How Long Does a Typical Kitchen Remodel Take In West Alabama?
A Realistic Look At A Kitchen Remodel Timeline
One of the first questions we're often asked when sitting with homeowners discussing their upcoming kitchen remodeling project is “how long is our project going to take?” Our typical response of 10 to 14 weeks, depending on the scope of work, is often met with some surprise. Popular home-remodeling TV programs make it seem like a beautiful remodel can be achieved almost instantly.
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We love those shows too, but they don’t portray an accurate timeline for a remodel project – thank you editing! On TV you can transform an old, outdated kitchen to a beautiful new kitchen in 30 minutes flat! In reality, it involves many tradespeople, inspectors, and time to order or custom-manufacture materials.
However, an excellent design-build company will be upfront about costs, time, and schedule. Here at Toulmin Kitchen & Bath, we understand that a remodel can be disruptive. We know that you can't wait to get in and prepare a meal for your family in your new space! That's why we work closely with our clients to make sure they understand the entire process and work to keep it as transparent and painless as possible.
Let's walk through a typical kitchen remodeling project and learn why it takes 10 to 14 weeks to design and build a dream kitchen!
The Beginning Stage
The first step is to dream! We sit with our clients and talk to them about their existing kitchen, what they like, what doesn't work, and what they'd like to change. We ask about how they use the space, their lifestyle, their goals, their aesthetic, their “must-haves, their “dream items” and of course their budget. Next, we'll take measurements and then go back to the office and create a design.
During the design approval process, we'll go over materials choices, and once the design is approved and the preliminary finishes are chosen, the next step is to create a project timeline. While there is still some fluidity to the schedule, the timeline will show what needs to be done. Beginning with demolition, we walk step by step through the process in the general order of when things need to be done, right through the day we walk out the door.
The most important element to consider is the kitchen cabinetry. Kitchen cabinets require the longest lead time, and when they are ordered and delivered will dictate much of the timeline for your project. Semi-custom cabinets need approximately a 6-week lead time. If you are going fully custom, that becomes an 8 to 10 week lead time on average.
Once you've approved your design, and ordered the cabinets, we can then move backward from the cabinet delivery date to cover the steps needed before the cabinets arrive.
PHASE 1 – 4 to 6 weeks
Once we know when the cabinets will arrive, we can begin to schedule the first steps of the project. This includes all of the pre-work and demolition. If it is a complete gut to the studs remodeling, once the initial demolition is complete, we'll begin doing the framing, electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-ins. We then need to have rough inspections done. This can take several days as each phase may require a separate inspector. Typically phase 1 takes anywhere from four to six weeks, depending on the scope of work. If we're removing walls and there is structural work, like adding a beam, we may need engineering. If the framing is extensive, or trenching is required, it can add several days to phase one.
PHASE 2 – Finish Material Installation
Once all of the rough inspections are passed, we proceed to close up the walls, installing drywall, and finishing. This can again take a day or two to allow for drying. Once everything is buttoned-up, we start adding the “visual elements.” This is a little exciting for the homeowner as it's the first significant change they will see since demolition day. This is where we install your new cabinets and hardware. This phase can take between one and two weeks to complete.
Once the cabinets and hardware are in place, the next step is to set-up any templates needed, for example, the countertop, and glass inserts, etc. which we need to complete your project.
PHASE 3 – Countertop Installation
You may experience some “downtime” when it comes time to install the countertop. Countertops are typically templated after the cabinets are installed to ensure that they fit correctly. While your designer will have worked with you to choose the perfect countertop, once they are templated, they are then fabricated. This can take anywhere from five to ten business days, depending on the material you've chosen and how busy the fabricator is. Typically, if you've chosen and paid for your slab, or countertop material, this time can be closer to five business days.
The Final Kitchen Remodel Phase
Once the counters go in, your project is pretty much down to the finish work. Tile goes in and is grouted, appliances get installed, and electrical and plumbing finish work is completed. This phase typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the tradespeople available. You don't want workers getting in each other's way!
Finally, a punch list is prepared during a walk-through with the homeowner. If something were damaged during installation, we would have it on order so it can be installed as soon as it arrives. Then any painting is completed, and we're almost ready to wrap it up!
The final step is finishing the floor. If you have engineered floors or tile, this step may not be necessary. If you have chosen hardwood, once everything is installed, the floors are stained and screened for several coats. The job site is then closed down for about a week to allow the floors to dry.
Once the final punch list is complete and the floors are finished, it's time for final inspections, which should take a couple of days, and you're done! It's best to arrange a deep clean with a cleaning service to make sure everything is spotless, and your project is finished. All the time you spent researching, dreaming, and planning your project is over, and it's time to enjoy your new dream kitchen with your family.
If you're planning a kitchen remodel, give the experts at Toulmin Kitchen & Bath a call at (205) 366-0807. We can help you create your dream kitchen and walk you through the process. We strive to make our projects run as smoothly as possible and keep you informed throughout the entire process from the first consultation to the final inspections.
