How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?
A Realistic Timeline for St. Louis Homeowners
One of the most common questions homeowners ask when considering a kitchen remodel is:
“How long is this going to take?”
And it’s a fair question. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and the idea of living without it — even temporarily — can feel overwhelming.
The truth is, there’s no single timeline that fits every project. But there is a realistic way to understand how long a kitchen remodel takes, what factors influence the schedule, and how proper planning helps avoid unnecessary delays.
At Everstead Design Build, we remodel kitchens throughout the Greater St. Louis area, and this guide breaks down what you can realistically expect from start to finish.
If you’re still early in the planning process, our full Kitchen Remodeling Guide is the best place to start.
The Short Answer: It Depends on Scope (But Not in a Vague Way)
Kitchen remodel timelines vary primarily based on:
The level of remodel (Standard, Premium, or Luxury)
Whether the layout is changing
Material lead times
The condition of the existing home
A small refresh and a full reconfiguration simply don’t follow the same timeline — and understanding that difference upfront prevents frustration later.
The Bigger Picture: A Kitchen Remodel Is More Than Construction
Many homeowners think of a kitchen remodel timeline as “demo to finish.”
In reality, construction is only one phase of the process.
A realistic kitchen remodel timeline includes:
Planning & estimating
Design alignment within your selected tier
Material selections & ordering
Construction
Final walkthrough & completion
Skipping or rushing early steps is one of the biggest causes of delays and cost overruns.
Phase 1: Initial Planning & Estimating
(Typically 1–2 weeks)
At Everstead, the process begins with understanding your goals and introducing Standard, Premium, and Luxury remodeling tiers.
This phase includes:
Evaluating your existing kitchen
Discussing layout goals and functional needs
Reviewing realistic pricing options
Aligning expectations around scope and investment
This upfront clarity allows homeowners to make informed decisions early — which directly impacts timeline efficiency later.
Phase 2: Design & Selections (Aligned to Your Tier)
(Typically 3–6 weeks)
Once you’ve selected the investment level that fits your goals, we move into design and selections that align with that tier.
This phase may include:
Finalizing layout decisions
Cabinet configuration and finish selections
Countertop and backsplash choices
Plumbing and lighting fixture selections
Appliance planning and specifications
This step is critical. Decisions made here affect:
Ordering timelines
Construction sequencing
Overall project duration
Rushed selections often lead to change orders and delays once construction starts.
Phase 3: Ordering & Lead Times
(Typically 4–10+ weeks, depending on materials)
Many delays homeowners hear about aren’t due to construction — they’re due to product lead times.
Common items with longer lead times include:
Cabinets
Specialty finishes
Countertop materials
Custom or panel-ready appliances
By finalizing selections early, we can place orders promptly and schedule construction more accurately.
Phase 4: Construction
(Typically 4–10 weeks, depending on scope)
This is the phase most homeowners picture — but even construction timelines vary significantly based on complexity.
Standard Kitchen Remodel
Often includes:
Limited layout changes
Cabinet replacement or refacing
New countertops and backsplash
Lighting and fixture updates
Construction timeline: ~4–6 weeks
Premium Kitchen Remodel
Often includes:
New cabinetry
Improved layout
Flooring updates
Electrical and plumbing upgrades
Construction timeline: ~6–8 weeks
Luxury Kitchen Remodel
Often includes:
Layout reconfiguration or wall removal
Structural changes
High-end finishes
Custom cabinetry and integrated appliances
Construction timeline: ~8–10+ weeks
What Happens During Construction (Step by Step)
A typical construction sequence includes:
Site protection and prep
Demolition
Rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
Inspections (as required)
Drywall and paint
Flooring installation (depending on scope)
Cabinet installation
Countertop templating and installation
Backsplash installation
Finish plumbing and electrical
Final details and walkthrough
Each step depends on the one before it — which is why proper scheduling and communication matter.
Can You Live in Your Home During a Kitchen Remodel?
In most cases, yes — but with preparation.
Homeowners should expect:
Limited access to the kitchen during key phases
Temporary loss of sink, stove, or refrigerator at times
Noise and dust (managed with proper protection)
Many families set up a temporary kitchen with:
Microwave
Coffee maker
Mini fridge
Disposable dishware
We help homeowners plan for this so daily life remains manageable.
What Causes Kitchen Remodel Delays?
While no remodel is completely immune to surprises, delays are most often caused by:
Late design or material changes
Product backorders
Unforeseen conditions inside walls
Permit or inspection scheduling
A structured process and clear communication significantly reduce these risks.
How to Keep Your Kitchen Remodel on Schedule
Homeowners can help protect their timeline by:
Making selections on schedule
Finalizing appliances early
Avoiding mid-construction changes when possible
Working with a remodeling team that plans holistically
The earlier decisions are made, the smoother construction tends to be.
Why Timeline Transparency Matters
A realistic timeline doesn’t just manage expectations — it builds trust.
When homeowners understand:
What happens when
Why each phase matters
Where flexibility is needed
The entire remodeling experience feels calmer and more controlled.
Start With the Right Expectations
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel and want a complete understanding of costs, timelines, and decisions, our Kitchen Remodeling Guide walks you through the full process.
It’s designed to help St. Louis homeowners plan confidently and avoid surprises.
Why Homeowners Choose Everstead Design Build
At Everstead Design Build, we believe a successful remodel starts with clarity — not guesswork.
Our process is built around:
Clear Standard, Premium, and Luxury options
Design decisions aligned to your chosen investment level
Transparent communication at every stage
A structured, well-managed remodeling experience
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in St. Louis and want a realistic timeline and a team that respects your home and your time, we’d love to help.