—and not included—in your estimate?”
  Make sure cabinets, countertops, appliances, permits, and cleanup are clearly listed.
• “Is this a fixed-price bid or a time-and-materials estimate?”
  Understand how changes and overruns will be handled.
• “How do you handle change orders and unexpected issues?”
  Ask how you’ll be notified and what approval process is used.
• “Who will be on-site daily, and who is my main point of contact?”
  Clarify whether you’ll work with a project manager, lead carpenter, or the owner.
• “What is the projected start date and duration for my project?”
  Get a realistic timeline and understand what could cause delays.
• “Do you handle permits and inspections?”
  Confirm they’ll pull required permits and schedule inspections.
• “Are you licensed, insured, and familiar with local building codes?”
  Ask for proof of insurance and any relevant licenses.
• “What brands/lines of cabinets, counters, and fixtures do you typically use?”
  This helps you gauge quality level, even if you don’t know exact brands.
• “What warranties do you offer on labor and materials?”
  Get warranty terms in writing.
• “How do you protect my home from dust and damage?”
  Ask about floor coverings, plastic barriers, and daily cleanup.
• “What payment schedule do you require?”
  Avoid paying the full amount upfront; typical schedules are tied to milestones.
• “Can I see recent kitchen projects or speak with past clients?”
  References and photos help confirm experience with projects like yours.

Quick FAQ

How long will I be without a working kitchen?

For a full remodel, expect to be without a fully functioning kitchen for 4–10 weeks, depending on scope. You can usually set up a temporary kitchen with small appliances to get through the disruption.

Do I always need permits for a kitchen remodel?

If you’re just painting, swapping cabinet doors, or replacing fixtures in the same locations, you may not need permits. Any work involving electrical, plumbing, gas, or structural changes typically does require permits—your contractor should confirm and handle this.

Is it cheaper to remodel in stages?

You can spread costs out by doing some work now and some later, but stopping and restarting can increase total cost and disruption. It’s usually more efficient to group major work (like cabinets, counters, and rough-in trades) into a single project.

Will my homeowners insurance cover a kitchen remodel?

Standard policies generally don’t pay for planned upgrades, but they may cover repairs after a covered loss (like a fire or burst pipe). Call your insurer before starting to confirm coverage and whether you need to update your policy after the remodel.

Wrap-up and next steps

A kitchen remodel is a big project, but breaking it into clear phases—design, ordering, demolition, installation, and punch list—makes it manageable. Your decisions about layout changes, materials, and appliances will drive both cost and timeline, so it pays to plan carefully and leave room in your budget and schedule for surprises.

Before you commit, get 2–3 detailed quotes from reputable pros so you can compare scopes, timelines, and communication styles—not just price. A neutral local directory like Home Services Scout can help you find and compare kitchen remodelers in your area without pressure.

With the right team, realistic expectations, and a solid plan, you can get through the mess of construction and end up with a kitchen that works better for your daily life and adds lasting value to your home.