How Long Does A Kitchen Renovation Take?

If you’re having your kitchen renovated, you’re probably excited to see the results, after all the kitchen is the heart of the home. But kitchen renovations can be complex – there are lots of design elements to decide on, and lots of big issues could arise like plumbing and electrical to sort.

So if you’re wondering how long a kitchen renovation takes, the short answer is, it depends. It depends on the size of your kitchen, your budget, how much needs doing, and if there are any additional structural works to be done including plumbing or electrical.

But here’s a more in-depth look at a typical kitchen renovation time frame & some thing to consider during your renovation.

Average time for a kitchen renovation

While every kitchen renovation is different, the average time to install a kitchen is between 6 – 9 weeks. However, smaller renovations can take less time, and larger, more complex projects that include a whole house renovation can take almost a year or so.

How long does it take to renovate a small kitchen?

A smaller kitchen will usually take less time, as long as there are no complications & you are using your existing footprint i.e. not moving power or water. So how long does it take to renovate a small kitchen? If you have all your trades booked in from signing your contract to having the new one installed generally takes 8 weeks. This would include your appliances connected & your kitchen ready to use. The renovation may take a little longer depending on your material selections for your kitchen & if tiling & painting is to follow.

Remember though; unexpected complications might occur, so be prepared for possible delays.

Kitchen renovation process & timelines

To get a better idea of how long your kitchen renovation is going to take, you’ll need to take a look at the timeline. Here’s a general kitchen renovation timeline showing the different stages of a kitchen renovation in Victoria, from start to finish. Some renovations will also involve other tasks within these stages, but here are the main steps.

Step 1: The Planning Process

Before you can even get started with your kitchen renovation, you’ll need to plan your new kitchen, and think about your budget and any permits you might need.

The planning process can take a while, especially if you’re not sure exactly what you want from your new kitchen. There are so many different design options that it can be hard to decide. To help out with your kitchen planning we have created a free kitchen planner that you can download and use to plan your kitchen renovation.

But take your time with this planning stage & engaging an experienced Kitchen Designer to help you through. A well thought out kitchen will be both beautiful & functional, ready for years of use. There is no easy answer to the question how long does it take to design a kitchen. You’re going to invest time and money into this renovation, so you don’t want to rush this process.

Engaging the services of a registered kitchen designer will help you understand which design and finished are suited to your project and budget. A kitchen designer will insure that your kitchen is well thought out. This will result in a kitchen that is more impressive and functional. You’re going to invest time and money into your kitchen renovation, so it’s worth finding a kitchen designer who understands your project.

A registered kitchen designer will insure that your kitchen is well thought out and within your budget

Here are some of the steps involved in the planning process.
Research, research, research

First thing’s first, you need to look at kitchen designs, and start thinking about what you want from your kitchen renovation. Find inspiration by visiting display homes look online & in magazines and put together an idea board for your kitchen.

Save pictures of completed kitchens, and any individual features you want to include. You can then share your ideas with your Kitchen Designer.

Websites such as Pinterest and Houzz are great for researching different kitchen styles and designs.

As well as researching designs, you should also start looking into the trades you will need to engage in the renovation. Depending on the size of your renovation you may engage a building contractor or individual trades. Be sure to use registered trades who are licensed to carry out the required works. One of the first questions you should ask your Builder & Cabinet Maker is “Are you a Registered Building Practitioner” if they answer yes you are in good hands if they answer no, walk away & find someone who is. The Victorian Building Authority is a register of trades & well worth visiting their Practitioner Search page https://consumer.etoolbox.buildingcommission.com.au/pages/search.aspx

Deciding a budget

The main thing that’s going to determine what you can do with your kitchen is budget, so work out how much money you have to play with.

You should also allow a financial safety cushion of 10-15%, just in case there are any unexpected costs during the renovation.

Consulting a professional kitchen designer

Once you’ve got your ideas straight, and you know your budget, it’s time to talk to a professional. Again, depending on your renovation needs it is highly recommended to engage an Architect for a larger renovation of your home or a Certified Kitchen Designer for a kitchen renovation.

You might like to have multiple ovens and appliances. Your designer will know if it will psychically fit or if it’s within your budget.

By engaging a Certified Kitchen Designer you are dealing with the best in the business & they will consider all design needs for your kitchen. Visit https://www.kbdi.org.au to look for registered designers in your area. They will be able to work with you to bring your dream to a reality. They will put your ideas into a comprehensible plan that your contractors will be able to use.

Check local permit requirements

If your kitchen renovation involves any structural, plumbing or electrical work, you might need to apply for a building permit.

Your Builder will be able to advise you whether or not you need to do this, and if you need a permit, they can take care of the application for you.

Choosing the right cabinet makers & contractors

The final stage of the planning process is choosing your Cabinet Maker, Building Contractor / Trades. Choose a registered & licensed business to deal with who you trust to do a good job – one with a good reputation and a portfolio of previous work.

You will be working closely with these people, so you want to feel comfortable with them.

A kitchen renovation company will help you to finalise your design & plans, ordering materials & appliances and manage the trades and permits.

If you need any extra contractors, such as plumbers or electricians, it’s also worth contacting them and checking on their availability.

Step 2: Placing orders

This stage is the start of the actual renovation process. You’ll work with your contractors to make final decisions on items such as materials and appliances.

If you’re fully overhauling your kitchen, you’ll need to order cabinets, flooring, tiles, lights, sinks, taps, appliances.

If your kitchen is an intricate style such as a Hampton or French Provincial, there may be additional items to complete the style such as special order corbels or pendant lights.

This stage can take a while as some parts may take several weeks, or even months to manufacture / arrive.

Step 3: Demolition and preparation

Your Cabinet Maker can’t start working on your new kitchen until the old one has been ripped out. In full renovations, this stage is going to involve stripping your kitchen back to the walls, so that the room is a clean slate for the renovation.

If your kitchen is only small, and there are no structural changes to be made, this can take a few days. However, if there’s lots to do, and walls to demolish, this stage could take up to three weeks.

Safety inspection

Your Builder will need to make sure your kitchen is safe, so they’ll assess the structure of your kitchen before removing your cabinets.

They’ll also make sure all the water, electric and gas is shut off before they start demolishing or building.

Old kitchen removal and demolition

The cabinets will be pulled out and disposed of, making room for the new kitchen. If you’re changing the structure of your kitchen, or changing a closed plan kitchen into an open plan, this is where walls may be demolished.

Step 4: Construction

This is the final stage of kitchen renovation, and the stage that takes the most time. There are several different steps within the construction stage, but now you’ll start to see it really coming together.

The construction stage usually takes a month or two to have a fully functioning, completed kitchen renovation.

Plumbing and electrical works

If you’re changing the location of appliances, or of your sink, you’ll need to have electrical and plumbing works done. This can include sorting electricity for your lights.

Energy Safe Victoria states that Homeowners and consumers must always use qualified and licensed electrical professionals. This includes any electrical and plumbing work during a kitchen renovation.

Gas and electricity are inherently dangerous and it’s illegal and potentially fatal for unlicensed and unqualified people to undertake any electrical or gasfitting work.

Once this work is done, you might need to have this inspected, to check it’s safe and meets regulations.

This step should only take a week or so, as long as you’ve booked your plumber/electrician in advance.

Installing Plaster

It’s almost impossible to remove a tiled splashback without damaging the plaster. If you’ve damaged your walls during the demolition or plumbing/electric works, you’ll want to install plaster to give your kitchen a smoother appearance. This section should only take a couple of days.

Installing flooring

Most flooring is installed after cabinets unless you are having solid timber flooring, so after installing plaster, it’s time for the cabinets

Flooring can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week, depending on how big your kitchen is.

Installing cabinets

Your cabinets are one of the main features of your kitchen, so this stage is all about achieving perfection. Your Cabinet Maker will make sure your cabinets are installed to meet Australian Standards. The time to install cabinets usually takes one to three days, depending on the size and complexity of your kitchen.

Setting the benchtops

Certain benchtops, such as stainless steel, granite and engineered stone, need to be made to measure, so that they fit exactly. So you’ll need to order them after the cabinets have been installed. They’ll often take between 1 and 2 weeks to arrive, and these materials will need to be installed by a specialist.

However, if you chose laminate or timber benchtops, your Cabinet Maker will install these when the kitchen goes in.

Fitting lighting

Your cabinets are in, your benchtops are in, so the next stage is lighting up your kitchen. You should have already had the electric work done, so it’s just a case of fitting the lights.

This shouldn’t take longer than a couple of days. And if your kitchen has already been prepared for the lights, it can easily be done within a day.

Installing a splashback

Depending on your splashback selection the time frame for this could be anything from 1 day to 2 weeks. If using tiles generally done within a day, if using stone this could take upto 2 weeks as this is made to measure after your benchtops have gone in.

Installing and checking appliances

The rest of your kitchen is in, so you’re free to move your appliances into their new home. After this stage, your kitchen is going to look almost complete.

But before finishing up, make sure you connect your appliances to the water/electric/gas and check they work.

Your plumber and electrician will be required to connect appliance & once done will issue you with a certificate of compliance.

Make sure you protect your new floors and walls from scratches or damage when moving appliances in – the last thing you want is to scuff your new kitchen.

Final touches

Everything’s been installed and your kitchen should be looking great. The final touches included adjusting any cabinet doors or drawers, applying paint touch-ups or finishes, and adding any decorative detail can now be done.

The clean up

Once your contractors have completed their works and moved out it is time for a clean-up.

Although your trades will clean up after themselves you will need to give the area a good once over, cleaning all the internal cabinetry with warm soapy water will need to be at the top of your list as they do get dusty during the renovation, give surfaces a wipe down and vacuuming the area so that it’s sparkling clean.

You are now ready to can start putting your kitchenware in its new home.

How to speed up your kitchen renovation

Hopefully the kitchen renovation timeline has given you a better idea of what to expect from your renovation in terms of each stage and the overall duration.

If you’re keen to get your kitchen renovated quickly, there are a few things you can do to speed up the timeline.

Act decisively

The planning process often ends up being the longest stage of renovations. Of course you want to make sure you choose the right designs, you want it to be perfect. But once you know what you want, go for it.

The sooner you decide on your dream kitchen; the sooner the dream becomes a reality!

Try to avoid changing your mind last minute

If you have a sudden change of heart, of course you can always change your mind. But if you can, it’s best to avoid last minute changes. These can really delay your kitchen renovation, especially if you have to order new materials.

Make sure you’re happy with the plans you make, and you shouldn’t find yourself wanting to make any drastic changes later down the line.

Choose readily available materials

The materials you choose will determine how long you spend waiting for your kitchen to arrive. Choosing material such as painted doors will take longer to manufacture opposed to melamine doors.

Keep pets out of the way

Pets and renovations don’t mix well. They’re curious, so naturally they want to see what’s going on. But they can get in the way and slow down your trades. And by doing so, they also put themselves at risk!

So if you want to make sure things run smoothly, ask a friend or family member to look after your furry friends, or put them in a pet hotel.

Have spare funds available

You should always allow a safety cushion of 10-15% in your budget. Sometimes, unexpected complications can arise, and this can involve more costs. If you don’t have the budget for unexpected costs, you might fall behind schedule.

Ensure trades are organised in advance

Contractors are often booked well in advance, so during your planning process, call around and ask about availability. You may have to wait several months for contractors to become available otherwise.

It’s also worth doing this with the specialist Kitchen Designer or Architect. Planning and booking in advance could save you months of waiting time.

Get Your Kitchen Renovation Done Right

There’s no straight answer to how long it takes to renovate a kitchen because it really does depend on a lot of small details. Every kitchen is different, and while it can be frustrating waiting for the renovation to be complete, it will be worth every moment once it’s finished.

The average time to install a kitchen once you have signed your contract (remembering you want to engage a Cabinet Maker who is a Registered Building Practitioner) is between 6 – 9 weeks.

However, planning in advance can help speed up your kitchen renovation time frame If you are looking for qualified professionals who can get your kitchen renovation completed on time, get in touch today. Advanced Cabinetry has been shaping the kitchens of Victoria since 1999.