How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?

How long does a kitchen remodel take? It depends on the size of your kitchen, the changes you want, whether you need a full demolition and rebuild or just updated floors and cabinets, and how old the home is.

Delta Remodeling has completed more than 23 kitchen projects this year across Illinois. Timelines typically run 5 weeks to 3 months depending on scope — from accessible kitchens and open-concept layouts to minimal refreshes. Here is a practical breakdown of what drives the schedule and what to expect at each phase.

Our kitchen remodeling services cover design through construction across the North Shore service area.

Your Kitchen Type and When It Was Built Matter Most

Your kitchen type and the results you want create the blueprint for timing. The three most common project types we see are residential kitchens, commercial kitchens, and accessible (aging-in-place) kitchens.

Beyond project type, scope matters: small, large, boutique, or minimal. So does when the kitchen was last renovated. Many Illinois homes — especially those built in the 1980s and 1990s — still have wiring and plumbing that need updating before new finishes go in.

Questions we ask at every estimate:

• When was the kitchen last constructed or renovated?
• What type of plumbing and electrical service does the home have?
• What are your expectations, and which remodeling options do you want?
• Is permit approval required in your municipality?

Estimated Timeline by Kitchen Type

Kitchen Type / Project Scope	Estimated Time
Small cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware, backsplash)	1–2 weeks
Small kitchen remodel	3–5 weeks
Medium kitchen remodel	5–8 weeks
Large kitchen remodel	8–12 weeks
Luxury or custom kitchen remodel	10–16 weeks
Open-concept renovation (removing walls)	10–14 weeks
Accessible (ADA / aging-in-place) kitchen remodel	6–10 weeks
Commercial kitchen renovation	8–16+ weeks
Cabinet replacement only	1–3 weeks
Countertop replacement only	2–7 days
Flooring installation only	3–7 days
Full kitchen gut and remodel	8–12 weeks

These ranges reflect our recent kitchen renovation work across the Illinois North Shore. Your village's permit process and material lead times can extend either end.

Would You Stay in the Home During Renovation or Move Away?

This is the question every contractor should ask before demolition starts.

Kitchen remodeling does not disrupt labor when you have a second kitchen elsewhere in the home. When the family uses the same kitchen being remodeled, workflow slows and the project often takes longer than the original estimate.

A Deerfield client asked us before their remodel: Can I stay in my home while the kitchen is being renovated? Are there specific rules in Illinois?

Here is what matters:

• No statewide rule requires you to move out during a kitchen remodel in Illinois. Individual contractors and municipalities may set their own expectations.
• Renters may need to provide access; landlords must give prior notice under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance and similar local rules.
• Pre-1978 homes may require lead-safe work practices under EPA renovation rules when disturbing painted surfaces — occupancy restrictions can apply during certain phases.
• Gas, plumbing, or major electrical work may require local building department approval before you can stay in the home during active construction.

We generally recommend planning a temporary setup elsewhere in the home or staying off-site when possible. Roughly 64% of our clients schedule other interior work at the same time — which adds foot traffic, noise, and dust that affect both families and crews. That is especially hard on elderly residents, infants, and anyone working from home.

Are Your Contractors Able to Deliver on Time?

The remodeling industry has a reputation for running late. Hire a contractor who commits to a written timeline and communicates when conditions change.

A realistic schedule in the contract protects both sides. Ask how they handle delays, change orders, and inspection scheduling before you sign.

The Main Construction Phases

Pre-Construction (1 Week to 3 Months)

Pre-construction covers:

• Choosing a contractor — typically 1–2 weeks including site visits and estimates
• Permits — from a few hours of submission to several weeks of village review
• Moving out (if planned) — packing, storage, and relocation often take about 2 days
• Material sourcing — 2–3 days for standard local products; custom cabinets and appliances often run 6–16 weeks
• Neighbor notice — tell adjacent homeowners before demo starts

Most remodelers, including Delta Remodeling, can coordinate material ordering on your behalf once selections are final.

Demolition and Rough-In (2–7 Days)

Timeline depends on whether you are removing walls, floors, and cabinets or updating finishes in place.

• Flooring removal: 1–2 days depending on what is underneath
• Cabinet removal: about 1 day for standard wood; up to 2 days for built-in structures
• Plumbing and electrical rough-in: 3–5 days
• Inspections: a few hours to a few days depending on village scheduling

Construction (1 Week to 1 Month)

Most of our active construction phases run about 10 days for mid-scope work. Detailed projects take longer.

• Flooring: 1–3 days depending on material and kitchen size
• Hardwood: 3–5 days including acclimation and finish time
• Final plumbing and electrical trim: 1–2 days

Drywall, Cabinets, Paint, and Finishes (2–14 Days)

Install time depends on whether products are stock, semi-custom, or fully custom.

• Paint: 1 day to apply; 1 day to dry in warm weather, 2–3 days in humid Illinois conditions
• Pre-made cabinets: often installed in hours once delivered
• Custom cabinets: additional time for adjustment, fillers, and hardware

Countertops cannot be templated until base cabinets are installed and level — add 2–4 weeks for quartz fabrication after templating.

Why Does Kitchen Remodeling Take Time?

Kitchen remodeling in Illinois takes time because of:

• Permits and inspections at the municipal level
• Weather affecting paint, flooring acclimation, and crew scheduling
• Material lead times for custom cabinetry and configured appliances
• Older home conditions discovered after demolition

Getting a written timeline before work starts — not just a verbal estimate — is the best way to avoid surprises.

What Homeowners Say on Online Forums

Homeowners discussing kitchen remodels online share a consistent message: projects almost always take longer than expected, but the finished result is usually worth the disruption. Planning for flexibility helps.

1. Most homeowners underestimate the timeline. Even cabinet-and-counter replacements rarely finish in a single week once demolition, inspections, and countertop templating are included.

2. Unexpected problems are common. Older homes often reveal outdated wiring, failing plumbing, water damage, or structural issues once walls open.

3. Living without a kitchen requires planning. Temporary setups with a microwave, induction cooktop, mini fridge, and disposable dishes reduce stress. Outdoor grilling works when weather allows.

4. Scheduling trades is often the bigger challenge. Demo, electrical, plumbing, drywall, cabinets, countertops, tile, and paint must sequence correctly. One delayed trade shifts everything.

5. Honest communication matters. Homeowners value contractors who explain phases clearly, flag delays early, and avoid unrealistic promises.

Bottom line: expect some schedule flexibility, prepare for temporary inconvenience, and focus on the long-term value of a professionally completed kitchen.

Where to Find Kitchen Remodel Ideas

Browse completed work on our projects portfolio and gallery for layout, cabinet, and finish inspiration across North Shore communities.

For budget planning alongside timeline planning, see our kitchen remodel cost guide for the North Shore and kitchen remodel design guide.

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Delta Remodeling has handled kitchen remodels across Illinois since 1987 — from targeted updates to full gut renovations in Deerfield, Glenview, Northbrook, and surrounding communities. We provide realistic timeline estimates at the start of every project. Contact us for a free estimate or learn more about our kitchen remodeling services.