What is a Realistic Kitchen Renovation Timeline?

According to a 2020 U.S. Houzz & Home study exploring remodelling trends in 2019 and 2020, kitchen renovation projects took, on average, 8.3 months of planning time and 4.5 months of actual construction time. Figuring out where your own project falls on that timeline depends largely on two things: the intended scope of your renovation (which, for the most part, is within your control) and the unexpected (which, for the most part, is not).

According to a 2020 U.S. Houzz & Home study exploring remodelling trends in 2019 and 2020, kitchen renovation projects took, on average, 8.3 months of planning time and 4.5 months of actual construction time. Figuring out where your own project falls on that timeline depends largely on two things: the intended scope of your renovation (which, for the most part, is within your control) and the unexpected (which, for the most part, is not).

• Scope – If your changes are primarily cosmetic (repainting cabinets instead of replacing them), or you’re upgrading a lot, but retaining the original layout, your kitchen renovation could take less time than the average. Any large structural changes, however, are likely to require a longer timeline. “It’s easy to get caught up in how things will look in your new kitchen,” says Spoelker. “But it’s important to keep in mind what that will mean logistically, too. Moving gas lines, walls, rewiring and relighting all adds to your timeline.”
• Surprises – While there’s no way of knowing what surprises your kitchen renovation could reveal, that doesn’t mean you can’t plan for them. “Always add a little extra time and money to your reno plan,” advises Spoelker. “Whether you’re dealing with black mold or backlogged supplies, at least you’ll be prepared.”