A kitchen renovation isn’t just another project; it’s the moment your home’s busiest corner gets a new life. The smell of fresh timber, the shine of new benchtops, the thrill of finally ditching that old stove… It’s exciting. But it also comes with a practical headache: how long are you going to be without a working kitchen?
Timelines can swing from a few days to a couple of months, depending on design choices, custom builds, and even how fast you make decisions. Understanding the stages, what causes delays, and what a realistic schedule looks like is the difference between a smooth project and weeks of takeout dinners.
What Stakeholders Say (and What Local Builders Do)
- According to Hunter Wide Building (Newcastle, Australia), most kitchen renovations take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on size and design.
- In Australia more broadly, a “straightforward kitchen renovation” (including planning) can take 8 to 12 weeks from start to finish.
- Some kitchen renovation firms in Perth report that if there is no structural work, simple renovations can be done in about 5 days; with building work, 1–2 weeks.
- Local directory-style guides put a typical renovation length at 2 to 3 weeks for many projects.
These sources confirm what many homeowners find: timelines vary widely.
Main Phases & What They Usually Take
Here’s a rough schedule, broken into phases. Actual times will shift based on region, project type, and decisions.
| Phase | Typical Duration | Key Tasks / Risks |
| Design & Planning | 1–4 weeks (sometimes more) | Finalizing layouts, selecting materials, getting approvals, ordering special items |
| Demolition / Strip Out | 1–3 days | Removing old cabinets, countertops, and appliances, prepping surfaces |
| Rough Work / Infrastructure | 2–5 days | Plumbing changes, electrical rewiring, and structural work if needed |
| Cabinetry & Millwork Installation | 1–3 days | Installing cabinet boxes, leveling, and anchoring |
| Countertops / Benchtops | Several days to 1 week | Measuring, fabrication, installation (stone takes more time) |
| Finishes & Touches | 2–5 days | Backsplash, painting, hardware, appliances, plumbing fixtures |
| Inspections & Final Adjustments | 1–2 days | Utility connections, quality checks, snagging (fixing minor defects) |
You might see these phases overlap, but this gives a framework.
Factors That Prolong or Compress the Timeline
Here are things that can stretch your renovation or make it faster:
- Scope / Structural Changes
If you’re moving walls, windows, or plumbing, expect delays. These tasks often have dependencies (you can’t install cabinets until plumbing is done). - Lead Time for Custom Elements
Custom cabinetry, stone benchtops, specialty hardware — these often require off-site fabrication. Delays in manufacturing or shipping can push out dates. - Permits, Approvals & Inspections
In many regions, certain changes trigger approvals (e.g., structural changes). Waiting for authorities can add days or weeks. - Coordination of Trades
Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, tilers — if scheduling isn’t tight, idle gaps appear. One delayed trade can cascade. - Unforeseen Damage
Hidden issues (rotted framing, outdated wiring, plumbing leaks) often emerge after demolition. You should build buffer time for surprises. - Decision Delays
If you (or the client) delay on choices — e.g., backsplash design, cabinet finishes — the timeline slows. - Weather, Deliveries & Site Conditions
Especially if parts of the work are outdoors (e.g., window removal) or deliveries are delayed, progress can stall.
Sample Timeline Scenarios
Here are a few illustrative cases:
Scenario A: Simple Refresh
You keep the layout, don’t move plumbing or walls, just replace cabinets, benchtops, and finishes.
- Planning + ordering: 1–2 weeks
- Demo to functional: 3–5 days
- Installation & finish: 1 week
- Total: ~2 to 3 weeks
Scenario B: Mid-Level Remodel
You move plumbing, change some walls, and upgrade finishes.
- Planning & approvals: 2–4 weeks
- Demo + infrastructure: 3–5 days
- Cabinet + benchtop: 3–5 days (plus wait for fabrication)
- Finishes & inspections: 3–5 days
- Total: ~3 to 5+ weeks
Scenario C: Heavy Renovation / Structural Work
You reconfigure the layout, open into dining, install new windows, or extend the kitchen.
- Planning & permits: 3–6+ weeks
- Demo + structural / framing: 1 week
- Rough-in (plumbing, electrical): 3–7 days
- Cabinet/benchtop installation: 1 week (plus fabrication delay)
- Finishes & final checks: 4–7 days
- Total: potentially 5–8+ weeks, depending on complexity
Tips to Help Keep Schedule On Track
- Lock in designs & materials early — minimizing indecision helps avoid holdups.
- Work with a builder/contractor who coordinates trades — better sequencing reduces downtime.
- Order long lead items early — cabinets, stone slabs, and appliances often have longer delivery times.
- Budget buffer time — expect at least 10–20% extra time for surprises.
- Consider temporary setups — have a microwave, portable cooktop, or small prep area ready so minor delays don’t stall you.
- Inspect early and often — catch small mistakes early rather than in the “snagging” stage.
What You Should Tell Prospective Clients / What to Ask Contractors
If you’re hiring someone, or if someone asks you for a timeline, it helps to clarify:
- Will plumbing or structural changes be needed?
- Are any walls, windows, or doors shifting?
- What parts are custom vs off-the-shelf?
- Are permits required (for your region)?
- What are the expected delivery times for major items?
- What’s the contractor’s track record with similar projects?
- How much buffer time is built into their schedule?
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but realistically, most kitchen renovations that don’t involve heavy structural changes fall in the 2 to 4 week window (after planning). If your project is more ambitious, the timeline can extend to 5-8 weeks or more.
Renovation is as much a timing challenge as it is a design one. The better your upfront planning, coordination of trades, and buffer management, the more likely your project will finish close to your target. Be patient — some waiting is inevitable — but also stay on top of milestones so delays don’t sneak up on you.