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When taking on a kitchen remodel, one of the first questions the Calgary homeowners we work with often ask is, "How long does a kitchen renovation take?"
The average kitchen renovation takes between 4 - 6 months from planning and permitting to completion, with the construction phase itself taking roughly 2 - 3 months, but many factors from size, scope, and how quickly you communicate decisions with your design and renovation team can change the time frame greatly.
Understanding the timeline for a kitchen remodel can help in planning and managing expectations. A kitchen renovation can be a complex project, and several factors influence the duration, from the size of the kitchen to the intricacy of the design plan. This post will go through the step-by-step process based on our 15 plus years of experience in the industry, and give you a clear picture of how long each phase might take and ensuring your dream kitchen becomes a reality.
An entire kitchen renovation will typically take between 4 and 6 months.
The planning and permitting phase takes roughly 1 - 2 months.
The construction portion will take roughly 2-3 months.
Kitchen renovations involving structural changes (relocating support walls, adding additional square footage etc) may extend the timeline of the project.
The main stages of a kitchen renovation are: Planning, Demolition, Structural Work, Installation and Finishing.
Planning and design is one of the longest stages of remodeling. The faster you are able to answer questions and communicate with your contractor and make decisions, the faster your project can get off the ground and into production.
Using custom features and high-end materials can extend the timeline.
While several of the required tasks take a long time, many tasks are often completed concurrently by different trades for efficiency.
The size and complexity of your kitchen play a substantial role in determining how long the kitchen remodel takes. A larger kitchen naturally requires more materials, labor, and time to renovate than a smaller kitchen. The project complexity, including the kitchen design, can also impact the timeline. Complex designs with custom features or intricate details demand precision and skill, taking longer to execute. For instance, installing custom cabinets, elaborate backsplashes, and high-end appliances will extend the overall timeframe. So assessing the size and understanding the complexity of your planned kitchen are crucial first steps.
This means, generally, the more expansive and complex your kitchen project is, the more time you’ll need to allocate. Kitchens with unusual layouts or those requiring structural changes may complicate the process further. Engaging a general contractor early in your planning stages can provide a realistic estimate based on your specific end goals.
The scope of the project also significantly influences the duration of your kitchen remodel. A minor kitchen remodel, which might involve only surface-level changes such as fresh cabinet paint, or new fixtures, can be completed relatively quickly. On the other hand, a complete overhaul, where everything from the floor to the ceiling is gutted and replaced, will take much longer. Projects that include moving your kitchen from one part of the house to another or changing its layout considerably elongate the reno due to the increased complexity.
To understand how long it will take to remodel a kitchen, homeowners need to define the project’s scope clearly from the onset. This includes deciding on the level of remodel—whether it’s a minor upgrade and refresh, or a full overhaul. If your plan involves major structural adjustments, those will add to the timeline. Clear and precise planning helps in setting realistic expectations and allows for a smoother execution of the project from start to finish.
When it comes to custom features and a detailed design plan, how long a kitchen renovation takes may extend significantly. Custom kitchen elements such as bespoke cabinets, hand-selected tiles for the backsplash, and unique countertops require time to produce, fabricate, and install. The process of designing and crafting custom pieces is inherently more time-consuming than selecting pre-made options. Additionally, incorporating high-end appliances that need specific accommodations in the design plan can lengthen the remodeling process.
Homeowners opting for a highly personalized space should be prepared for a longer wait. Working closely with designers and contractors to finalize these custom details is essential for a successful kitchen remodel. This ensures that every element aligns with your vision and meets your standards before installation begins. Understanding these factors helps in managing expectations and contributing to a beautifully completed new kitchen.
Regardless of the different factors influencing your timeline, every kitchen renovation will follow roughly the same steps. Here are the different stages of a kitchen renovation and the average time they will take to complete based on our 15 years experience. Note, that some of these timelines are ongoing concurrently.
The planning stage is one of the longest parts of a renovation, kitchen or otherwise. Most people are unaware of the steps that go into planning and the prep work needed before a renovator can start swinging a hammer. From selecting your contractor or renovator, to pricing and proposal acceptance, to design, drafting, layouts, selections, cabinet designs and dimensions, ordering, permitting and approvals, there is a lot involved before we can get to the exciting stages. There is also a lot that happens behind the scenes a homeowner may not see of be aware of, but this doesn't mean that nothing is happening!
Let's break down this stage.
First you need to select and vet different contractors to complete the work, receive proposals, discuss goals and finally select the best choice for your desired kitchen. Unless you're predetermined on a particular contractor, this often takes roughly one month.
A reputable and experienced renovator like Reborn Renovations will have their quoting and proposal system dialed in to be as efficient as possible. Be extremely wary of companies that toss out a blanket price without discussing the specifics in depth. If you receive a fairly broad, non specific proposal, you will usually be met with numerous change orders down the road that drive up the price substantially.
Once you've decided on what company you'd like to complete your renovation, you can begin the design phase. The timeline on this typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. But a lot of this hinges on your ability to make decisions quickly. An interior designer can guide you and help you explore all the different finishes and features that would bring your dream kitchen to life while remaining within your budget, but in the end it will be down to you to make the final decision on many of the items.
Throughout the process you will be presented with many decisions and options you must decide on, and delaying decisions on items that must be preordered/custom built, or on layout plans for the new kitchen can bring the project to a grinding halt. There will be items that you want that may not fit in your budget, or items that have extended or delayed delivery times, your ability or willingness to agree to or accept alternatives also determines how long this process will take.
In our 15 plus years serving Calgary we've found that for smaller kitchen renovations design and selections will typically take about 4 weeks, but your timeline depends on the scope of your remodel, if expanded to include a possible bathroom renovation, kitchen addition or bump out, or whole home renovation, design and selections can extend to as long as 8 weeks or more.
Again, this process is extremely dependent on you, the homeowner. We recently had a client complete all of their design selection for a whole home renovation in one meeting! Allowing our interior and architectural designers to finish the plans, and our sales team to reprice a final proposal in just over 1 week and order materials.
But that is not the route for everyone. It's your home and we want you to make sure that you're going to be truly happy and enjoy the newly renovated space we create, so we encourage you to take your time and think through all of the options and decisions presented to you.
Not sure if you're ready to dive into a renovation quite yet? Learn more about our design packages, our design team can help you plan out a future kitchen with floorplans, architectural design plans, finishing selections and more.
During this stage we also reach out to the city of Calgary or your local building authority to obtain all necessary permits and approvals to begin. An experienced renovation contractor can easily navigate the paperwork when it comes to getting the permits needed.
While this stage often takes roughly 3 weeks in the city of Calgary, this will often be occurring at the same time as your design and selection process. Sometimes with holidays or city backlog, permit approvals can take slightly longer.
Before the actual demolition begins, significant preparation is required. This stage includes protecting existing elements of the home from dust and debris, disconnecting utilities like water and electricity to the kitchen, and ensuring all permits and regulations are displayed. Homeowners might need to remove all personal items from the kitchen, covering or relocating furniture and décor to prevent damage. It’s crucial that every preparation step is carefully handled to avoid any potential setbacks during the demolition phase. Preparation for demolition could take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the size and setup of your kitchen.
Having a detailed demolition plan not only facilitates a smoother process but also mitigates unforeseen issues that could potentially delay subsequent renovation stages. Working closely with your general contractor to outline a clear preparation checklist ensures nothing is overlooked. Given the importance of preparation, investing enough time in this phase contributes to the overall efficiency and safety of the kitchen remodel. Additionally, finalizing a construction schedule during this phase is crucial for coordinating deliveries, labor, and setting realistic project timelines.
The demolition of a kitchen typically spans a few days to a few weeks. This phase involves tearing down existing cabinets, removing old flooring, dismantling countertops, and eliminating unwanted fixtures. Due care is required to safely remove materials without damaging underlying structures and systems that might still be useful. The size and complexity of the kitchen also influence how long the demolition will take. In a smaller, less complex kitchen, demolition can be completed more quickly, whereas large kitchens with extensive cabinetry and built-in features may take longer.
Despite seeming straightforward, the demolition phase is labor-intensive and pivotal in the remodel process. Proper and thorough demolition sets a clean slate for subsequent construction and installation work. It’s advisable to ensure that all debris is appropriately managed. An efficient demolition process aids in keeping the overall renovation timeline on track. Engaging professional subcontractors well-versed in kitchen demolition ensures that this phase is executed with precision and care, laying a good foundation for the next stages of the remodel.
This is also the stage of the renovation where the unexpected delays may arise.
During demolition is where we may discover problems such as asbestos, damaged or out of date utilities such as plumbing or electrical, structural issues from past renovations or poor construction. You never know what issues lurk behind the walls until you open them up.
While uncommon, all of these will extend the timeline on your project.
After demolition, a thorough cleanup is essential to prepare the space for new construction. This step involves removing debris, dusting, and ensuring that the area is safe and ready for plumbers, electricians, and other tradespeople to perform their tasks. Efficient post-demolition cleanup helps prevent potential hazards and ensures that the renovation proceeds without unnecessary interruptions. Depending on the scope of the project, the cleanup process can take a day or two. Waste management solutions like dumpsters or junk removal services are often employed to handle debris disposal efficiently.
Cleanup is more than merely aesthetic; it lays the groundwork for precise and safe installation of new kitchen elements. Ensuring that no remnants of the old kitchen interfere with plumbing, electrical work, or new installations is paramount. Close coordination with your general contractor expedites this phase, promoting a smooth transition to the next steps of the remodel.
Structural work when kitchen remodeling takes time, but the exact duration is greatly dependent on the scope of your project. Simply removing some walls to open up the floor plan is a quick process that can be completed in a few days during demolition. Removing a support post or load bearing wall and installing a new engineered beam to entirely open the room can take anywhere from a week to a month depending on how much of the existing structure needs to be opened up for installation. Building a bump out or kitchen addition that adds additional square footage takes the longest since a new section of foundation or supports will have to be built, as well as new exterior and interior walls, roofing, etc.
Any major structural changes will be thoroughly discussed and established during the planning and design phase. And while all of these items take time, it's important to remember that many times other takes can take place concurrently.
Plumbing, gas fitting, HVAC, and electrical tasks, is both critical and time-consuming. Redirecting plumbing or gas lines or upgrading the electrical system ensures that your kitchen meets modern standards and functions efficiently. Skilled plumbers and electricians are required to carry out these tasks, which can take anywhere from one to two weeks, depending on the complexity and extent of the work. Relocating major elements like sinks, dishwashers, or ovens can extend this phase further due to the need for precise alignment and safe connections. Contractor availability can also impact the timeline for plumbing and electrical work, as scheduling the right professionals at the right time is crucial.
Moreover, these trades often must work sequentially to maintain safety and accuracy, potentially lengthening the overall timeline. Coordination among plumbers, electricians, and other subcontractors is crucial to prevent delays. It’s also required by the city of Calgary to conduct inspections after completing various stages in these tasks to ensure everything meets our local regulations, building codes and safety standards.
Once the plumbing and electrical work is complete, the next stage involves installing new walls and ceilings. This phase includes framing any new structures, hanging drywall, and applying finishes such as plaster or paint. Typically, installing new walls and ceilings may take one to two weeks, depending on the space's complexity and the labor available. Insulating the walls and ensuring they are perfectly aligned and smooth are crucial for the overall aesthetics and functionality of the kitchen.
If your kitchen remodeling job only saw aesthetic changes and required minimal work removing walls or opening drywall this process will be faster as it will likely be more of a patch and paint task.
Painting is completed at this stage with final touchups being addressed in the deficiency stage.
The selection and customization of kitchen cabinets is a significant phase that will impact the remodel timeline. Deciding on the type, style, and material of cabinets requires time and consideration. Custom cabinets take longer to manufacture and deliver, with lead times typically ranging from several weeks to a few months. Pre-made or semi-custom cabinets, on the other hand, might be available sooner but still need careful selection. This stage also involves planning the interior storage solutions and ensuring cabinets fit well with the overall kitchen design.
Selection and layout all occurs during the design and planning stage before construction begins.
The fitting and installation of new kitchen cabinets typically occurs after walls and ceilings are complete. This process can take several days to a week, depending on the complexity and size of the kitchen. Ensuring precise alignment, secure fastening, and flawless finish are crucial steps in this phase. Cabinet installation requires skilled professionals to avoid any discrepancies that could impact the functionality and appearance of the kitchen. Accurate measurements and careful handling are key to achieving a perfect fit. Cabinet hardware is typically one of the last items to be installed after cabinets and appliances.
This phase brings a significant visual transformation to the kitchen space, moving you closer to your dream kitchen becoming reality. Contractors, like Reborn Renovations, work with detailed plans to ensure all components fit perfectly and all custom elements are correctly incorporated. Our detailed cabinet plans and layouts are completed as part of our prejob design package.
Proper coordination with other trades makes sure that any additional features, such as built-in appliances or special fixtures, align properly with the cabinetry.
Installing new flooring in your kitchen can be a detailed and precise task, typically taking a few days to a week, depending on the choice of flooring material and the kitchen size. Common materials include tiles, hardwood, laminate, or vinyl, each with its installation method and time requirements. Proper subfloor preparation is required to ensure the longevity and durability of the new floor. Any imperfections in leveling must be addressed before laying down the new flooring.
Installing your countertops can be one of the highlights of a kitchen remodel, covering up the open tops of cabinet and island boxes creates a great visual change, as well as practical utility. Finally! Somewhere you're able to set a cup of coffee again in your kitchen!
The selection process happens during the earlier design phase and involves choosing the right material, be it granite, quartz, marble, or concrete, each with its unique characteristics and installation requirements. Lead times for countertop materials can vary, with some natural stones requiring weeks for quarrying and finishing. The installation itself typically takes a few days, including measuring, cutting, and securing the countertops in place.
The fit of the countertop must be accurate, ensuring there are no gaps or misalignments that can affect usability or appearance. It's a shame to see a beautiful marble slab countertop broken up with an unsightly seam right down the middle or in front of the sink. Working with seasoned countertop specialists guarantees precision and helps avoid any costly mistakes. Getting your countertops on marks a significant milestone in your remodel, setting the stage for the final touches, such as backsplashes and fixtures, to be installed next. Coordinating the installation of countertops with replacing appliances can streamline the process.
The backsplash serves both a functional and decorative role in your kitchen, protecting walls from splashes and spills while enhancing the overall design. The installation of a backsplash can take a few days, considering the selection of materials, whether tiles, glass, or metal, and the complexity of patterns or designs chosen. Preparing the wall surface, correctly applying adhesive, and ensuring precise tile layout, allowing the mortar time to set before grouting, drying and sealing if necessary. Any intricate designs or custom tiles can extend the installation time.
Choosing a backsplash to complement your countertops and cabinetry requires a blend of creativity and practical consideration that an interior designer may help with. This step brings the kitchen's visual appeal to near completion, as your backsplash often serves as a focal point that ties together various elements of the remodel.
The installation of kitchen appliances is one of the last stages in a remodel, signaling the near completion of the project. You're almost ready to start using your new kitchen!
Here installers will be placing and connecting major appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, and stovetops. Installers will help with accurate placement, secure connections, and integration with existing cabinetry and countertops. Depending on the number and complexity of the appliances, this can take a few days to complete.
Installing appliances requires coordination with plumbers and electricians to ensure that all connections are safely and correctly made, adding electrical or adjusting plumbing work as needed. The final adjustment and testing of appliances is done to make sure that they are functioning correctly and efficiently. Installing appliances is pretty much the final step before your kitchen is once again useable and aesthetically complete.
Preselecting and pre-ordering appliances during the design phase is important as specialty appliances will both require counters and cabinets to be tailored around their measurements, and depending on brand and availability can take several months to be delivered.
Walk throughs and inspections occur frequently through out the job by your project manager overseeing the trades working in your home, but once all the major installations are complete, a thorough final walk-through with the Project Manager and Site Supervisor takes place. This walkthrough involves checking every aspect of the kitchen—cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, and other fixtures—to ensure everything is installed correctly and functioning as expected. Any necessary adjustments or deficiency touch-ups are addressed during this time. The walkthrough is a chance to ensure that all work meets the desired standards and that any minor issues are promptly resolved.
The contractor provides a detailed assessment, confirming that all elements align with the original design plan and functionality requirements. This walkthrough and deficiency adjustments finalize the renovation process, ensuring that the kitchen is ready for your everyday use. Attention to detail during this stage guarantees a high-quality finish, leaving you with a beautiful, fully functional kitchen that meets all your expectations.
That's it! Your kitchen renovation is wrapped up and the home is handed back over to you.
At this point most people breathe a big sigh of relief, not only to have an incredible new kitchen where they can get back to making their daily meals, but also to have a break from the constant flow of people coming and going from their house.
The only things left are you for you move your items back into your space, and show it off to your friends and family.
Depending on the project, your contractor may also want to bring in a photographer or videographer to document the changes.
One of the most effective ways to ensure an efficient kitchen renovation is by working with experienced general contractors. These professionals bring invaluable expertise and knowledge, navigating the complexities of the remodeling process with ease. Any experienced general contractor worth their salt can provide realistic timelines, manage subcontractors effectively, and anticipate potential issues before they escalate. Their guidance is crucial in executing a project that is both timely and within budget. A solid rapport with your contractor also facilitates smoother communication and decision-making throughout the renovation. Experienced contractors can handle various home renovation projects efficiently, ensuring that even complex renovations are pulled off flawlessly.
An experienced contractors proficiency in managing different renovation stages—from demolition to final adjustments—ensures each step is executed with precision and skill. Experienced contractors have established relationships with suppliers, often securing materials at better prices and expediting delivery times.
Preselecting materials and appliances before the renovation begins is important for maintaining an efficient timeline. By deciding on cabinetry, countertops, flooring, finishes, and major appliances ahead of time, you can avoid delays caused by unavailable or backordered items. Early selection allows for timely procurement and ensures that all components are ready for installation as soon as the project reaches the respective phase. Preselecting not only aids in scheduling but also helps in budgeting accurately, reducing the likelihood of unforeseen expenses.
Preselecting materials and finishes is part of our planning and design process here at Reborn Renovations.
Working closely with your contractor or kitchen designer to finalize choices beforehand ensures a cohesive design and smooth workflow. Preselecting materials also enables you to resolve potential compatibility issues early, ensuring that all elements work harmoniously together. This proactive approach prevents last-minute rushes and compromises, guaranteeing a more streamlined and organized renovation process.
Unlike home remodeling programs on TV, which often depict quick transformations, real-life renovations require comprehensive planning and preparation. It is not realistic to begin the renovation and make decisions on finishes such as counters and cabinet colours midway through the job. Doing so will almost always cause major delays to the kitchen renovation.
A: The kitchen renovation timeline typically takes between 4 to 6 months on average. This can be influenced by the complexity and scope of work required.
A: A kitchen remodeling project usually involves several phases: planning and design process, pre-construction, demolition, structural and utility work, installation of new cabinets and finalizing the details. Each phase adds to the overall timeline of the project.
A: The planning and design process alone might take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how detailed you want your kitchen renovation to be.
Be sure to spend time finalizing your ideas to achieve a beautiful kitchen. This phase is highly dependent on how quickly can you make decisions you are happy and comfortable with regarding the layout, finishes and other materials in your new home.
A: The timeline to remodel a kitchen varies based on factors such as the size and complexity of the kitchen, the materials chosen, change orders, and unexpected hiccups. These factors can either speed up or delay the project.
A: To minimize delays in your kitchen remodel, ensure thorough planning and communication with your contractor, make timely decisions, and try to avoid change orders during the project. Consistent updates on the progress can also help keep track.
A: During the pre-construction phase, activities such as obtaining permits, ordering materials, and coordinating subcontractors take place. This phase sets the foundation for the actual renovation work and typically lasts 1 to 2 months for smaller renovations, but can take longer for larger and more comprehensive projects that include extra rooms or new additional square footage being added.
A: Installing new cabinets and appliances in your kitchen can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity. Custom cabinetry and high-end appliances might require additional time.
A: Design and Planning is often the longest part of a job (and the least exciting as the majority of the work takes place off site and behind the scenes). But beyond that, one part of your home renovation that can take the most time is the installation and finishing of kitchen cabinetry. Custom designs and finishes can extend this phase significantly.
A: Yes, if you are moving from one home to another, it can affect the timeline, as there may be additional logistics involved. It’s often advised to complete the renovation before moving in if possible.
A: A well-executed kitchen remodel can add significant value to your home by improving both aesthetics and functionality. A beautiful kitchen with updated appliances and cabinetry is a major selling point in the real estate market.
A: We have a full guide dedicated to the cost of a Calgary Kitchen Renovation-> click here!