The honest answer is "it depends on scope," but a typical full kitchen remodel follows a recognizable arc. Here's how the weeks usually break down, so you can plan around losing your kitchen.
Before demolition: planning and ordering
This phase is invisible but critical. You're finalizing the design, picking finishes, signing the contract, and — most importantly — ordering long-lead materials. Custom cabinets and countertops can take weeks to arrive, and a good contractor won't start demolition until they're confident materials will land on time. Rushing this stage is how projects stall halfway. See our cabinets guide for why custom is the usual bottleneck.
A rough week-by-week once work begins
- Week 1 — Demolition. Old cabinets, counters, flooring and fixtures come out. Surprises in older homes (dated wiring, galvanized pipe) often surface here.
- Weeks 1–2 — Rough-in. Any plumbing, electrical and framing changes get done. If you pulled a permit, the rough-in inspection happens before walls close.
- Weeks 2–3 — Walls and flooring. Drywall, paint, and flooring go in. The space starts looking like a kitchen again.
- Weeks 3–5 — Cabinets and counters. Cabinets are installed, then templated counters are measured, fabricated and set. There's often a wait between cabinet install and counter delivery.
- Weeks 5–6 — Finishes. Backsplash, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting and hardware. Final inspection if permitted, then your walkthrough.
What stretches the timeline
- Long material lead times — the number one cause of delays
- Permit and inspection scheduling — built into any structural, electrical or plumbing work
- Hidden conditions in older Washington homes once walls open up
- Change orders — deciding to move something mid-project
How to keep it on track
Order long-lead items the day plans are final, ask your contractor for a written schedule with milestones, and remember that contractors are busiest spring through summer — see the best time of year to remodel for timing tips. Budgeting alongside the schedule? Our cost guide pairs well with this one.
Want a realistic timeline for your specific kitchen? Get free quotes from vetted Washington remodelers and ask each one for a milestone schedule.