While your contractor is responsible for the construction, the decisions you make before any work begins have the biggest impact on your project’s schedule. A smooth remodel is the result of thoughtful and thorough planning. This guide is designed to help you become a proactive partner in your own renovation. We’ll cover the crucial steps you can take to keep things on track, from finalizing your design early to ordering materials well in advance. Understanding the key components of a kitchen remodel timeline empowers you to prevent common delays and work collaboratively with your team, ensuring your project is completed efficiently and with less stress.
Key Takeaways
- Commit to a Plan Before You Start: The most effective way to keep your project on schedule is to finalize every design detail—from layout to cabinet pulls—before demolition begins. This prevents costly mid-project changes and allows for timely material ordering.
- Establish a Communication Rhythm: A successful remodel depends on a strong partnership with your contractor. Set clear expectations for regular check-ins from the start to ensure you’re always aligned on progress and can address any issues quickly.
- Prepare for the Unpredictable: Every remodel has potential surprises, from permit delays to hidden plumbing issues. Building a buffer into your timeline and budget provides the flexibility needed to handle unexpected challenges without stress.
Your Kitchen Remodel: A Phase-by-Phase Guide
A kitchen remodel is an exciting undertaking, but it can also feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. While every project has its own unique timeline and challenges, most follow a predictable sequence of events. Breaking your remodel down into distinct phases helps you understand where your project is at any given moment and what’s coming next. From the initial brainstorming sessions to the final hardware installation, each step builds upon the last.
Think of it as a roadmap for your renovation. This guide walks you through the five main phases of a typical kitchen remodeling project. Understanding this flow will help you prepare for each stage, from the dusty demolition to the satisfying final touches. It also helps you and your contractor stay on the same page, ensuring your vision is executed correctly every step of the way. Let’s look at what each phase involves so you can feel confident and prepared as you transform your space.
Phase 1: Planning and Design
This is arguably the most important phase of your entire remodel. Solid planning is the foundation for a successful project, preventing costly mistakes and delays down the road. During this stage, you’ll work with your design and contracting team to finalize your layout, select materials, and set a realistic budget. You’ll choose everything from cabinets and countertops to appliances and lighting. This is the time to think about how you use your kitchen and what changes would improve its function and flow. A well-thought-out design plan not only ensures you get the kitchen you want but also provides a clear blueprint for the construction team to follow.
Phase 2: Demolition
Once the plan is set and materials are ordered, it’s time for demolition. This is the “out with the old, in with the new” stage where your existing kitchen is carefully dismantled. Crews will remove old cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, and sometimes even walls. While it can be a bit jarring to see your kitchen reduced to a bare shell, this step is essential for creating a clean slate. It’s also when unexpected issues, like hidden plumbing leaks or structural quirks, might be uncovered. A professional contractor will know how to handle these surprises and adjust the plan accordingly, keeping your project on track.
Phase 3: Rough-In Work
With the old kitchen gone, the focus shifts to the behind-the-scenes work. The rough-in phase involves updating the essential systems that power your kitchen. This is when electricians and plumbers come in to move or install new wiring, pipes, and ductwork to accommodate your new layout. For example, if you’re adding an island with a sink or a new wall oven, the necessary electrical and plumbing lines will be run at this stage. This work is critical for ensuring your new kitchen is not only beautiful but also safe and up to code. Once the rough-ins are complete and inspected, the walls can be closed up.
Phase 4: Installation
This is when your vision truly starts to come to life. After the walls are patched, primed, and painted, the installation of your new kitchen elements begins. Typically, flooring goes in first, followed by the base and wall cabinets. Once the cabinets are secured, your contractor will take precise measurements to create a template for your countertops. After the countertops are fabricated and installed, the project moves quickly. This phase is incredibly rewarding, as you can finally see the colors, textures, and layout you chose coming together to form a functional and beautiful space.
Phase 5: Finishing Touches
The final phase is all about the details that make your kitchen uniquely yours. This is when the backsplash is installed, appliances are put into place, and the sink and faucet are connected. Lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware like knobs and pulls, and outlet covers are also added during this stage. Your contractor will then conduct a final walkthrough with you to create a “punch list” of any minor adjustments or touch-ups that are needed. Once those final items are addressed, your new kitchen is officially complete and ready for you to enjoy.
How Long Does Each Remodel Phase Take?
A kitchen remodel isn’t a single event; it’s a series of carefully coordinated phases that bring your vision to life. Understanding what happens at each stage helps you see the bigger picture and feel more in control of the process. While every project is unique, most follow a similar path from initial ideas to the final, beautiful result. Breaking down the timeline helps manage expectations and highlights why some stages take longer than others. For example, waiting for custom cabinets or a specific countertop slab can add weeks to the schedule, but it’s all part of a well-managed plan.
Think of it like a recipe: each ingredient and step is essential for the final dish to turn out perfectly. Rushing the prep work or skipping a step can lead to problems later on. That’s why we map out the entire journey before we even pick up a hammer. This detailed approach ensures a smoother experience for you and a higher-quality outcome for your home. Here’s a look at the typical timeline for each phase of a kitchen remodeling project, so you know exactly what’s happening in your home and when.
Planning and Design: 2–8 Weeks
This is where your dream kitchen begins to take shape, and honestly, it’s one of the most exciting parts. The planning and design phase is the foundation of your entire remodel. During this time, you’ll work with our design team to finalize your layout, select materials like cabinets and countertops, choose your appliances, and set a clear budget. We’ll also handle the process of obtaining any necessary permits, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork. This foundational stage can take anywhere from two to eight weeks, sometimes longer for more complex designs. Taking your time here ensures every detail is considered and the rest of the project runs smoothly.
Demolition: 1–2 Weeks
Once the plan is set and materials are on order, it’s time to clear the way for your new kitchen. The demolition phase is exactly what it sounds like: we’ll carefully remove everything from the old space, including cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures. It can feel a bit chaotic seeing your kitchen stripped down to the studs, but it’s a necessary and exciting step toward your new space. Our professional team will manage the mess, contain the dust as much as possible, and ensure the space is perfectly prepped for the next stage. This part of the process typically takes about one to two weeks to complete safely and thoroughly.
Rough-In Work: 1–2 Weeks
With a clean slate, we can start on the crucial behind-the-scenes work. The rough-in phase involves installing or updating the essential systems that will be hidden behind your walls and floors. This includes all the necessary plumbing for your sink and dishwasher, electrical wiring for outlets, switches, and lighting, and any HVAC adjustments needed for proper ventilation. Getting these elements right is critical for a safe and functional kitchen that meets all building codes. This essential work generally takes one to two weeks, setting a solid foundation for all the beautiful, visible elements to come.
Cabinet and Countertop Installation: 3–7 Days
This is when you’ll really start to see your new kitchen come to life. First, we install the base and wall cabinets, which form the backbone of your kitchen’s design and layout. This usually takes about three to five days. Once the cabinets are in, precise measurements are taken for your countertops. While the fabrication of the countertops can take a couple of weeks off-site, the final on-site installation is relatively quick. The hands-on work for both cabinets and countertops is often completed within a week, completely transforming the look and feel of the room from a construction zone into a real kitchen.
Final Installations: 3–5 Days
We’re in the home stretch! The final phase is all about adding the finishing touches that make your kitchen uniquely yours. This includes installing the backsplash, hooking up your new appliances, mounting light fixtures, and adding hardware like knobs and pulls to your cabinets and drawers. We’ll also complete a final walkthrough with you to create a “punch list” of any minor adjustments needed, ensuring every detail is perfect. From painting touch-ups to ensuring every drawer glides smoothly, this last step is what pulls the whole project together. It typically takes about three to five days to wrap up and get your kitchen ready for you to enjoy.
What Factors Affect Your Kitchen Remodel Timeline?
While it’s tempting to look for a simple answer, the truth is that every kitchen remodel has its own unique timeline. Several key factors can stretch or shorten your project schedule. Understanding these variables from the start helps you set realistic expectations and plan for a smoother renovation experience. From the initial design to the final coat of paint, here are the main elements that will shape your project’s calendar.
Project Size and Complexity
The scope of your project is the single biggest driver of your timeline. Are you planning a simple cosmetic refresh with new paint, hardware, and a backsplash? Or are you undertaking a full-gut kitchen remodeling project that involves moving walls, rerouting plumbing, and installing all-new everything? A smaller project might take a few weeks, while a complex renovation can last several months. The more moving parts, custom features, and structural changes involved, the more time you’ll need to budget for design, construction, and inspections.
Material and Appliance Availability
Your design choices directly impact how quickly work can proceed. While standard, in-stock materials can be sourced quickly, custom elements have much longer lead times. For example, custom cabinets, special-order countertops, and certain high-end appliances can take two months or more to arrive after you place the order. It’s smart to select and order these long-lead items as early as possible in the planning phase. Factoring in potential supply chain or shipping delays will also help you create a more realistic and flexible schedule.
Permits and Inspections
For any remodel that involves changing your kitchen’s structure, electrical, or plumbing systems, you will need to secure building permits from your local city office. The time it takes to get these permits approved can vary significantly, sometimes adding days or even weeks to your timeline before any physical work can begin. An experienced contractor will know exactly what permits are needed and can manage the application process for you. It’s always best to apply for permits as soon as your design plans are finalized to avoid unnecessary delays.
Contractor Availability
A great contractor is worth waiting for, but their schedule can be a major factor in your project’s start date. Reputable and experienced remodeling teams are often booked months in advance, especially in busy markets like Concord and San Francisco. Once you’ve decided to move forward with a remodel, you should start researching and interviewing contractors right away. Getting on the schedule of a trusted professional team is a critical first step that sets the foundation for your entire project timeline and ensures your home renovation is in good hands.
Hidden Structural Issues
You never truly know what’s behind your walls until demolition begins. This is especially true in older homes, where we often uncover surprises like outdated wiring, hidden water damage, or pest problems that must be addressed before the remodel can continue. While these discoveries can be frustrating, they are fairly common. A seasoned contractor will have the expertise to handle these unexpected issues efficiently, but fixing them properly will add time and cost to your project. Building a small buffer into your timeline for these “what-ifs” is always a wise move.
Common Remodel Delays to Plan For
Even with the most detailed plan, a kitchen remodel can hit a few snags. It’s just the nature of a complex project with lots of moving parts. But don’t worry—knowing what these potential bumps in the road are ahead of time helps you prepare for them mentally and financially. Think of it less as a setback and more as a detour.
The key is to build a little flexibility into your timeline from the very beginning. An experienced contractor will do this automatically, adding a buffer for the “what ifs.” From waiting on city permits to discovering old plumbing behind a wall, these delays are often out of anyone’s direct control. The goal isn’t to avoid them entirely (which is often impossible) but to anticipate them so they don’t derail your entire project. Let’s walk through some of the most common delays you might encounter.
Permit Approval Delays
Before any major work begins, your project needs the green light from your local municipality. Securing the right permits is a non-negotiable step that ensures your remodel is safe and up to code. Unfortunately, this process isn’t always quick. Depending on how busy the city office is, getting approvals can add days or even weeks to your timeline before a single hammer is swung. An experienced contractor can help you prepare and submit all the necessary paperwork correctly, which can prevent unnecessary back-and-forth, but the final timeline is ultimately in the city’s hands. It’s best to get your applications in as early as possible.
Material Delivery Delays
You’ve picked out the perfect quartz countertops and custom-built cabinets, but now you have to wait for them to arrive. Delays in material delivery are one of the most common hurdles in any renovation. Custom or special-order items, like cabinetry and some appliances, can take two months or more to be delivered. On top of that, things like supply chain disruptions or even bad weather can impact delivery schedules. This is why ordering all your materials well before the demolition phase is so important. It ensures everything is on-site and ready to go when your team needs it.
Unexpected Structural Problems
The demolition phase is often full of surprises, and not always the fun kind. Once the old cabinets and drywall come down, you might uncover issues you never knew existed. Common discoveries include hidden water damage from a past leak, outdated electrical wiring that isn’t up to code, or evidence of a previous, poorly executed renovation. While finding these problems can be frustrating, it’s crucial to address them properly. A good contractor will pause, assess the situation, and walk you through the necessary repairs to ensure your new kitchen is built on a safe and solid foundation.
Mid-Project Design Changes
It’s one thing to see your design on paper and another to see it taking shape in your home. It’s not uncommon to have second thoughts or new ideas once the project is underway. However, it’s important to understand how much design decisions can impact the timeline. Changing the layout, swapping tile choices, or deciding you want a different sink can create a domino effect. It may require reordering materials, which can lead to delivery delays, and can also change the scope of work for your electrical and plumbing teams. Finalizing every detail of your design before work begins is the best way to keep things moving smoothly.
How to Keep Your Kitchen Remodel on Schedule
A kitchen remodel is an exciting process, but it’s also a complex one with many moving parts. While unexpected issues can pop up, most major delays can be avoided with smart planning and a proactive approach. Staying on schedule isn’t about luck; it’s about making key decisions early, preparing for the disruption, and working with a team you trust. By taking a few strategic steps before the first hammer swings, you can set your project up for a smooth, timely, and less stressful transformation. Here’s how you can keep your kitchen remodel on track from start to finish.
Plan Early and Order Materials in Advance
The single best thing you can do to ensure a timely remodel is to plan everything out well in advance. The more decisions you finalize before demolition begins, the smoother the entire process will be. This means choosing your layout, color scheme, appliances, and finishes early on. Items like custom cabinets and countertops often have long lead times, so ordering them as soon as your design is set is crucial. A detailed plan helps prevent last-minute scrambling and ensures all materials are on-site when your construction team needs them. This foresight is a cornerstone of any successful kitchen remodeling project and saves you from frustrating and costly delays down the road.
Apply for Permits Right Away
Depending on the scope of your remodel, you will likely need building permits from your local municipality. The permit approval process can sometimes take weeks or even months, making it a common source of delays. Don’t wait to get this process started. As soon as your design plans are finalized, you or your contractor should submit the permit applications. An experienced contractor will be familiar with local codes and can manage this entire process for you, ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth with the building department. Getting this administrative step handled early clears a major hurdle and allows work to begin as scheduled.
Choose an Experienced Contractor
Your choice of contractor can make or break your remodeling timeline. A seasoned professional does more than just build your kitchen; they act as a project manager, coordinating subcontractors, scheduling inspections, and solving problems as they arise. When vetting potential contractors, look for a team with a proven track record of completing projects on time and on budget. Be sure to check their past work and ask for references. Keep in mind that the best contractors are often booked months in advance, so start your search early. Partnering with a reliable team ensures your project is managed efficiently and keeps everything moving forward.
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
You’re going to be without a functional kitchen for several weeks, and planning for this reality is key to maintaining your sanity and keeping the project on track. Before the work begins, set up a temporary kitchen in another part of your home, like the dining room or garage. Equip it with a mini-fridge, a microwave, a coffee maker, and maybe a portable cooktop. Use disposable plates and utensils to minimize cleanup. Having this functional space reduces daily stress, which in turn helps you handle the renovation process with a clearer head. It’s a simple step that makes living through the remodel much more manageable for you and your family.
Finalize Your Design Before Starting
One of the most common reasons for remodel delays is changing your mind mid-project. While a small tweak might seem simple, it can have a domino effect, causing delays in ordering new materials and rescheduling trade professionals. To avoid this, finalize every detail of your design before any work begins. Work closely with your designer to create a comprehensive plan that includes everything from cabinet hardware to grout color. Once you’ve signed off on the design, commit to it. This “design lock” is essential for creating an accurate schedule and budget. A solid, finalized plan is the roadmap that your entire construction team will follow to bring your vision to life efficiently.
Remodel Timelines by Project Size
One of the first questions every homeowner asks is, “How long will this actually take?” The honest answer is: it depends entirely on what you’re planning to do. A kitchen remodel isn’t a one-size-fits-all project. The scope of your renovation is the single biggest factor influencing your timeline. Are you swapping out a faucet and painting the cabinets, or are you tearing down a wall and reconfiguring the entire layout? To give you a clearer picture, we can break down projects into three general categories: minor, mid-range, and major. Understanding which category your project falls into will help you set realistic expectations from the start.
Minor Updates: 2–4 Weeks
If you’re looking for a quick refresh without a full-scale demolition, a minor update is a great option. These projects typically take about two to four weeks and focus on cosmetic changes. Think of tasks like painting walls and cabinets, swapping out old hardware for new pulls and knobs, installing a new backsplash, or upgrading your sink and faucet. Because these updates don’t involve changing the kitchen’s layout or moving utilities, the process is much faster. You get that fresh, new-kitchen feeling without the disruption of a major overhaul, making it a perfect choice for a speedy transformation.
Mid-Range Remodels: 6–10 Weeks
A mid-range remodel is more involved and usually takes between six and ten weeks. This is what most people picture when they think of a standard kitchen remodeling project. It often includes replacing major elements like all the cabinets, countertops, and flooring, and maybe upgrading your appliances. While the kitchen’s basic layout stays the same, the work is more substantial than a minor update. This timeline accounts for demolition, potential minor plumbing or electrical adjustments, and the careful installation of all your new materials. It’s a comprehensive update that dramatically changes your kitchen’s look and feel.
Major Renovations: 10–16 Weeks
For a complete transformation, you’re looking at a major renovation, which can last anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks, and sometimes longer. These are the projects where you’re not just updating surfaces but fundamentally changing the space. This could mean tearing down walls to create an open-concept layout, reconfiguring the entire floor plan, or moving plumbing and electrical lines. A step-by-step kitchen remodeling timeline for a project this size involves extensive planning, permitting, and coordination between different specialists. While it’s the most time-intensive option, a major renovation gives you a truly custom kitchen designed exactly for your lifestyle.
How to Work With Your Contractor to Stay on Schedule
A successful remodel is a team effort, and the partnership you have with your contractor is at the heart of it all. While they manage the day-to-day logistics, your collaboration is essential for keeping the project moving smoothly and on schedule. Think of it as a dance—when you’re both in sync, everything flows. The key is establishing a strong working relationship from day one.
Good planning is the single most important factor in making your remodel go smoothly. The more decisions you can make before the first hammer swings, the better. By setting clear expectations, creating a solid plan, and maintaining open lines of communication, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your project stays on track. Here are a few practical ways to work with your contractor to make sure your kitchen remodeling project finishes on time and on budget.
Set Clear Communication Expectations
Before the project begins, have a conversation about how you’ll communicate. Do you prefer daily texts, a weekly summary email, or a quick phone call? Who is your main point of contact? Establishing these ground rules upfront prevents misunderstandings and ensures you always feel in the loop. A great contractor will welcome this conversation and should be able to clearly outline their communication process. This simple step builds trust and makes it easier to handle any questions or concerns that pop up along the way, turning a potentially stressful process into a collaborative one.
Create a Detailed Project Schedule
Your contractor should provide a detailed project schedule that outlines every phase of the remodel, from demolition to the final coat of paint. This isn’t just a rough estimate; it should include key milestones, deadlines for when you need to finalize selections (like tile or faucets), and inspection dates. A major full home remodel can take several months, so having this roadmap is crucial. It helps you understand what’s happening when and holds both parties accountable for their parts of the project, keeping everything moving forward as planned.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Consistent communication is one of the best ways to prevent delays and surprises. Plan for regular check-ins with your contractor, whether it’s a quick 15-minute meeting on-site each Friday or a scheduled weekly phone call. Use this time to walk through the progress, discuss what’s coming up next week, and ask any questions you have. These meetings are your opportunity to catch small issues before they become big problems and ensure you and your contractor are always on the same page. It’s not about micromanaging; it’s about staying engaged and informed.
Address Issues Quickly
Even with the best planning, remodels can have surprises, like hidden plumbing issues or a backordered appliance. The key is to tackle them head-on. If you see something that concerns you, bring it up with your contractor immediately. A proactive approach allows you to find solutions together without derailing the timeline. Experienced contractors are expert problem-solvers and can offer options you might not have considered. By working as a team to address challenges, you can keep the project on track and minimize stress. This collaborative spirit is vital across all home improvement services.
What to Realistically Expect During Your Remodel
A kitchen remodel is an exciting journey, but it’s also a major construction project happening inside your home. While your contractor will do everything possible to minimize disruption, it’s helpful to go in with a clear picture of what daily life will look like. Knowing what to expect can make the entire process feel smoother and less stressful. From setting up a temporary kitchen to planning for a bit of dust, being prepared is the key to a positive remodeling experience. Think of it less as an inconvenience and more as a short-term adventure on the way to your dream kitchen.
Building in a Time Buffer
Even with the most detailed plan, surprises can happen. That’s why it’s smart to build a little extra time and money into your expectations from the start. Think of it as your project’s safety net. Sometimes, demolition reveals unexpected issues, like old wiring or hidden plumbing problems that need to be addressed. Other times, a specific material might face a shipping delay. A good contractor will anticipate many of these, but it’s wise to mentally and financially prepare for contingencies. Adding a 10% to 15% buffer to your timeline and budget gives you the peace of mind to handle these bumps without derailing your project or your sanity.
Living Without a Functional Kitchen
This is often the most challenging part of a remodel, but you can make it manageable with a little prep work. Before demolition begins, set up a temporary kitchen in another area of your home, like the dining room, laundry room, or a corner of the garage. Equip it with a microwave, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and your slow cooker or air fryer. You might use a utility sink or even a large basin in a bathtub for washing dishes. Plan for simple meals, paper plates, and a bit more takeout than usual. This temporary setup will be your command center for meals and snacks, making the weeks without a full kitchen remodel feel much more comfortable.
Managing Dust and Noise
Let’s be real: construction is messy. There will be dust and noise, but a professional team will work hard to contain it. Expect your contractor to seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and use dust extractors to minimize the spread. Still, you’ll want to cover furniture in nearby rooms and be prepared for the sounds of saws, drills, and hammers. The process involves a coordinated effort from plumbers, electricians, and installers, so there will be a steady flow of activity. If you work from home or have young children, you might plan to spend time elsewhere during the loudest parts of the day, like demolition or drywall installation.
Staying Flexible with the Timeline
While your contractor will provide a detailed schedule, it’s best to view it as a well-informed roadmap rather than a minute-by-minute itinerary. Homeowners sometimes believe a remodeling timeline is set in stone, but factors like permit inspections, weather, or even a last-minute design change can cause shifts. The best way to keep things moving is to finalize all your design choices before work begins. Changing your mind on tile or cabinet hardware mid-project can lead to delays. Stay in close communication with your project manager, ask questions, and be prepared to adapt. A collaborative and flexible mindset will help you and your team handle any changes smoothly.
Related Articles
- Kitchen Remodelers Near Me: The Ultimate Guide
- How to Hire a Kitchen Remodel Company: A Guide
- Kitchen Remodel San Mateo: The Ultimate Guide
- Kitchen Remodel Concord CA: The Complete 2025 Guide
- Kitchen Contractor 101: The Ultimate Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the single biggest thing I can do to prevent delays? Finalize every single design decision before any work begins. It might sound simple, but this is the most effective way to keep your project on schedule. When you have your layout, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and even your hardware and paint colors chosen and ordered ahead of time, your contractor can create a precise and efficient work schedule. This avoids the domino effect of delays that happens when you’re waiting on a late material order or making a last-minute change.
Is it really necessary to move out during my kitchen remodel? For most kitchen remodels, you absolutely do not need to move out. The key is preparation. By setting up a well-equipped temporary kitchen in another room with essentials like a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker, you can make daily life much more manageable. A professional crew will also take steps to contain dust and debris. However, if you’re undertaking a massive renovation that affects large portions of your home’s living space, or if someone in your household is particularly sensitive to dust and noise, you might consider a short-term stay elsewhere for the most disruptive phases, like demolition.
My contractor’s timeline seems longer than the estimates you provided. Why would that be? The timelines in this guide are general estimates, and several factors can lead to a longer schedule for your specific project. A reputable contractor will give you a realistic timeline based on their current workload, the complexity of your design, and the lead times for your chosen materials. For instance, fully custom cabinets can take months to arrive, or your project might require complex structural changes that need more time for permits and inspections. A longer, well-thought-out timeline from a contractor is often a sign of experience and honesty, not a red flag.
What happens if you find something unexpected, like mold or bad wiring, during demolition? Discovering a hidden issue can feel stressful, but it’s a fairly common part of renovating, especially in older homes. When this happens, a professional contractor will immediately pause work in that area, assess the problem thoroughly, and present you with a clear explanation and a plan of action. This will likely involve bringing in a specialist, like an electrician or a remediation expert, to resolve the issue correctly. While it can add time and cost to the project, addressing these problems ensures your new kitchen is built on a safe and solid foundation.
How much ‘say’ do I have once the project starts? Can I still make changes? You always have the final say in your home, but it’s important to understand the impact of making changes once construction is underway. Altering your design mid-project, even for something that seems small, can affect the schedule and budget. For example, changing the location of an outlet might require the electrician to come back, or swapping your countertop choice could mean weeks of delay waiting for a new slab. This is why we emphasize finalizing your design beforehand. If you do decide on a change, communicate it immediately with your contractor so you can discuss the full impact on your timeline and costs before moving forward.