Based on a Houzz study, it's believed that almost a third of homeowners start their remodeling journey with the kitchen. To us at Balding Design Build, this makes sense. This space is closely tied to your daily routines, and upgrading this room in your home, whether with a major overhaul or minor updates, can significantly change the look and feel of your entire house.
Considering the importance of this type of renovation, it's only natural that you have questions, one of which is likely: "How long does a kitchen remodel take?' The answer is not the same for everyone. Timelines shift depending on the project's size, level of complexity, and even the age of the home. With this in mind, what we tell homeowners they can rely on is a general window of time and a set of factors that shape how long the work will last.
We want you to love your dream kitchen in the end, and part of ensuring this is helping you understand the timeline. In this blog, we'll share what you can expect from the timeline of a full kitchen renovation and how to best prepare for this monumental undertaking.
What to Expect When Planning a Kitchen Remodel: The Average Timeline
Kitchen remodeling takes careful coordination, not just weeks of construction. National averages indicate that most major kitchen projects typically take around five months, including the planning, design, and construction phases, while smaller updates are often completed in six to twelve weeks.
At Balding Design Build, our complete kitchen remodels typically fall between three and six months, covering design, permitting, procurement, construction, and everything in between. Within that span, the construction phase generally lasts eight to twelve weeks. The rest of the kitchen renovation timeline is influenced by early planning and ordering, which allows crews to stay productive once work begins.
Since Balding Design Build manages both design and construction in-house, decisions are finalized up front, and your planning benefits from that preparation. With this timeline, we're within national averages, balancing efficiency with the care needed to deliver lasting quality. We don’t rush, and the finished product and experience reflect that commitment.
What Influences The Timeline?
Some schedules progress smoothly with very few interruptions, while others require more time and flexibility, as every kitchen remodel presents its own unique set of circumstances.
However, in our experience, the biggest variables that can impact the kitchen design and build timeline usually include the following:
- Permitting: Most kitchen remodels require permits. Wilmington's Customer Online Application and Services Tool (COAST) has helped expedite approvals, but review times still vary depending on the project's size and scope. At Balding Design Build, you don't need to worry about permitting, as we handle all permit procedures.
- Custom Selections: Many homeowners choose custom-made cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. These bring long-term value to the finished space, but they often require longer lead times. Custom cabinets, for example, can take several months to arrive. Additionally, delays are more likely when selections are changed during construction, which is why making early decisions and preparations makes such a significant difference. We do our best to get ahead of this in the full design stage by helping clients pick and order selections early so the project stays on track.
- Home Condition and Age: Older houses sometimes reveal issues once their walls are opened, such as outdated wiring or plumbing that no longer meet current code standards. While many of these items can be anticipated during planning, some only become apparent during construction and can impact the schedule.
- Mid-Project Changes and Living In: Adjusting the design once construction has started nearly always extends the timeline, while living in the space during the remodel can introduce practical challenges that slow the pace of work. Both situations are manageable, but they do highlight why clear decisions and advance preparation are so valuable.
At Balding Design Build, we can help navigate these and any other variables when planning for a kitchen remodel to ensure your project stays on track.
Living Through a Kitchen Remodel: How to Prepare
Even with careful planning, a kitchen remodel changes the way daily life feels for a while. The good news is that with some forethought when planning a kitchen remodel, this period can be much more manageable.
One of the most helpful steps is creating a temporary kitchen. A small table with a microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, and easy-to-clean dishes can go a long way toward keeping routines intact. In our experience, many families set aside space in a dining room or garage to keep mealtimes simple. Additionally, families with children often find it helpful to keep a dedicated snack station available, which helps maintain a sense of normalcy.
Another tip is to consider focusing on one-pan meals or using outdoor grills during the construction phase if you enjoy cooking. Moreover, planning meals in advance also makes the transition easier. We recommend stocking the freezer with ready-to-go options or opting for occasional takeout at local restaurants, as these options can help keep stress low when your regular kitchen is unavailable.
Just as important is remembering that this is temporary. Remodels can certainly be disruptive and inconvenient, but the temporary sacrifice is well worth it once you see the finished result. Whether it is family dinners around the patio table or inviting friends over for casual evenings spent outdoors around a bonfire pit, finding new ways to gather during the process helps keep the experience positive.
Why Choose Balding Design Build For Your Kitchen Remodel?
At Balding Design Build, as a leading kitchen renovation company in Wilmington, we understand that a remodel is more than a start and finish date on a calendar. It involves months of planning, decisions, and coordination that all need to be managed with an eagle eye for detail. That is where the right partner makes the difference, and we are this partner.
Balding Design Build combines design expertise with construction management under one roof, providing clients with a clear process from the first meeting until we walk through your newly remodeled kitchen.
Our approach to timelines keeps projects organized, limits surprises, and allows homeowners like you to feel confident about the renovation process and the finished result. If you are ready to discuss your own kitchen remodel in Wilmington, we invite you to speak with our team about your kitchen remodel ideas. We're ready to create a plan that respects your time, protects your investment, and delivers a kitchen built to last.
