Remodeling a part of your home takes time and patience. For first-time home remodelers, often they think it can be done in a smooth and timely fashion. This is rarely the case. When planning a kitchen remodel, not only is it important to stick to your budget, but it’s equally important to try and find a contractor that will be able to stay as close to your timeline as possible. It’s also important to factor in some of the common things that can cause a remodel to potentially take longer.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?
How long is the average kitchen remodel? The answer to this question typically depends on a few different factors—although you can expect an average kitchen remodel to be anywhere from four to six weeks. Keep in mind, though, that it could take up to four months. Here are a few key things that can impact the duration of your remodeling project:
- Size and scope.
The size of your kitchen will definitely be a major factor in how long your remodel will take. Larger kitchens will need more time to complete, especially if you’re doing a full remodel and not just replacing the cabinets or fixtures. Even if your contractor has a typical timeline they’ve stuck to in past remodels, each kitchen is custom and will have its own schedule.
- Time of year.
The time of year is another big factor. Typically, contractors are busier during the summer months, so things could take longer then. Moreover, living in Minnesota can bring harsh winters with snow and ice storms. This can push back your timeline as well, since winter can cause a variety of slowdowns and problems.
- Various issues can arise.
This is something that can set you back a couple of days or a couple of weeks. It’s hard to tell if you’ll run into electrical or plumbing issues in the kitchen. Make sure to factor issues that could pop up into your timeline—and if they don’t then you could potentially finish even quicker than you thought.
Planning a Smooth Kitchen Remodel
The best way to make sure that you stick to your timeline is to create a foolproof plan. Of course, there will be things you can’t change or foresee, but having a solid plan will help you address and resolve many of these challenges quickly and efficiently.
1. Determine Your Wants, Needs, and Budget
The first thing you need to do when planning your kitchen remodel is to identify your wants, needs, and set a budget. Sticking to a budget is one of the most important things to do for a smooth, stress-free process. If your wants don’t fit into your budget, you need to focus more on your needs. Is your kitchen too small? Does the layout need to be reconfigured entirely—or do you just want to update the cabinets, countertops, and fixtures? Determining all of these things at the onset of your project will help you stick to a budget and set clear expectations moving forward.
2. Find the Right Contractor
The next step—and arguably the most important—is to find the right contractor. This can be a long process in itself, as you’ll want to do a lot of research before you decide on a company. Ask around to friends and family who have had work done in the area. These will be the best indicators of a company since they have had first-hand experience with them. Also, make sure to interview each contending company. Ask plenty of questions about their timeline, process, budget, permits, and how they deal with problems that could arise.
3. Plan for Extended Time Without Your Kitchen
After you’ve found the right contractor, you’re going to need to plan to be without a kitchen for a few weeks. This means you might be eating out or utilizing microwave meals more than usual and will need to factor that into your budget. Set up a temporary kitchen area to make things easier if you do want to eat at home. Also, consider using a small part of your dining room that has enough space to put dry goods, a microwave, disposable utensils, and maybe even a mini-fridge. Consider investing in a portable burner to boil water or cook eggs for breakfast. Even when things get hard, always remember the bigger picture, and that your temporary kitchen is just that—temporary.
Plan Your Kitchen Remodel Today
One of the most important things you can do to make sure you stay within your timeline for a kitchen remodel is by finding the right contractor. Let Honey-Doers bring your dream kitchen to life! With over 20 years of experience serving Minneapolis families, we have the knowledge, tools, and resources to transform your idea into a professional residential remodel. Contact us today for a free estimate.
