Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is an exciting investment in your home, but knowing what to expect along the way makes the journey smoother. A well-planned remodel doesn’t just happen overnight—it moves through clear phases, each building toward your finished space.
Here’s a step-by-step look at the typical remodeling timeline so you can plan with confidence.
1. Design & Approvals (4–8 Weeks)
This is where the vision comes to life. During this stage, you’ll work with your designer or contractor to:
- Select finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, and layouts.
- Review drawings or 3D renderings.
- Secure necessary permits from your city or township.
💡 Tip: Spend extra time finalizing selections now. The more decisions you make upfront, the fewer delays you’ll face later.
2. Pre-Construction (1–2 Weeks)
Once your design is approved, your contractor orders materials and schedules trades like plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. Behind the scenes, this is also when timelines are finalized and staging areas are prepped.
💡 Tip: Ask your contractor for a project calendar so you know when to expect deliveries and work crews.
3. Demolition (1–3 Days)
Out with the old! The demolition crew removes cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and any walls or fixtures that need to be reworked.
💡 Tip: Protect nearby spaces from dust with plastic sheeting or temporary barriers. If you’re living at home during the remodel, plan for some noise.
4. Rough-Ins (1–2 Weeks)
This is when the “behind-the-scenes” work happens:
- Plumbing lines for sinks, showers, or dishwashers.
- Electrical wiring for lighting, outlets, and appliances.
- HVAC adjustments for proper airflow and ventilation.
💡 Tip: Rough-ins often require inspections. A short pause here is normal before moving on to the next phase.
5. Cabinetry & Countertops (2–4 Weeks)
The structure of your new space starts taking shape as cabinets are installed. Once they’re in place, countertop professionals measure and template before fabrication.
💡 Tip: Because countertops are custom cut, expect a short wait between templating and installation.
6. Finishes & Fixtures (1–3 Weeks)
Now comes the detail work that pulls everything together:
- Flooring installation.
- Painting and trim work.
- Plumbing fixtures, lighting, and hardware.
💡 Tip: Keep track of small punch list items as you notice them—it’s easier to address them while crews are still on-site.
7. Punch List & Final Inspection (1 Week)
The last stage is about fine-tuning. Your contractor walks through the space with you, noting anything that needs touch-ups, adjustments, or cleaning. Once the punch list is complete, the final inspection ensures everything is up to code and ready to enjoy.
💡 Tip: Take your time during the walkthrough. This is your chance to make sure every detail meets your expectations.
Staying Comfortable During the Remodel
While the process moves step by step, daily life at home can feel disrupted. From dust control to temporary kitchen setups, it helps to plan ahead. Check out our guide on how to survive daily life during a remodel for practical tips.
The Bottom Line
A kitchen or bathroom remodel typically takes 6–12 weeks, depending on the scope, materials, and inspections. By understanding the timeline, you’ll be better prepared for each stage—and more excited when you finally see your dream space completed.
👉 Ready to start planning your own remodel? Explore our remodeling services to learn how we bring design, craftsmanship, and project management together for a seamless experience.
