The timeline of a kitchen remodel
Depending on the size of the project, a kitchen remodel can be done in just a day or two, or it can take several months.
If your only aim is to upgrade your countertops and lighting fixtures, the process is pretty straightforward.
But what if you want to have your kitchen gutted, the layout changed, custom cabinets installed, and new flooring laid down?
The timeline of a more complex project may not always be clear.
If you are about to start your kitchen remodel, but it is not very clear what is going to happen during the process, this blog post is for you.
Step 1: The design phase
There is a bit of controversy about the timeline of a kitchen remodel, as different contractors tend to recommend different orders of steps – but there is no doubt that planning comes first.
This is when you decide on the main features of your kitchen (the layout, cabinet and countertop materials, storage solutions, and so on) and set up a budget.
You may do this on your own, but it is always better to get a second opinion, especially that of an expert.
Once you have found a trustworthy contractor, and discussed all your plans, the materials can be ordered.
Step 2: Demolition
Now you have the final plan, hired a contractor, and hopefully mentally prepared yourself for the next and messiest step – demolition.
This is when you tear out old materials, possibly even walls, and make structural changes if necessary.
Before the demolition, always make sure that water, gas, and electricity are off in the work area.
Bear in mind that you will also need to find a solution to dispose of waste.
Step 3: Assessing the plumbing and electrical system
If your new kitchen layout is significantly different from the original, you may need to reroute the wiring and plumbing.
For your safety, this is a job that you should leave to licensed plumbers and electricians.
Step 4: The new flooring is laid down
While some prefer to have the flooring laid as the last step to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged during the rest of the remodel, you may also do it before the cabinets are installed.
That way your new flooring will cover the whole kitchen, even underneath the cabinets.
It’s important to note that new cabinets should never be laid directly on top of floating floors. Floating floors need to be able to expand and contract, which is not possible if the cabinets are set directly on top of them.
Step 5: Finishing the walls
After the rough-in is completed it is time to clean up your kitchen and finish the walls.
The drywall is installed, and finally, the walls are primed and painted.
Similarly to the flooring, the walls can be repainted in the last stage of the remodeling process.
Step 6: New cabinetry is installed
This is probably the most exciting part, as once your new cabinetry is installed, you can see your kitchen take shape.
If you decide to keep your old cabinets and want to reface them or add some extra shelving for more storage, you can do it at this point.
Step 7: Countertops and backsplashes are installed
The fabricator can only measure your countertops and create a template once your cabinets are already in place.
Depending on the material of your choice, the fabrication of custom countertops can take several weeks.
A good rule of thumb is that countertops should be installed before the backsplashes.
Since you’ll need professional measuring tools and templating devices for these tasks, and natural stone countertops and backsplashes can be incredibly heavy, it’s best not to try a DIY approach in this phase.
Step 8: Installing lighting fixtures and new appliances
At this point, the new kitchen is practically ready!
If you bought new kitchen appliances and lighting fixtures, now is the time to install them and for your electrical and plumbing to be connected.
Step 9: Final touches
Congratulations, you’ve reached the last stage of your kitchen remodel!
All you need to do now is look through all the details with your contractor to make sure everything is in place, and if necessary, ask them to do some touch-ups.
After the kitchen is cleaned up, you can finally enjoy your new space.
At Simple Living Kitchen & Bath, we make sure that all our customers get a clear timeline of their project.
You can find out more about our process here!
Feel free to call us with any questions at (352) 675-2781, or visit our showroom for a personal consultation!