How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Really Take? A Contractor's Honest Answer
Timeline is one of the first things homeowners ask about, and it is also one of the questions where you are most likely to get an overly optimistic answer from a contractor who wants to close the deal.
Here is an honest answer based on over 35 years of doing kitchen remodels in Southern California.
The Short Version
A cosmetic kitchen refresh, new countertops, painted cabinets, backsplash, hardware, and flooring, typically takes two to four weeks. A full remodel replacing everything but keeping the same layout typically takes six to ten weeks. A remodel that involves moving walls, relocating plumbing, or adding an island where one didn't exist typically takes ten to sixteen weeks or longer.
Those timelines assume materials are ordered and confirmed before demo starts, permits are pulled in advance, and nothing unexpected turns up in the walls. That last part is worth talking about.
What Actually Takes the Most Time
Cabinet lead times
If you are ordering semi-custom or custom cabinetry, which we recommend for most full kitchen remodels, expect a four to eight week lead time from the manufacturer. This is usually the single longest wait in the whole project. The way we handle it at Buenos Construction is simple. We place the cabinet order the moment the design is finalized so the cabinets are arriving right when we need them. You should never be waiting on cabinets after demo is done.
Countertop fabrication
Countertops cannot be templated until after the cabinets are installed. Once we template, fabrication typically takes one to two weeks. There is no way to shortcut this step. It is just part of the sequence.
Permits
Any kitchen work involving electrical, plumbing, or structural changes requires permits in California. Most cities in Orange County and Riverside County turn around residential permits in one to three weeks for standard scopes. If your project needs plan check for structural changes, add another two to four weeks. We handle all permits for every project we run.
Inspections
After rough plumbing and electrical work, walls cannot close until an inspection clears. In most Southern California cities, you can get an inspection appointment within a few days of requesting one. It is a step that adds a little time but cannot be skipped.
Realistic Phase Breakdown
Design and planning: 1 to 3 weeks before construction starts
Permit application and approval: 1 to 3 weeks, runs at the same time as planning
Cabinet order lead time: 4 to 8 weeks, also overlaps with permitting
Demo and rough work: 1 to 2 weeks
Rough inspection: 1 to 3 days
Cabinet installation: 3 to 5 days
Countertop template and fabrication: 1 to 2 weeks after cabinets are in
Tile and backsplash: 3 to 5 days
Appliances and fixtures: 1 day
Final details and punchlist: 2 to 4 days
What Causes Delays
In our experience the most common reasons a kitchen remodel runs longer than planned are:
Changing your material selections mid-project. If you switch countertops after the cabinet order is in, fabrication restarts from zero.
Surprises behind the walls. Older homes in Southern California regularly turn up outdated electrical, water damage, or mold once demo starts. We deal with it, but it adds time.
Material backorders. Supply chain issues are real. Ordering everything well in advance helps a lot.
How We Handle It
At Buenos Construction, we put together a realistic schedule before we start and we share it with you. We are upfront about lead times, we sequence the trades efficiently, and we do not start demo until materials are confirmed. George manages every project personally and you hear from us if anything changes, not after the fact.
About Buenos Construction
Serving Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County for over 35 years. Two-year labor guarantee on all work. Free estimates. CA CSLB License #1035126.
Buenos Construction offers free estimates to homeowners across Southern California. Call us at (714) 713-1721 or visit buenosconstruction.com to schedule your free on-site visit. We have been serving Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County for over 35 years. CA CSLB License #1035126.