Renovation Roadmap: Our Step-by-Step Kitchen Remodel Process with Timeline

One of our most frequently asked questions is “How long will my kitchen remodel take?” And the honest answer is, “It depends.” There are a ton of factors that go into the timeline, but the renovation process comes down to 4 main phases: Planning Phase, Design Phase, Rest Phase, and the Build Phase. Each phase varies in length, but prospective clients can plan on the entire process lasting 12-18 months from initial contact to final walkthrough. The good news is that the final Build Phase, while the messiest, is often the shortest! We know this estimate seems like a long time, so we broke down our kitchen remodeling process to show you just what to expect in each step.

Greenville, SC kitchen remodel with sage cabinets.

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The kitchen remodel process:

Planning Phase (1-2 Months)

There are a lot of revisions, planning and scheduling that goes into a kitchen renovation, but the biggest determining factor for the speed of a renovation, by far, is the client’s decisiveness! We recommend that clients start with the end in mind. Before contacting us- or any other contractor- a client should know three things:

The End Goal: Will it primarily be an entertainment space, for family meals, or your home's main storage area? Knowing your kitchen’s primary purpose will help our team determine your space’s layout and features.
Budget: Renovations are expensive. A budget will allow our team to help you decide on features and selections within your price range.
Must-Have Features: The beauty of hiring a design-build contractor is that we can seamlessly integrate your can’t-live-without-it features into your kitchen design. However, even if you have a “money’s no object” budget, it’s not typically feasible to incorporate your entire wishlist due to spacial constraints. We suggest narrowing it down to 1-3 non-negotiables that our design team can ensure are incorporated into your new space.

Once a potential client contacts us through our website or email, a team member will reach out to set up a free, initial consultation. If the client feels that Ashmore Builders is a good fit for their needs, budget, and timeline, then the Design Team will schedule a follow-up meeting to measure and discuss cabinetry, features, and layout.

Design Phase (3-6 Months)

The design phase will require several meetings over the course of a couple of months. Oftentimes, the Design Phase is the longest because drawings and renderings require multiple revisions. In addition, the selections process is difficult for some homeowners who aren’t as sure of their own taste or style.

We highly recommend that clients consult with an interior designer in order to boost their confidence in the design process, as well as make decisions faster. The sooner that our selections coordinator can get finalized selections, the faster they can be ordered and received.

Once selections and designs are decided, the client(s) will then meet with the Design Team and their appointed project manager to sign-off on the construction agreement, estimate, and floor plans. Then, the group will collectively agree on a start date. For more information about our processes, check out our blog 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor.

Rest Phase (2-4 Months)

Once all the decisions are made and the clients receive their start date, then it’s time to enjoy the calm before the storm!

This is a great opportunity to declutter your kitchen and box-up the non-essentials. Our team is happy to help move some larger, heavier pieces of furniture, but clients are responsible for making sure their cabinets are cleared before demolition.

Build Phase (2-4 Months)

The length of the build phase is largely determined by the size of the space. Smaller kitchens updates normally don’t take more than a couple of weeks to complete. However, in larger remodels, especially ones where the layout is changed and electrical and plumbing are moved, the timeline will be longer.

Chanitcleer Kitchen Remodel

Before and After Gallery

In conclusion, even the smallest kitchen renovations take time. At Ashmore Builders, we believe that it is better to spend time preparing in the Planning and Design Phases. That way, the renovation is underway and finished as quickly as possible in the Build Phase. This allows our clients to get back into their homes and daily routines faster. Because ultimately, you’re remodeling your home to improve your daily life. It doesn’t do anyone any good to have your home under construction for an indeterminate amount of time. If you’re ready to start your renovation process, contact us today!