You’ve decided to renovate your kitchen — exciting! But alongside questions about design and budget, there’s one practical concern: how long is this going to take?
Kitchen renovation timelines vary significantly depending on scope, materials, and trades involved. In this guide, we’ll break down realistic timelines for different types of kitchen renovations and give you a practical planning checklist.
Kitchen Renovation Timeline by Project Scope
Minor Kitchen Refresh: 2 to 4 Weeks
Updates the look without changing the layout. Includes painting or refacing cabinets, replacing countertops, new backsplash, updated light fixtures, replacing sink and faucet, painting walls.
Mid-Range Renovation: 6 to 10 Weeks
The most common type for homeowners in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph. Includes full cabinet replacement, new countertops, backsplash, flooring, lighting, and possibly a small layout change.
Typical breakdown:
- Week 1: Demolition
- Weeks 2-3: Electrical and plumbing rough-in, drywall repair
- Weeks 3-5: Cabinet installation
- Week 5-6: Countertop templating and fabrication (5-10 business days)
- Weeks 7-8: Countertop and backsplash installation, flooring
- Weeks 8-10: Final connections, hardware, appliance hook-up, touch-ups
Major/Custom Renovation: 12 to 16+ Weeks
Involves structural changes and premium materials — removing walls, relocating plumbing, custom cabinetry, premium stone, custom tile, new windows, heated flooring.
The Planning Phase: Before Construction
Takes 4 to 12 weeks and includes design consultations, material selection, ordering (cabinet lead times 2-12 weeks), permits, and contractor scheduling.
At Kitchen & Bath World, we offer free design consultations where we help you plan layout, select materials, and develop a realistic budget.
Common Causes of Delays
- Material lead times and backorders. Order early for best protection.
- Permit delays. Don’t schedule demolition until permits are in hand.
- Surprises behind walls. Older Kitchener homes can reveal hidden issues — outdated wiring, water damage, mould.
- Scope changes mid-project. Make decisions during design, not construction.
- Trade scheduling conflicts. Multiple trades must coordinate.
Your Planning Checklist
- 12+ weeks before: Visit showrooms, book design consultation, set budget.
- 10 weeks: Finalize layout and material selections.
- 8 weeks: Place orders, especially custom cabinets. Confirm lead times.
- 6 weeks: Submit permits. Finalize contractor schedule.
- 4 weeks: Confirm delivery dates. Set up temporary kitchen.
- 2 weeks: Clear existing kitchen. Confirm start date with trades.
Visit our project gallery to see completed kitchen renovations throughout the Waterloo Region.
Start Planning Your Kitchen Renovation Today
The key to a smooth timeline is early planning. Contact Kitchen & Bath World today to book a free design consultation at 899 Victoria St N in Kitchener. Call (519) 744-2284 — we’re ready to help.
