The kitchen remodel timeline is one of the most important questions homeowners ask. After all, living without a functional kitchen and eating takeout for weeks wears on everyone.
Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY renovation includes a full demolition and new layout typically takes about six months. But unexpected issues and backorders can extend the schedule.
Design
During the design phase, kitchen remodelers plan for materials, layout, and functionality. Depending on the project, this may involve a significant amount of creativity and problem-solving, especially when it comes to moving plumbing. Unless your house is on a slab, you will likely have to reroute water supply and drain lines for appliances, sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators that are being moved to different locations in the kitchen.
If you want to keep your cabinets, countertops, and appliances in the same places but change the layout, consider a “pull-and-replace” renovation. This option includes new cabinetry, upgraded flooring, and state-of-the-art appliances.
You can also transform your kitchen into a smart home with new automation systems. Integrated technology like voice-activated lighting, app-controlled appliances, and touchless faucets can make cooking more fun and convenient. This type of kitchen remodeling often adds value to your home and can be a selling point for prospective buyers.
Other popular options for modernizing kitchens include adding islands, changing up the flooring, and swapping out light fixtures. In many cases, a minor or cosmetic upgrade will have the same effect as a full kitchen remodel but at a more affordable price.
A complete kitchen remodel usually involves structural changes, relocating load-bearing walls, and changing the overall floor plan. It’s ideal for homeowners who need more space and a bigger transformation, or those who want to improve their kitchen’s resale value.
While a remodel can be expensive, it’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Overestimating the scope of work or selecting premium materials can cause your budget to balloon. It’s also common for unexpected issues to arise during the remodeling process, which can delay or extend the timeline. Having a contingency fund for these expenses will help avoid financial strain and protect you from overspending.
During this stage, it’s also crucial to select durable, energy-efficient materials and appliances. This will reduce your home’s environmental footprint and save you money on utilities in the long run. A professional kitchen designer can guide you through a range of options that meet your needs and fit your budget.
Rough Construction
Whether you’re channeling your inner HGTV star or quietly watching the pros rip things down, demolition day is loud, dusty, and oddly satisfying. The kitchen’s old stuff goes away, and the skeleton of your dream space begins to take shape. Before the first nail gets hammered, however, your team will prep the workspace, sealing off the rest of your home with plastic sheeting and dust control measures (because drywall dust has a habit of finding its way into every sock drawer).
Once the framing starts, walls are built, doorways get moved, and your kitchen really takes shape. If your remodel involves opening up exterior walls or moving plumbing, permits are a must, and this can sometimes slow things down. It’s also important to remember that weather can play a role in this stage—a stormy day might delay progress, especially if outdoor work is involved.
This is the time when lighting becomes a top priority, as pendants go up over the countertops and wall sconces appear in unexpected places. Choosing the right lights will not only help you see your food better, but it can set a mood for the entire room. Think about the lighting in your friends’ kitchens—do they have a warm, cozy feel or are they more stark and minimalist?
Countertops get templated, and finally your dream slab of quartz or marble comes into place. This is when your new kitchen truly feels like a finished product, and it’s a good idea to choose durable materials that can stand up to heavy foot traffic.
Back-orders and long lead times are a reality of kitchen remodeling, particularly with custom cabinets and made-to-order stone and tile. It’s important to consider these potential delays ahead of time, and to make sure you have a cushion in your budget for any surprises.
This is the point where your final walkthrough with your contractor happens, and any punch list items are taken care of. It’s a good opportunity to double-check that the outlets are working, the cabinets open correctly, and that there’s no stray paint chip or ding in sight.
Finish Construction
The final construction stage transforms your kitchen from a construction zone to a functional space. This phase includes installing appliances, countertops and any other finishes. It also includes plumbing and electrical work. Many homeowners find this to be the most time consuming part of the project, especially when materials are backordered or require off site fabrication. This can cause significant delays and affect the overall remodel timeline. To avoid this, make sure to order your materials as early as possible and choose in stock items whenever possible.
This is also the time to install new flooring and paint the walls. Ordering these items 4-6 weeks before starting construction will help minimize storage needs and reduce the risk of damage during the remodeling process. If you’re unsure of what finishes to select, ask for samples and give yourself plenty of time to review in natural light before ordering.
It’s also the time to apply for any required building permits. This step can take weeks or even months depending on your municipality, so it’s important to budget accordingly and plan ahead.
If your remodel requires demolition, it’s important to prepare and protect the rest of your home. Proper preparation prevents damage and ensures safety for everyone during the process. It’s also the best way to save money by eliminating unnecessary expenses, such as repairs or replacement costs.
Once the rough construction is complete, it’s time to move in. This can be a very hectic and stressful time, so it’s important to be prepared for the chaos. It’s a good idea to plan out meals ahead of time (takeout will become your friend) and find ways to escape the construction zone when possible.
Kitchen renovations require careful planning and sequencing to ensure quality workmanship and code compliance. Understanding the kitchen remodeling process and scheduling each phase ahead of time helps you avoid costly mistakes that can derail your project’s timeline and budget. The key to success is hiring a trusted kitchen remodeler that will manage every step of the project and provide clear communication. With a well-planned and organized remodel, you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams!
Installation
The kitchen remodeling process can feel overwhelming for homeowners. But preparing ahead of time helps to minimize frustrations and delays, especially during the construction phase. To make the experience as stress-free as possible, it’s essential to have a clear plan and communication with your contractor from the start. Having expectations clearly defined and a regular day to check in can also reduce the risk of unexpected changes and expenses.
A successful kitchen remodel requires the right mix of planning, persistence and flexibility. As you work with your team, it’s important to keep in mind that the process isn’t a linear progression, but rather an interconnected series of steps that ultimately lead to your dream kitchen.
Whether you’re remodeling an existing kitchen or starting from scratch, the first step is to create a detailed kitchen layout. This will help guide your decisions and ensure that the final results are consistent with your goals.
This design phase involves evaluating the space, determining how you use the kitchen and selecting products that are functional for your lifestyle. This includes determining what electrical, plumbing and gas work will be needed to accommodate your new appliances. It’s also a good idea to consider countertop cutouts, cabinets, lighting and backsplash. Lastly, if you’re considering built-in appliances, such as a dishwasher or range hood, you may need to take into account the size of your refrigerator and other cabinetry to ensure proper installation.
Once you have a comprehensive kitchen design, it’s time to get started with the demolition and construction. This phase is usually the longest of the entire project. In order to minimize disruptions, you’ll want to make a plan for cooking and eating elsewhere while construction takes place. To avoid losing track of kitchen equipment, you should label and store small appliances, cookware, dishes and utensils in storage containers, bags or low-sided boxes. You’ll also want to remove any hanging decorations or items from adjacent rooms that could be damaged by dust and debris. This will save you time and effort when it comes to re-hanging items once the kitchen is complete.