How Long Does a Custom Kitchen Renovation Take?
One of the most common questions homeowners ask when planning a kitchen renovation is: “How long will this take?”
The honest answer is that a custom kitchen renovation is a process, not a single phase of work. The timeline includes design, budgeting, permits, ordering, and construction — all of which must happen in the correct sequence to avoid delays, cost overruns, and unnecessary downtime.
Below is a realistic breakdown of a Homestead Kitchen Project Timeline, including the detailed design phase and permit requirements that are essential for a successful renovation.
Phase 1: First Contact & Basic Project Outline
Week 1
The process begins with a brief conversation to understand your goals and expectations. During this initial discussion, we cover:
Overall vision and style preferences
Inspiration and functional goals
Budget expectations
Project scope
This conversation allows us to determine whether the project is a good fit and to schedule the next step: the site visit.
Phase 2: Site Meeting for Measurements
Week 1–2
An in-home site meeting is critical for accuracy. During this visit, we collect:
Full measurements
Photos of the existing space
Appliance information
Plumbing, electrical, and structural notes
A detailed client wishlist
This information allows us to begin developing a preliminary design and realistic budget range based on the actual conditions of the home.
Phase 3: Preliminary Design + Budget Creation
Takes Approximately 3 Weeks
Using the site data, we prepare an initial design concept that includes:
Rough layout options
First 3-D renderings
Early door styles and finish direction
Hardware direction
Cabinet line options
Good / Better / Best pricing scenarios
A preliminary budget range
This phase establishes the overall direction of the project and ensures expectations are aligned before moving forward.
Phase 4: Preliminary Design & Budget Presentation
Around Week 4
We review the preliminary design and budget together, walking through:
Layout and workflow
Initial visual concepts
Budget assumptions and ranges
This meeting gives clients a clear understanding of what the project looks like and what it will realistically cost at different investment levels.
Phase 5: Client Budget Review Period
1–2 Weeks
Clients take time to review the information, process the budget, and request revisions. This pause is intentional — it allows thoughtful decisions before detailed design begins.
Phase 6: Detailed Design Phase
Takes Approximately 2 Weeks After Revisions
This is where the project becomes truly buildable.
The detailed design phase produces a complete, accurate, and priced design package that contractors can build from. It includes:
Final Layout
Accurate cabinet locations
Refined workflow
Wall and opening adjustments
Final Elevations
Fully dimensioned drawings
Appliance clearances
2020 design accuracy
Finish Selections
Final door style and finish
Mixed finishes (if applicable)
Manufacturer catalog references
Moldings & Custom Details
Crown stacks
Base molding
Hood design
Panels, posts, beams, and valances
Hardware
Final style, size, placement, and quantities
Lighting Plan
Fixture selections
Under-cabinet lighting
Switching locations
Plumbing Fixtures
Sink, faucet, pot filler
Filtration systems and accessories
Appliances
Final appliance selections
Integration details
Flooring
Material selection
Color and layout direction
Pricing Finalization
Updated cabinet pricing
Accessories
Labor and stone allowances
Outcome:
A complete, buildable, and accurately priced design package.
Phase 7: Final Design Presentation
Week 6–8
We present:
Final design drawings
Updated 3-D renderings
Verified pricing
A realistic project timeline
If the client approves the design, the project moves into planning, ordering, and permitting.
Phase 8: Contract, Planning & Ordering Phase
Approximately 3 Months Before Construction Begins
This phase ensures everything is finalized before demolition starts.
Contracts & Ordering
Cabinet contract
Remodeling contract (if Da Brothers is performing the remodel)
Deposits collected
Cabinet orders prepared and submitted
Permits
Most kitchen renovations require permits. During this phase we:
Determine required permits
Submit applications
Provide drawings and documentation
Coordinate with inspectors as needed
Permits must be approved before demolition begins.
Material Finalization
Stone yard visits and slab selection
Final plumbing fixtures
Lighting and switching plans
Flooring material and layout
Backsplash selection
Hardware confirmation
Scheduling & Trade Coordination
We coordinate all trades to minimize downtime:
Demolition
Electrical
Plumbing
Flooring
Drywall and paint
Cabinet installation
Countertop templating
Backsplash
Final punch list
Goal:
When demolition begins, everything is ready — so the kitchen is out of service for the shortest time possible.
Phase 9: Construction Phase
Kitchen Downtime
Standard renovation: Approximately 3 weeks out of use
Custom renovation: Approximately 4–6 weeks out of use
Typical Construction Sequence
Demolition and permit inspection (if required)
Electrical and plumbing rough-ins
Framing (if needed)
Drywall and paint
Cabinet installation
Countertop templating
Stone fabrication (2–3 weeks)
Countertop installation
Plumbing reconnect
Backsplash installation
Final finish work and adjustments
Phase 10: Final Walkthrough & Completion
The project concludes with a final walkthrough that includes:
Warranty review
Care and maintenance instructions
Final adjustments
Project close-out
Final Thought
A custom kitchen renovation is not just a construction project — it’s a carefully sequenced process designed to reduce risk, avoid delays, and deliver a finished kitchen that functions beautifully.
While construction may only take a few weeks, the planning and design that happen beforehand are what make the experience smoother, faster, and far less stressful.
When the process is done correctly, homeowners gain clarity, confidence, and a kitchen built to last.
Turn your dream space into reality with tailored design services that balance beauty, function, and craftsmanship. Click below to Learn more!
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