How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?2026 Kansas City Guide
Get realistic timelines for your kitchen remodel based on 500+ projects we have completed in Kansas City. From quick updates to full gut renovations, here is what to expect.
Bob Coulston
4th Generation Contractor
Key Takeaways
- Minor updates: 1-3 weeks (cabinet painting, new countertops, appliance swaps)
- Mid-range remodel: 6-8 weeks construction + 4-6 weeks planning
- Major renovation: 10-16 weeks construction + 6-10 weeks planning
- Biggest time factor: Custom cabinet lead times (6-10 weeks)
"How long will this take?" is usually the second question homeowners ask, right after "how much will it cost?" After completing over 500 kitchen remodels in Kansas City, I can give you realistic timelines based on actual project data.
The short answer: most kitchen remodels take 3-5 months from first meeting to final walkthrough. But that number varies dramatically based on scope, and understanding the phases helps you plan realistically.
Quick Timeline Overview by Project Size
As contractors on ContractorTalk forums often discuss, timeline estimates vary based on complexity. Here is what we see in Kansas City:
Minor Kitchen Update
1-3 WeeksCosmetic updates without changing layout, plumbing, or electrical
Typical Scope:
- • Cabinet refacing or painting
- • New countertops (same layout)
- • Appliance replacement
- • New backsplash
- • Hardware and fixture updates
Planning Time
1-2 weeks
Kitchen Downtime
3-5 days
Mid-Range Remodel
6-8 WeeksNew cabinets and countertops, updated electrical and plumbing, same footprint
Typical Scope:
- • New semi-custom cabinets
- • Granite or quartz countertops
- • Electrical upgrades
- • New flooring
- • Updated lighting
Planning Time
4-6 weeks
Kitchen Downtime
2-3 weeks
Major Renovation
10-16 WeeksLayout changes, wall removal, custom cabinets, high-end finishes
Typical Scope:
- • Custom cabinetry
- • Wall removal or additions
- • Island installation
- • Plumbing relocation
- • High-end appliances
Planning Time
6-10 weeks
Kitchen Downtime
4-6 weeks
Phase-by-Phase Timeline Breakdown
Understanding each phase helps you plan around the disruption. According to CliqStudios' remodel timeline guide, here is what to expect:
Design & Planning
2-8 weeksInitial consultation, measurements, design iterations, material selection, finalizing contract
Permits & Ordering
2-10 weeksPermit applications, cabinet orders (longest lead time), material procurement
Demolition
1-3 daysRemove old cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances. Protect adjacent rooms from dust.
Rough-In Work
3-7 daysElectrical, plumbing, HVAC modifications. Inspection required before closing walls.
Drywall & Painting
3-5 daysPatch or replace drywall, tape, mud, sand, prime, and paint. Multiple coats require drying time.
Flooring Installation
2-4 daysInstall tile, hardwood, or LVP. Must be done before cabinets in most cases.
Cabinet Installation
1-3 daysInstall wall cabinets first, then base cabinets. Level and secure to studs.
Countertop Fabrication
2-3 weeks waitTemplate after cabinets are installed, then wait for fabrication. This is often the longest wait in the project.
Countertop & Backsplash
2-4 daysInstall countertops, cut sink opening, then tile backsplash.
Final Installations
2-3 daysAppliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware, touch-up paint, final cleaning.
Bottom line: The construction work itself often takes only 4-6 weeks. The waiting (permits, cabinet lead times, countertop fabrication) is what stretches timelines to 3-5 months.
What Causes Delays?
Even the best-planned projects hit snags. Based on our experience and discussions on Houzz forums, here are the most common delay factors:
Common Delays
- Custom cabinets: 6-10 week lead times are normal
- Permit approval: 1-3 weeks in KC metro
- Backordered materials: Especially specialty tiles, fixtures
- Hidden issues: Water damage, outdated wiring, mold
- Change orders: Mid-project decisions add time
How to Avoid Delays
- Order cabinets early: Before demo starts
- Finalize all selections: No changes after contract
- Build in buffer: Expect 10-15% longer than quoted
- Choose in-stock materials: When timeline is tight
- Schedule off-season: Winter has fewer delays
Kansas City Specific Factors
Permit timelines: In Johnson County, Kansas, permit approval typically takes 1-2 weeks. Jackson County, Missouri tends to be slightly faster. Either way, we submit permits during the design phase so they are approved before we are ready to start.
Seasonal demand: Spring and summer are our busiest seasons. If you want to start a project in April-June, book your contractor 2-3 months ahead. Fall and winter projects often have shorter wait times to get on the schedule.
Trade availability: Licensed electricians and plumbers are in high demand across the metro. We maintain relationships with reliable subcontractors, but their schedules can still affect project flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a full kitchen remodel take?
A full kitchen remodel typically takes 6-12 weeks for construction, plus 4-8 weeks of planning and design beforehand. The total timeline from first consultation to cooking your first meal is usually 3-5 months for a mid-range project.
How long does a minor kitchen update take?
Minor kitchen updates like refacing cabinets, replacing countertops, or updating appliances typically take 1-3 weeks. If you are just painting cabinets and swapping hardware, you might be done in a few days.
What takes the longest in a kitchen remodel?
Custom cabinets have the longest lead time, often 6-10 weeks from order to delivery. Countertop fabrication adds another 2-3 weeks after cabinets are installed and templated. The actual construction work is usually faster than the waiting.
Can I use my kitchen during a remodel?
For minor updates, yes. For major remodels, plan to be without a functional kitchen for 2-4 weeks during the most intensive phase. We recommend setting up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker in another room.
What causes kitchen remodel delays?
The most common delays are: permit approval (1-3 weeks), backordered materials, discovering hidden issues like water damage or outdated wiring, change orders mid-project, and scheduling conflicts with specialty trades like electricians and plumbers.
Is it faster to remodel in winter?
Yes, winter is typically faster because contractors have more availability. Spring and summer are peak remodeling seasons in Kansas City, so you may wait longer for your project to start and face more scheduling competition.
How long does cabinet installation take?
Cabinet installation typically takes 1-3 days depending on kitchen size and complexity. Wall cabinets are installed first, then base cabinets. Custom cabinets with specialty features may take an extra day.
How long after cabinets until countertops?
After cabinets are installed, there is typically a 2-3 week wait for countertops. The fabricator needs to template your counters (measuring the actual installed cabinets), then cut and polish the stone before installation.
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About the Author
Bob Coulston, Owner of Coulston Construction
Bob is a 4th generation contractor who founded Coulston Construction 15 years ago. His team of 30+ employees has completed over 500 kitchen remodels across the Kansas City metro, from $15,000 updates to $600,000+ luxury renovations. The company maintains a 5.0 Google rating with 500+ reviews and an A+ BBB rating.
Learn more about Bob →Ready to Start Planning Your Kitchen Remodel?
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