A kitchen renovation is an exciting yet complex process. Whether you’re updating your appliances, redoing the layout, or undergoing a complete remodel, understanding the timescale for a kitchen project is essential. Many factors can influence the timeline, including the complexity of the design, the availability of materials, and any unforeseen challenges that arise.
If you’re feeling anxious about your renovation and don’t know where to start, read our blog ‘Thinking of A New Kitchen? Start Here’ to help you solidify your vision.
Here’s a breakdown of each stage in the kitchen renovation process, so you can be fully prepared for the journey ahead.
1. Planning and Design: 4 – 8 Weeks
Everything starts with planning. This phase involves defining the kitchen layout, selecting materials, and finalising the design concept. The timeframe here largely depends on the scope of your renovation and how quickly you can make decisions. If you’re working with a designer, you may need additional time for revisions or changes to ensure that every detail is exactly how you envision it.
If you’re contemplating whether you should go with a bespoke design or not, our blog ‘Why Should You Choose A Bespoke Kitchen?’ should answer all your questions.
3D Render by Amberth
2. Ordering Materials: 12 – 16 Weeks
Once the design is finalised, it’s time to order your materials. Lead times can vary in this phase, with some materials, like bespoke cabinetry, worktops or special fixtures, taking up to 16 weeks to arrive. It’s important to plan ahead and confirm delivery dates to avoid delays in the later stages of the project.
Amberth Mood Board
3. Site Preparation: 1-2 Days
Before demolition or installation begins, the site must be prepared. This is where professional installers will cover floors and protect surrounding areas to minimise dust and prevent any accidental damage. This step may seem simple, but it’s essential to ensure that the renovation can proceed without interruptions and your home stays as clean as possible during the process. With Amberth, this process is seamlessly taken care of by your project manager.
4. Demolition: 2 – 4 Days
Out with the old – it’s time to remove cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and any outdated fixtures. For most kitchen renovations, this phase can take 2-4 days depending on the size of the kitchen and the extent of the changes. Larger kitchens or more complicated layouts may take slightly longer. Don’t worry – our team ensures the space stays as clean as possible throughout the process.
5. Plumbing and Electrical Work: 2-8 Days, over two phases
The plumbing and electrical phase is crucial for ensuring that your kitchen works as it should. If you’re relocating sinks, stoves, or electrical outlets, this step could take anywhere from 2-8 days. The complexity of the layout and whether you’re making significant changes to plumbing and wiring will affect the duration of this phase. It is also done in two phases: the first being before kitchen installation and the second after kitchen and appliances installation.
Amberth, Shad Thames Project
6. Wall Preparation and Flooring: 5-21 Days
Once the plumbing and electrical work is complete, it’s time for wall preparation and flooring installation. You may need to add drywall, repair existing walls, or install new flooring. This is the most complex phase and can take anywhere from 5 to 21 days. The type of flooring you choose can also affect the timeline – for example, tile installation may take longer than vinyl or wood flooring. We always recommend the floor be laid fully wall to wall. The walls will be painted in this phase, too, but touch ups may be required after units and worktops are installed.
7. Worktops & Appliance Installation: 2 Days
After the cabinetry is installed, it’s time to install the appliances. Fabrication of the worktops take on average up to 14 working days depending on the finish. If you’re using stone or Corian for your worktops, their template (the process of taking measurements for the new worktops) will be scheduled upon cabinets installation completion. If laminate or wooden worktops are specified, they can be cut to size and treated on site.
Bespoke Drawers, By Amberth
9. Splashback: up to 21 working days
The timeline will differ here depending on the material you choose. If your material of choice is made from the same material as the worktops, the template and installation can be done at the same time.
If you choose glass or mirrors for your splashback, they tend to be measured after worktop installation – which in turn adds to the overall timeline.
If you decide to go with tiles, your splashback tilling can commence once worktops installation is complete. This process takes up to 3 working days.
10. Final Touches and Finishing: 2-3 Days
The final touches, such as painting, installing backsplashes and adding light fixtures, will take 2-3 days. These finishing touches are what make your new kitchen feel complete, bringing all the elements together into a cohesive, beautiful space.
Amberth, Kimberly Flat Project
11. Final Inspection and Clean-Up: 1-2 Days
Before you can officially call your kitchen renovation complete, it’s time for a final walkthrough to ensure everything is installed properly and working as it should. Any last-minute touch-ups or adjustments are made, and your kitchen will be thoroughly cleaned so it’s ready for use from day one.
Total Duration: Around 29 Weeks
On average, a typical kitchen renovation will take 29 weeks to complete, including a rough estimate of 8 weeks for the design process. As you can see, this timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the project, scope of building works, and unexpected challenges that arise. Planning ahead and allowing some flexibility in your timeline will help ensure the process runs smoothly.
FAQ’s
How long does it take to design a new kitchen?
With Amberth The initial design phase typically takes a total of 4 – 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of your project and how quickly decisions are made. Another 2-4 weeks need to be allowed for the technical package.
How often should a kitchen be replaced?
It is known that a well designed and installed kitchen can last up to 50 years. However, Kitchens are generally replaced or fully renovated every 15-25 years, though style updates or minor upgrades may be made sooner.
How long does it take to remove and install a new kitchen?
The timeline for removing and installing a new kitchen depends on the scale of the project and whether structural changes are needed. If the layout and connections require no changes, the timeline is roughly 4 – 8 weeks.
4. What if my kitchen requires structural work?
Structural changes, like removing walls or rerouting services, can add 2–6 weeks to the timeline, depending on the scope of the work.
