How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?
Published •Updated •7 min read
Fixr puts the average full kitchen remodel at about 6 to 12 weeks of work, for a project with new stock cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances and fixtures. That doesn't include planning and hiring. Projects that remove load-bearing walls, move plumbing or use custom cabinets can take 3 to 8 months from start to finish. The biggest variable is usually the cabinet lead time, not the installation itself.
Timeline at a Glance
| Phase | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Demolition | About 1-3 weeks |
| Construction (plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinets, countertops) | About 4-6 weeks, up to 8 months for complex projects |
| Finishes (paint, backsplash, appliances) | About 1-3 weeks |
Cabinets: Lead Time Is the Long Pole
| Cabinet type | Delivery | Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | About 1-2 weeks | About 2-3 days |
| Semi-custom | About 4-8 weeks | About 2-3 days |
| Custom | About 3-6 months or longer | A few days |
Other guides give similar ranges. This Old House puts stock at about 1 to 5 weeks, semi-custom at 5 to 6 weeks and custom at 8 weeks to 6 months. Order as soon as the layout and appliance sizes are final. See cabinet lead times.
Countertops
Stone countertops are templated after the base cabinets are installed. Fixr's granite guide puts the time from templating to installation at about 2 to 3 weeks. Choosing your stone early helps keep that gap short. See the countertop installation process.
Smaller Projects Move Faster
- Cabinet replacement only: delivery plus a few days of installation.
- Countertop replacement only: templating, about 2 to 3 weeks of fabrication, then a short installation visit.
- Cosmetic updates: Fixr notes that a project limited to refacing cabinets and replacing plumbing and electrical fixtures can take about a week or two.
What Makes a Remodel Take Longer
- Custom cabinets and high-end appliances, which Fixr calls the two biggest timeline extenders
- Moving walls, plumbing or gas lines, and the permits that come with them
- Surprises in older homes, such as hazardous materials or hidden damage
- Changes after ordering
- Waiting on multiple trades to coordinate
How to Keep It on Schedule
- 1Finalize the design, appliances and stone before demolition starts.
- 2Order cabinets early and schedule demolition around delivery.
- 3Plan cabinets and countertops together so templating happens right after installation.
- 4Set up a temporary kitchen.
See the full kitchen renovation planning checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Fixr puts the average full remodel at about 6 to 12 weeks of work, not counting planning. Complex projects with structural changes or custom cabinets can take 3 to 8 months.
How long does cabinet installation take?
Fixr puts installation at about 2 to 3 days for stock or semi-custom cabinets, after delivery.
How long after cabinets are countertops installed?
Stone is templated after the base cabinets are in; Fixr puts granite at about 2 to 3 weeks from templating to installation.
What delays kitchen remodels most?
Custom cabinet and appliance lead times, structural or plumbing changes, permits, and changes after ordering.
Planning Cabinets and Countertops? Get a Quote from Mega Solutions
Mega Solutions sells and installs kitchen cabinets and installs granite, quartz, quartzite and marble countertops, so both can be planned on one schedule. Request a personalized quote based on your measurements and project details.
Sources
- Fixr, "How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?" (published January 2025): fixr.com
- Fixr, "Granite Countertop Installation Cost" (updated January 2025): fixr.com
- This Old House, "All About Kitchen Cabinets" (updated June 2026): thisoldhouse.com
Ready to start your kitchen project?
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