Kitchen Renovation

What to Expect During Installation: Timelines and Troubleshooting

The stretch from design to the final cabinet handle is where a kitchen renovation truly comes alive. Installation is when months of planning meet the reality of sawdust, deliveries, and daily changes. You can picture this phase as a relay race—each part needs to line up with the next to keep things moving. With the right expectations, staying organized and calm becomes much easier, even when surprises pop up

Installation Timelines: How Long Does It Really Take?

Knowing what to expect can help you ride out the mess of installation with less stress. Most kitchen upgrades take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks once the first hammer swings, though complex projects or major structural changes may push the finish line out further.

A typical installation sequence follows this general order:

1. Prep and Demolition: The old kitchen goes out, making space for the new. This can last 1-2 weeks, depending on the size and age of your kitchen.
2. Mechanical Rough-Ins: Plumbing, electrical wiring, and ventilation work all get updated at once. Expect 1-2 weeks for this phase.
3. Insulation and Drywall: Insulation is added (especially around pipes or outside walls), then walls are closed back up. Generally wraps up in 1 week.
4. Flooring: Many pros like to install flooring before cabinets. Materials like wood, tile, or vinyl make an appearance here, often in 2-4 days.
5. Cabinets & Counters: Cabinets get leveled and secured, then your countertop fabricator takes measurements for their custom fit. Cabinets take 1-2 weeks, with countertops needing another week after cabinets settle in.
6. Appliances & Fixtures: New appliances, lighting, and plumbing fixtures are moved in and connected. Most appliances slide in over a few days, but final hookups need careful coordination.
7. Painting & Finishing Touches: Walls get color, hardware gets installed, backsplashes pop up, and your kitchen starts to shine.

This timeline assumes a standard project, so always build in a little extra