How Long a Kitchen Remodel Really Takes, and Why the Calendar Slips

By Parham Shariat · October 25, 2026

Every homeowner asks how long a remodel will take. The honest answer is that there are two clocks. One runs before construction starts, and the other runs while the crew is in your home. Most people only plan for the second one.

The clock before construction

This is where the calendar is won or lost. It includes:

• Design and selections. The layout, cabinets, appliances, tile and fixtures all have to be decided.
• Ordering. Stock cabinets arrive faster, while semi-custom and custom cabinets add weeks, and custom countertops and special appliances can add more.
• Permits. Anything that touches plumbing, electrical or structure needs plans reviewed first. Rancho Santa Margarita states that its plan check review takes 10 days or less. Other jurisdictions can take longer, in some places a few weeks and occasionally a couple of months, and a rejected submittal starts the clock again.
• HOA approval. If your community requires it, this runs on its own schedule.

We cover the permit and HOA steps in more detail in our article on city and HOA approvals in South Orange County.

The clock during construction

A remodel with us typically takes 4 to 9 weeks. Where your project lands in that range depends on product availability, lead times and the permit process. Moving walls, relocating plumbing or ordering custom pieces pushes it toward the longer end. The work follows a set order:

• Demolition
• Rough plumbing, electrical and mechanical work
• Rough inspections, which must pass before the walls are closed
• Insulation and drywall
• Cabinet installation
• Countertops, which are measured after the cabinets are in and then made
• Flooring, backsplash, paint and fixtures
• Final inspection and punch list

Each step depends on the one before it. If one slips, everything behind it moves.

A bathroom follows the same order and usually takes less time, because the room is smaller and there are fewer pieces to order.

What stretches the schedule

• Selections that are still open after work has started
• Cabinets or special items ordered late
• Structural changes that were not planned for
• A city submittal that comes back with corrections
• Changes to the design after the plan is approved
• Surprises behind the walls, such as old plumbing or damage
• Homeowners who are slow to answer questions

Most of these are choices, not accidents. That is the good news. You control more of the calendar than you think.

How to keep the calendar honest

• Finish design and selections before demolition
• Order cabinets and long lead items early
• Have the trades read the plans before they go to the city
• Ask for a written schedule of work, and check it weekly
• Answer questions quickly, and put your decisions in writing
• Expect a small cushion for surprises