Introduction
I’m Mike Werner, CEO of Matera Builders. Homeowners usually ask two things before a kitchen remodel: how long will it take, and what will my house be like while it happens?
Here is how a typical kitchen project moves from the first meeting to the final walkthrough, with realistic time frames for each phase.
The Phases of a Kitchen Remodel
Most kitchen projects follow the same sequence:
- Consultation and site review (1 to 2 weeks): we measure, review existing conditions and talk through goals and budget.
- Design and selections (3 to 6 weeks): layout, cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting and finishes are chosen and priced.
- Ordering and permits (8 to 16 weeks): cabinets and appliances are ordered and permits are submitted.
- Demolition and rough-in (1 to 2 weeks): the old kitchen comes out and plumbing, electrical and ventilation are roughed in and inspected.
- Installation (4 to 6 weeks): cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, trim and appliances go in.
- Final details and walkthrough (1 to 2 weeks): punch list, final inspection and a walkthrough with you.
From first meeting to finished kitchen, most projects take four to eight months, and only six to ten weeks of that is work inside your home.
What to Expect While Work Is Underway
These are the practical questions I review with homeowners before demolition starts.
- Living Without a Kitchen
- Why It Matters: Construction usually takes the kitchen out of service for six to ten weeks.
- What I Look For: Where a temporary kitchen can go, which appliances can stay connected, and whether work can happen while the home is empty.
- Dust and Protection
- Why It Matters: Demolition and cutting create dust that travels through a home.
- What I Look For: Floor protection, dust barriers, which entry the crew uses and how the rest of the house stays clean.
- Communication
- Why It Matters: Homeowners are more comfortable when they know what is happening each week.
- What I Look For: One point of contact, weekly updates and a shared schedule through our client portal.
- Inspections
- Why It Matters: Rough and final inspections are required on most kitchens with plumbing or electrical work.
- What I Look For: When inspections are booked and how they fit the construction sequence.
- Lead Times
- Why It Matters: Cabinets and appliances set the start date more than anything else.
- What I Look For: Confirmed order dates, delivery windows and storage for materials that arrive early.
- Decisions During Construction
- Why It Matters: Changes after work starts add time and cost.
- What I Look For: Which selections must be final before demolition and which, like paint color, can wait.
Why Winter Is the Right Time to Plan
Many shore towns limit construction in the summer, and most owners want their homes ready by Memorial Day. Working backward from that date, design and selections need to happen in late fall and early winter.
If you start planning in November or December, cabinets and appliances can be ordered in January and construction can run from late winter into spring. Waiting until spring often pushes the build into fall.
Off-season work has other advantages for second homes: the house is often empty, crews have easier access, and the project does not interfere with rentals or family visits.
Planning Checklist
- Set your target finish date and work backward.
- Finalize layout and selections before ordering.
- Plan a temporary kitchen if you will live in the home.
- Confirm how and when you will receive updates.
- Ask which decisions must be final before demolition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Delays usually come from decisions, not construction.
- Starting demolition before cabinets have arrived.
- Changing selections after orders are placed.
- Planning in spring and expecting a summer finish.
- Not leaving time for inspections.
- Underestimating countertop templating and fabrication time.
A complete plan before demolition keeps the schedule predictable.
FAQ
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Most take four to eight months from the first meeting, including design and lead times. Construction in the home usually lasts six to ten weeks.
Can I live in my home during a kitchen remodel?
Yes, many clients do. We set up dust protection and help plan a temporary kitchen, though many second-home owners schedule the work while the house is empty.
What causes kitchen remodel delays?
Late selections, product lead times and changes after work begins are the most common causes. Hidden conditions found during demolition can also add time.
When should I start planning to finish before summer?
November or December. That allows time for design and ordering, with construction from late winter into spring.
The Bottom Line
A kitchen remodel goes smoothly when you know the phases ahead of time and the big decisions are made before demolition. Most of the waiting happens before construction, not during it.
To finish before summer, the planning window is now. Call Matera Builders at 609-905-4156 or request a consultation.
Related Reading
- Kitchen and bath remodeling at the Jersey Shore
- Kitchen Remodel Cost Factors for Ocean City and Avalon Homes
- What to Ask Before Starting a Major Home Renovation
- How to Avoid Change Orders During a Kitchen or Bath Remodel
