How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take? A Stage-by-Stage Timeline

“How long will it take” is one of the first questions in any kitchen renovation, and the honest answer depends entirely on whether the job is a like-for-like swap or involves structural work. Breaking it into stages makes it clearer where the time actually goes, and why two kitchens that look similar on paper can take very different amounts of time.

Here's the stage-by-stage breakdown that adds up to those totals.

1

Design and specification

Before anyone arrives on site, layout, cabinetry design and material selection typically take 1 to 3 weeks. This stage decides the whole project, so rushing it tends to cost time later, not save it.

2

Strip-out

Removing the old kitchen, units, worktops and any redundant pipework or wiring usually takes 1 to 3 days depending on scope.

3

First-fix building work

Only needed if the project involves a structural opening or extension. Forming an opening, installing a lintel or steel, and making good typically takes 1 to 3 weeks.

4

First-fix plumbing and electrics

New pipework and cabling get run behind the walls and under the floor before anything is closed up, usually 2 to 5 days.

5

Plastering and drying time

Skimming walls and ceilings and letting them dry properly before decorating typically takes 3 to 7 days. Rushing the drying time is a common cause of cracked paint later.

6

Cabinetry and worktop fit

Fitting the units, then templating and installing worktops, usually takes 3 to 5 days.

7

Second-fix and appliances

Connecting sinks, taps, appliances, sockets and lighting typically takes 2 to 3 days.

8

Snagging and final fit

A final walk-through to catch anything that needs adjusting, plus any last finishing touches, usually takes 1 to 2 days.

Add those stages together and a straightforward refit with no structural work typically runs 2 to 3 weeks on site. A kitchen involving a structural opening, rewiring and replastering typically runs 5 to 7 weeks. We agree a written stage-by-stage schedule with you before work starts, rather than a moving target that shifts once the strip-out reveals what's actually behind the walls.