How long does it take to renovate a kitchen?
When we think about renovating a room in our home, the issue of time and deadlines always comes up. This is normal, especially when it comes to the kitchen, since it’s undoubtedly one of the most functional and heavily used spaces in the house. That’s why understanding how long it takes to renovate a kitchen is essential for organizing your daily life and managing your expectations.
Estimated duration based on the type of renovation
There is no single, universal timeframe, as the schedule will depend directly on the scope of the work and the home’s current condition. However, experts agree on certain timeframes that serve as a reference:
Major or partial renovations
If you're looking for a "facelift" that doesn't involve moving walls or relocating fixtures, the process is relatively quick. A cosmetic or basic renovation can be completed in about two weeks. In this case, the time required is drastically reduced since no major structural work is involved.
Standard Full-Scale Renovations
For an average-sized kitchen (about 15 m²), a complete renovation typically takes between 4 and 6 weeks. This timeframe includes the complete replacement of cabinets, flooring, walls, and plumbing and electrical systems. It’s important to note that these estimates generally do not include weekends or the preliminary design and material selection phase.
Reforms involving structural changes
If your project involves knocking down walls to open up the kitchen to the living room or making significant changes to the layout of water and electrical outlets, the timeline may be extended by an additional 1 to 3 weeks. In total, these complex projects can take up to 8 weeks. On the other hand, if you’re wondering how long it takes to renovate a very small kitchen, the timeline is usually shorter, typically ranging from 2 to 4 weeks.
Step-by-step construction schedule
To understand why it takes several weeks, it helps to break the project down into its various stages. Effective coordination between these stages is what makes all the difference in the final result.
1. Planning and design (1 to 2 weeks)
Before the construction begins, there is some essential planning work to be done. This phase includes taking measurements, creating blueprints, selecting materials, and applying for permits. A well-defined design helps avoid costly corrections down the line.
2. Demolition and preparation (1 to 2 days)
This is the noisiest and messiest phase. It involves removing old furniture, chipping away at tiles, tearing up the floor, and, if necessary, knocking down walls. It’s a quick but intense process.
3. Technical installations: Plumbing and electrical work (1 to 2 weeks)
This is one of the most critical aspects, especially in older homes. The plumbing and electrical wiring must be updated or rerouted to accommodate the new layout of appliances and sinks.
4. Wall and floor coverings (1 week)
Once the plumbing work is complete, we proceed with tiling the walls and installing the new flooring. This stage requires precision and allows time for the adhesive materials to dry.
5. Furniture and countertop installation (2 to 7 days)
Once the walls and floors are ready, the cabinets are installed. Installing the countertop is usually a key milestone, as it often requires precise measurements once the base cabinets are in place.
6. Finishing touches, appliances, and cleaning (2 to 3 days)
Finally, the faucets and appliances are installed, the walls are painted, and a thorough cleaning is performed to ensure the room is ready for use.
Factors that can cause delays
Sometimes, there’s no set answer to how long it takes to renovate a kitchen because of unforeseen issues that can’t be anticipated at the outset. The most common causes of delays include:
- Supplies: Delays in the delivery of specific materials or appliances.
- Technical surprises: Discovering pipes in poor condition or hidden structural problems during demolition.
- Last-minute changes: Changes to the design or materials once construction has begun.
- Lack of coordination: Poor management of the various trades (masons, plumbers, electricians) can lead to downtime.
How to Ensure That Deadlines Are Met
Planning is key to knowing exactly how long a kitchen renovation will take and preventing weeks from turning into months. Here are some practical tips:
- Hire a renovation firm to handle everything: For example, Studio by Clikalia offers a “turnkey” service and takes care of absolutely everything.
- Sign a detailed contract: It is highly recommended that you include the start date and the estimated completion date in writing. Some contracts include penalty clauses for unjustified delays.
- Choose your materials in advance: Having all the materials on hand before you start demolition ensures that the project won't be delayed due to a lack of supplies.
- Request a construction schedule: Ask for a detailed timeline so you can track progress on a weekly basis.
Ultimately, knowing how long a kitchen renovation will take allows you to mentally prepare yourself and make arrangements for your daily routine, such as setting up a temporary dining area or planning to stay elsewhere during the busiest days of the project. With careful planning and the right team, you’ll be able to enjoy your new space by the agreed-upon deadline.
Are you thinking about renovating your home, and is the kitchen one of the key rooms? Ask us for a free quote, and we’ll prepare a proposal for you—completely free of charge and with no obligation.
