A kitchen remodel, week by week

Before construction: six to ten weeks

Design, measurement and selections take two to four weeks, depending on how quickly decisions are made. Cabinets are then ordered, and lead times range from about four weeks for stock lines to twelve or more for custom. During that wait we obtain permits, order other materials and line up the trades. We do not begin demolition until the cabinets have a confirmed delivery date. That rule keeps your time without a kitchen as short as possible.

Week 1: protection and demolition

Floor protection from the entry to the kitchen, plastic dust walls with zipper doors, vents covered. Appliances go to the garage or a temporary kitchen. Cabinets, tops, flooring and any walls scheduled for removal come out. By Friday the room is bare studs and subfloor.

Weeks 2 and 3: structure and rough-in

Beams go in where walls were removed. Plumbers move supply, drain and gas lines. Electricians run new circuits, can lights, under-cabinet wiring and appliance feeds. HVAC relocates any ducts. Then come rough inspections. Nothing is covered until they pass.

Weeks 3 and 4: close up

Insulation where exterior walls were opened, drywall, tape, three coats of mud, sanding and primer. Flooring is installed now if it runs beneath the cabinets.

Week 5: cabinets

Cabinet installation takes three to five days for an average kitchen. As soon as the base cabinets are fixed in place, the countertop fabricator templates.

Weeks 6 and 7: the countertop wait

Fabrication takes seven to ten working days. We use that window for trim, crown, painting and upper-cabinet details. This is the stretch that tests patience, because the room looks almost done yet there is no sink.

Weeks 7 and 8: finish

Countertops are installed. The plumber connects the sink, faucet, disposal and dishwasher the following day. Backsplash tile goes up. Electricians trim out devices and fixtures. Appliances are set. Final paint, hardware and touch-ups follow.

Final week: punch list and inspection

We walk the kitchen with you, list every item that is not right and fix them all. Final inspections close the permit. You receive warranty information and care instructions for each surface.