Thinking about a remodel but wondering, “How long does a kitchen remodel take?” Fair question—no one wants to be washing dishes in the bathroom sink forever.
The timeline depends on your design, material selections, and any unexpected surprises (because, let’s be real, old houses love serving up surprises).
At Wolfe Construction, we keep things moving, organized, and as smooth as possible. Here’s what that looks like, step by step, with a few tips on how to come to your consultation and design meeting prepared and the most common mistakes to avoid when remodeling your kitchen.
The short answer? About 6 to 8 months, but the real answer depends on your design choices, material availability, and the scope of work.
Ripping everything out and starting fresh? That’s going to take longer than a simple update. Since we like to keep things clear and honest, here’s exactly what to expect—phase by phase—so you know where your project stands every step of the way.
Before we swing a hammer, we start with a deep dive into your project. We’ll come out to your home, take measurements, and talk about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can make your kitchen better.
Have a Pinterest board full of dream kitchens? Bring it! We want to know what you love so we can design something that actually fits your home and lifestyle.
This is also when we figure out any structural or layout changes that might be on your wishlist and set realistic expectations for your budget and timeline.
Now for the fun part—designing your new kitchen! Once we know your style, must-haves, and budget, we start crafting a custom design plan. This is where every detail starts coming together.
Come to your first design meeting with ideas, inspiration, and a collaborative spirit. We’ll put together preliminary plans and budgets, making adjustments as needed to nail down the perfect layout, materials, and finishes.
We’ll go through a few revisions to make sure everything flows beautifully, fits your needs, and works within your budget. By the end of this stage, you’ll have a solid game plan for your remodel, and we’ll be ready to move into the next phase.
This is where your dream kitchen starts taking shape—on paper, at least.
Now it’s time to pick out all the details that will bring it to life. From kitchen cabinets and countertops to flooring, fixtures, and backsplash tiles, every decision matters.
Since we’re a design-build firm, we make sure you’re getting real pricing on real products—so there are no budget surprises down the line.
Want fully custom cabinets? Those take longer than factory-built options. Have your heart set on a specific marble slab? That might take extra time to source. But trust us, when you’re standing in your perfectly finished kitchen, you’ll be glad you waited for the right materials.
Once the planning, design, and ordering are complete, it’s time to start the next step! This phase involves demolition, structural work, plumbing and electrical updates, and all the finishing touches that make your kitchen complete.
While construction can take up to three months, factors like structural changes, flooring updates in adjacent rooms, and detailed finish work can affect the timeline. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during each step so you know exactly what to expect.
First, we clear the space. This means removing old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and sometimes even walls to make room for your new design. If the layout is staying the same, this process moves quickly—but if we’re reconfiguring your kitchen, knocking down walls, or adding reinforcements, it takes more time.
Next comes the electrical and plumbing work. If we’re moving sinks, lighting, or appliances, our team runs new wiring and plumbing lines to accommodate the changes. This is also when we update anything that’s outdated, making sure your kitchen is safe and up to code.
Once that’s in place, we hang drywall and apply paint. This step makes the space feel like a room again, and while paint might seem like a small detail, it sets the tone for the entire kitchen.
At this stage, you’ll really start to see your vision coming together.
With the walls painted and structural changes complete, we move on to flooring and cabinetry. If your new flooring extends into other rooms or an open floor plan, this can add time since everything needs to flow seamlessly.
Once the flooring is down, we install cabinets, which are the backbone of your kitchen. Only after the cabinets are in place can we order and install countertops—since exact measurements are needed to ensure a perfect fit.
Fixtures, backsplashes, and final finishes come last. If your design includes intricate tile work or custom details, this part may take extra time—but it’s worth it.
Nobody likes waiting, especially when it comes to getting your dream kitchen. While some delays are out of your control (looking at you, backordered countertops), many can be avoided with a little planning and preparation.
The key? Doing your homework upfront. Here’s how to set yourself up for a smooth, on-time remodel.
Don't worry, we’re not talking about the high school math homework you still have nightmares about—this part is actually fun!
Before we dive into the remodel, a little preparation on your end goes a long way. Knowing what you want, what you need, and how much you’re comfortable investing makes the entire process smoother. The more decisions you make early, the fewer changes pop up later. So grab your favorite design inspiration, a notepad, and maybe a cup of coffee—it’s time to start planning!
Before tearing down walls or picking out cabinets, take a step back and think about what you actually want to change. Which finishes or features feel outdated? What doesn’t function well for your daily routine? Which upgrades would make life easier? Answering these questions now makes everything easier down the line:
Having clear answers will help guide every decision throughout the remodel.
Not all upgrades are created equal. Some things are non-negotiable, while others fall into the "nice-to-have" category. Prioritizing functionality, comfort, and efficiency first ensures you get the most out of your investment before adding luxury touches.
Here are a few must-have priorities that homeowners often need to address first:
Once these essentials are locked in, then it’s time to dream big!
Once your must-haves are covered, let’s talk luxury features. This is where your dream kitchen vision comes to life! While these might not be essential, they sure make your kitchen feel next-level amazing.
Here are some popular luxury wishlist items homeowners love:
Even if you're convinced your dream items won't fit into your budget, you never really know until you're working with your team. Doesn't hurt to ask, right?
The best way to help us understand your style? Show us! Whether you’re into modern, traditional, farmhouse, or something in between, gathering design inspiration helps your remodeler nail the look you’re going for.
Here are some great places to start:
The more examples you bring to our design meeting, the easier it is for us to meet your design goals and cut down on multiple design rounds to get it just right.
Having a budget in place from the start helps keep your remodel on track. Without one, it’s easy to get swept up in all the gorgeous options and end up with a design that’s way beyond what you planned to spend.
Setting a budget early means:
Not sure where to start? We’ll help you figure out what’s realistic based on your goals and must-haves—so you get the kitchen you want without unnecessary stress.
At Wolfe Construction, we know that a kitchen remodel is a big investment, and you deserve clear, honest answers before diving in.
Transparency and trust are at the core of what we do, so we’re answering some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners—no fluff, just real advice to help you feel prepared.
You can stay in your home during a kitchen remodel, but be prepared—it won’t be business as usual. Without your stove, sink, and full kitchen storage, everyday tasks take a little more planning. If you’re sticking around, setting up a temporary kitchen will help keep life running smoothly.
Here’s how to prep your temporary kitchen setup:
If you love to cook or your remodel is on the larger side, moving out temporarily may be the better option. Your kitchen remodel timeline and personal preferences will help determine what’s best.
Your cabinets are one of the biggest investments in a kitchen remodel, and there are three main types to choose from:
The right choice depends on your budget, style, and how much customization you need.
A kitchen remodel is a big investment, and the last thing you want is to finish the project and realize you overlooked something important.
Here are some of the most common kitchen remodeling mistakes homeowners make:
You need a contractor who communicates clearly, sticks to the timeline, and actually listens to what you want. The right team makes all the difference in keeping your project on track and making the process feel manageable (and maybe even exciting).
At Wolfe Construction, we know your home isn’t just another project—it’s your space, your routine, and your investment. That’s why we focus on keeping things organized, minimizing delays, and making sure you always know what’s next with clear and frequent communication.
Whether you’re planning a simple refresh or a full gut remodel, we’re here to walk you through it, keep things running smoothly, and make sure the final result is exactly what you envisioned.
Let’s talk about your kitchen remodel!