The #1 question we hear from homeowners starting a kitchen remodel isn't about cost — it's "how long will my kitchen be out of commission?" After 40+ years of remodeling kitchens across Montgomery County, here's the honest answer: a mid-range kitchen remodel takes 6–8 weeks from demo to final walkthrough. A full custom remodel? 8–12 weeks.
At Burton Residential Services, we've refined our process over four decades to keep your project on track. Here's exactly what happens each week — and what you should be doing too. Want to see how this compares to financing your remodel or planning the full project, we've got you covered.
The end result is always worth the wait — but knowing the timeline upfront makes the process far less stressful.
Week-by-Week Kitchen Remodel Timeline
Week 1: Demolition & Rough-In
This is the loud, messy week. Cabinets come out, flooring gets pulled up, and walls may come down. By Wednesday, your kitchen will be stripped to the studs. Electricians and plumbers begin roughing in new locations for outlets, lights, and plumbing lines. A temporary sink may be set up if possible.
✅ Homeowner To-Do: Clear out everything from the kitchen. Set up a temporary kitchen in another room (microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker).
Week 2: Electrical, Plumbing & Drywall
Rough inspections happen (electrical and plumbing must be approved before walls are closed). Drywall goes up, mudded, and sanded — this is dusty. By Friday, your walls should be smooth and ready for paint. Any subfloor repairs happen this week too.
✅ Homeowner To-Do: Confirm your cabinet delivery date. Cabinets are often the #1 schedule killer if they arrive late.
Week 3: Cabinets & Flooring
This is the most exciting week — your kitchen starts looking like a kitchen again. Cabinets are delivered and installed (1–2 days). Flooring goes in. If you chose hardwood or tile, this may extend into Week 4. Countertop template measurements happen once cabinets are in.
✅ Homeowner To-Do: Be available to confirm cabinet placement during install. Mistakes caught now are easy fixes.
Weeks 4–5: Countertops & The Waiting Game
This is often the longest gap in the project. After templating, stone countertops (granite, quartz) typically take 1–2 weeks to fabricate. During this gap, your contractor will install trim, baseboards, interior door casing, and begin painting. Some days may feel slow — that's normal.
✅ Homeowner To-Do: Schedule appliance delivery for Week 6. Make sure dimensions match your cabinet openings exactly.
Week 6: Backsplash, Fixtures & Finishing
Countertops are installed (one day). Backsplash tile goes up (1–2 days). Plumber returns to install the sink, faucet, and connect the dishwasher. Electrician installs light fixtures, under-cabinet lighting, and outlet covers. Appliances get delivered and connected.
✅ Homeowner To-Do: Test every outlet, every light, and run the dishwasher. Report issues immediately.
Weeks 7–8: Punch List & Final Walkthrough
The final two weeks are about details. Paint touch-ups, cabinet hardware adjustments, caulking, and a thorough cleaning. Your contractor does a punch-list walkthrough with you — this is when you flag anything that needs attention before final payment.
✅ Homeowner To-Do: Bring a notepad to the walkthrough. Test drawers, doors, faucets, and switches. Take your time — this is your chance to ensure everything is perfect.
The #1 Delay: Cabinets & Custom Materials
In our experience, 80% of kitchen remodel delays come from one of three things: custom cabinets arriving late, stone countertop fabrication backlogs, or homeowners changing their minds mid-project. Here's how to avoid all three:
Cabinet Delays
Order cabinets before demolition starts, not after. Custom cabinets need 6–10 weeks lead time. Stock cabinets are faster (2–4 weeks) but have fewer options.
Stone Fabrication
Quartz and granite need 1–2 weeks after templating. Select your slab early and put it on hold so it's ready when you need it.
Change Orders
Every change mid-project adds time and cost. Finalize every selection — tile, fixtures, paint, hardware — before demo day.
About the Author: Gary Burton
Gary Burton has been remodeling kitchens across Montgomery County for over 40 years. He's completed hundreds of kitchen renovations and knows exactly what it takes to keep a project on schedule — and what causes the delays.
Planning a kitchen remodel? Get a free estimate and a realistic timeline for your specific project.