How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take: Complete Timeline

Modern countertops, new cabinets, and a layout that matches your new lifestyle are all things you’ve been dreaming about for months. 

But right when you plan that, it’s time to remodel your kitchen. The real question hits:

“How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?”

If you live in Glendora, CA, you’ve probably heard different answers from different contractors. Some say six weeks. Others say three months. The truth is, a full kitchen remodel, done right, takes time. Not because things are slow, but because there’s a lot involved: permits, inspections, materials, design decisions, and a whole lot of coordination.

This guide breaks down the full process, week by week, so you know exactly what to expect while your home’s most-used space is taken apart and rebuilt from scratch

Why Kitchen Remodeling Timeline Matters 

When most people think about kitchen remodeling, they focus on the end result, new countertops, soft-close drawers, and a space that finally works. But what they don’t think about is the weeks of living without a kitchen.

In Glendora, where families gather over meals and weekend mornings, going without a kitchen for two or three months can feel endless. That’s why understanding the timeline upfront isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

Whether you’re hiring a kitchen renovation company in Glendora or working with custom kitchen remodelers, knowing the road ahead helps you prepare mentally, financially, and logistically.

Weeks 1–4: Planning 

Planning is not the exciting part, but it’s absolutely the foundation for everything that follows. And if you get it wrong, you’ll feel it in every delay, every budget overrun, and every detail that didn’t turn out the way you pictured.

This phase includes:

  • Finalizing your budget
  • Interviewing and selecting a kitchen remodeling contractor in Glendora
  • Walking through design inspiration and layout possibilities
  • Setting realistic expectations

Planning can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on how clear you are on what you want, how available your contractor is, and how quickly materials or designs get locked in. If you’re juggling work, kids, or waiting on quotes from different remodelers in Glendora, expect it to lean toward the longer end.

Make decisions carefully, what you sort out here saves you weeks of headaches later.

Weeks 5–8: Design & Material Selection

This is where ideas start turning into actual decisions. You’re choosing finishes, materials, and locking in the look and function of your new kitchen. It’s exciting, but also overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

This phase includes:

  • Choosing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures
  • Finalizing layout changes and appliance placements
  • Reviewing drawings or 3D renderings, if offered
  • Confirming material availability and lead times

Expect this stage to take around 2 to 4 weeks. Custom cabinets or imported tile? That adds time. If you’re working with a design-build team in Glendora, they might streamline this for you, but if you’re shopping showrooms and waiting on samples, give yourself space to breathe.

Don’t rush your choices. You’ll live with them every day.

Weeks 9–10: Permits & Paperwork

If your remodel involves anything structural, like moving a wall, relocating plumbing, or upgrading electrical, permits are non-negotiable. And in Glendora, even a well-organized contractor can’t speed up city processes overnight.

This phase includes:

  • Submitting drawings and documentation to the city
  • Waiting on plan review and approval
  • Scheduling pre-inspection walk-throughs, if required

Permits in Glendora usually take 1 to 2 weeks, but that can stretch if your plans need revisions. An experienced contractor will handle most of this for you, just make sure you don’t start demo until everything’s signed off.

Skipping this step only creates delays later when inspectors show up.

Week 11: Demolition

Once the green light is in, the demo begins. It’s fast, loud, and messy, but it’s the first visible sign your project is moving.

This phase includes:

  • Tearing out old cabinets, flooring, and appliances
  • Disposing of debris and prepping the space for framing or plumbing
  • Identifying any hidden surprises behind walls

Demolition usually takes 3 to 5 days. If the home is older (and many in Glendora are), there’s always a chance your contractor uncovers water damage, outdated wiring, or other setbacks.

Give your schedule a little room here, just in case.

Weeks 12–13: Framing & Structural Work

If your remodel includes layout changes, like knocking down a wall, opening up space, or building a new pantry, this is where it happens. Even small changes can require careful planning and structural support.

This phase includes:

  • Framing new walls, soffits, or openings
  • Reinforcing beams or ceilings if walls were removed
  • Preparing the space for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC updates

This typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks. If your home in Glendora is older or has quirks behind the drywall, expect some adjustments along the way. Your contractor will coordinate inspections and make sure everything’s up to code.

Things might look torn apart right now, but this is the skeleton of your new kitchen. It has to be solid.

Weeks 14–15: Plumbing & Electrical Rough-Ins

Now the space gets wired and piped for everything to come. This isn’t glamorous, but it’s critical. If anything’s missed here, it’s expensive to fix later.

This phase includes:

  • Running new plumbing lines for sinks, fridges, and dishwashers
  • Installing electrical wiring for outlets, lights, and appliances
  • HVAC updates if you’re adding vents or changing airflow
  • First round of inspections before walls are closed up

Expect this phase to take 1 to 2 weeks. Some of that time is spent waiting for inspections from Glendora’s building department. A good contractor will schedule efficiently, but some downtime is normal here.

Once this stage passes inspection, things start to move faster.

Week 16: Insulation, Drywall & Paint

With plumbing and electrical cleared, it’s time to seal everything up and bring the room back to life. The space starts to feel like a kitchen again, even if you can’t use it yet.

This phase includes:

  • Insulating walls and ceilings as needed
  • Hanging, taping, and texturing drywall
  • Priming and painting walls

This part usually takes about a week. If your remodel includes accent walls or custom paintwork, it could stretch a few extra days. But overall, this phase is straightforward, as long as everything underneath was done right.

From here on out, it’s all about finishes.

Weeks 17–19: Cabinets, Countertops & Flooring

Now it gets exciting. Cabinets start going in, flooring is installed, and countertops are templated. This is the most visually satisfying part of the project, but it still requires patience.

This phase includes:

  • Installing base and upper cabinets
  • Templating and fabricating countertops (usually after cabinets are secured)
  • Installing flooring tile, hardwood, or vinyl
  • Coordinating with suppliers and managing staggered deliveries

Cabinet installation typically takes a week. Once installed, the countertop company comes to measure for fabrication, which takes another 7–10 business days before installation. Flooring may be done before or after cabinets, depending on materials and contractor preference.

If you’ve gone with custom kitchen cabinets in Glendora, this stage might stretch closer to three full weeks, especially if anything arrives damaged or late.

It’s progress you can finally see, but it still requires careful sequencing.

Week 20: Fixtures, Backsplash & Finishing Touches

With cabinets and counters in place, your remodel starts to feel complete. This week is all about the details, getting the kitchen ready for real life.

This phase includes:

  • Installing the backsplash tile
  • Mounting light fixtures, switches, and outlets
  • Installing cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures
  • Touch-up painting and trim work

This stage usually takes about 4 to 7 days. It’s common for little issues to pop up here, drawer fronts needing adjustment, grout cleanup, a light fixture not aligning quite right.

Don’t rush it. These small things make a big difference when you’re living in the space every day.

Week 21: Final Inspections & Punch List

Before you fire up the oven or load the fridge, everything gets a final review. This last phase ensures the work is complete, safe, and up to code.

This phase includes:

  • Scheduling final inspections for electrical and plumbing
  • Completing any remaining fixes (the “punch list”)
  • Final walkthrough with your contractor
  • Cleaning up the space

This takes about 3 to 5 days, depending on how many items are flagged during inspection or walkthrough. Be thorough, it’s your chance to speak up before the job is officially done.

Once this is complete? You’ve got a fully finished, brand-new kitchen.

What Can Speed Up or Slow Down A Kitchen Remodeling in Glendora, CA 

No matter how well you plan, some things will move faster than expected, and others… not so much. Here’s what makes or breaks your remodel timeline in the real world:

Common Delays:

  • Custom orders with long lead times, especially cabinetry and specialty tile
  • Permit hold-ups, if paperwork isn’t filed correctly or revisions are requested
  • Change orders, if you make major design changes mid-project
  • Hidden issues, like water damage or outdated wiring behind the walls

Delays aren’t always preventable, but knowing they’re possible helps you stay flexible.

What Speeds It Up:

  • Ordering materials early and having everything ready before the demo starts
  • Working with a full-service kitchen remodeler in Glendora who manages design, permits, and construction
  • Quick decision-making, no stalling when it’s time to choose finishes
  • Avoiding last-minute changes

When your contractor isn’t waiting on you or anyone else, things move faster.

Conclusion

Kitchen remodeling isn’t quick, and it shouldn’t be. If someone tells you they can redo your entire space in two weeks, they’re either cutting corners or skipping steps that matter.

In Glendora, a proper kitchen renovation takes time. You’re dealing with real timelines, real inspections, and real decisions. But when is it done right? You end up with a space that looks great, functions beautifully, and adds long-term value to your home.

Don’t focus on speed. Focus on getting it right.

Planning a Kitchen Remodel in Glendora?

Reach out today to schedule your consultation.
We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions honestly, and help you get started with confidence.

Still Need Clarity on How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Takes? Try FAQs

1. What’s the average lifespan of kitchen appliances?

Dishwashers last around 9 years, fridges about 13, and ovens around 15. If yours are older, it may be time to upgrade.

Yes! You can start small with lighting, countertops, or cabinets, then tackle bigger projects later.

It’s the ideal placement of the sink, stove, and fridge to make movement easy while cooking.

Start with what bothers you most. Focus your budget there. Also, reuse what you can and look for durable, affordable materials.

Simple updates can take 1–2 weeks. Full remodels often take 6–8 weeks, depending on scope and planning.

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