Category: Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel timeline needs to be well-planned and, more importantly, well-understood by all involved to make sure the project goes smoothly. On average, kitchen remodels take 1-6 months, but that information alone isn’t enough to help you prepare for one. If you’re starting a new project, you might find it useful to learn about:
a) the different stages of the project
b) how long each one typically takes.

When you get to planning your project, your contractor will give you a timeline based on your specific requirements. However, if you would like your kitchen ready in time for a special event, knowing what’s achievable in the time available can help you make certain decisions in advance. For example, you may want your kitchen finished before an occasion, such as a wedding, a big birthday, or the arrival of a new family member. Or perhaps you need to move into your new home by a certain date and want the kitchen all set up before you do. In such cases, time truly is of the essence, so having clarity when you’re planning your kitchen remodel is key.

In our experience as a full-service design-remodel firm, communication with clients is smoother when everyone involved has a solid understanding of the timelines and process, along with clear expectations. That’s why we recommend learning about different stages of a remodel, along with the objectives of each one.

A) THE GROUNDWORK

This covers everything you need to do before the actual breaking and building can begin. You will need to:

1. Put together your ideas and set goals for your project

At your own pace

Whether you’ve just had the idea to shake things up or have been planning your perfect kitchen for years, this is the time to make the important decisions on how your kitchen will look and function as well as any major modifications. For example, you may want to create a larger space, the way we did for these clients in Falls Church, VA:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=jP6c_v8MyKA

As part of our process, we offer a complimentary consultation where potential clients can tell us about their goals and the design aesthetic they want. Here are some goals that we have helped many clients in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC achieve:

• Create a kitchen that suits their lifestyle
• Increase resale value
• Incorporate smart appliances to create a more future-friendly kitchen
• Improve functionality, so home-cooked meals become an inviting option
• Update the space’s look, especially for older kitchens

In addition, it’s a great idea to compile photos that have inspired you together with rough measurements/sketches of the room to be remodeled. When we meet our clients at our showroom or via a virtual design consultation, we find having this information makes for a smooth design process.

2. Settle on a designer/contractor

At your own pace

Choosing the right designer and contractor for your remodel is a key decision. You need a team with the experience and professionalism to bring your vision to life on time. Even if you’re in a rush to get the job done, take the time to call the designer/contractor’s references and ask for details on their most recent work. It’s worth spending a little extra time on identifying a team you can trust – one that will meet tight deadlines, produce quality work within your budget, and give you accurate pricing.

3. Evaluate your existing kitchen

At your own pace

Now it’s time to get an expert opinion on your ideas. This usually begins with a thorough evaluation of the existing space to avoid common mistakes. Discuss these points with your kitchen designer to make sure they understand the functionality requirements:

• Space – do you have enough counter, cabinet, and floor space?
• Flow – is it easy to navigate, cook with family members, and interact with guests?
• Appliances – should you upgrade to energy-saving, easier-to-use appliances?
• Accessibility – can family members of various ages and use it safely, including yourself as you get older? What about people with disabilities?
• Children and pets – do you need to make any special provisions for them?

4. Finalize the kitchen design

1-4 weeks

With a strong team and a clear vision for your future kitchen, you can move on to the design stage. Here, your designer will help you detail out your dream kitchen and look for the best way to bring it to life. Depending on the number of revisions, this could take 1-4 weeks. We always recommend asking for high-quality renderings to help you see what your kitchen will actually look like. What the design process entails may vary depending on whom you work with. For example, our new virtual design process offers:

• A set of resources to help you explore your options and envision your dream kitchen or bathroom more clearly.
• An online questionnaire to help you share that vision with us in detail
• A Google Meet to give us a chance to interact and get on the same page before we proceed
• Physical samples that bring the showroom experience to you at home, enabling you to interact with the materials in a way videos and images won’t allow you to.

We created this process to give our clients a way to proceed with their remodel plans from home. Once the design is complete through this virtual process, we select a date to begin the remodel and take it from there.

5. Apply for building permits

Varies depending on location and specific permits needed

Every home remodel project comes with its own permit requirements, and these will vary between locations. This chart by House Beautiful will give you a sense of what generally does and doesn’t require a permit:

Be sure to check with your relevant local authority and your contractor about the permits you require.

6. Select and order materials

1-3 months

This will vary based on your selection and the manufacturing/delivery time. To give you an idea, here are our cabinet lines at a glance, sorted by price (low to high) with details on lead time:

• Waypoint – stock 4 to 5 week lead time.
• Bellmont 1600 – semi-custom – frameless cabinetry – 5 to 7 week lead time
• Dura Supreme – Bria and Bellmont 1900 – frameless cabinetry – 5 to 8 week lead time
• Dura Supreme Crestwood Inset – 5 to 8 week lead time
• Plain & Fancy Medley – frameless cabinetry – 9 to 12 week lead time
• Plain & Fancy Classic inset – 9 to 12 week lead time

Similarly, the time it takes to get your countertops, tiles, and other materials can vary based on the specific materials you choose.

B) THE DEMOLITION

Here, the process of taking out the kitchen begins. When you get to this stage, factor in days for these two things into your kitchen remodel timeline:

1. Complete the demolition

1-3 days

This process is surprisingly quick. It will happen before you know it, so be sure to take a few “before” shots! It’s always fun to make a comparison later to see how all your careful planning transformed the space.

Tip: Let your neighbors know about your plans before you begin demolishing your kitchen; they’ll appreciate the heads up.

2. Re-evaluating your design

At your own pace

Once the kitchen is taken out, examine the space and look for any factors you may not have taken into consideration, such as construction flaws. You can work closely with your kitchen designer and contractor to see if the design for the new kitchen needs to be adjusted.

C) THE ESSENTIALS

After the old kitchen is taken out, your team will start getting the key aspects of functionality in place. This will include:

1. Plumbing and rewiring

2-5 days

The rough-in work will cover the plumbing, electrical, and framing requirements. You may need to factor in a little more time for a home inspection once this is done, to make sure everything is up to code.

2. Walls, doors, and windows

2-3 days

This stage lays the foundation for other important aspects of your kitchen. Complete the doors and windows before you move on to anything else because they will impact your cabinetry measurements.

3. Flooring

1-2 days

Some contractors prefer doing this after the cabinetry, while others strongly believe it has to be done before that. We tailor our recommendations to suit each project, ensuring that our clients always get the best, most efficient plan and kitchen remodel timeline to suit their needs.

4. Design refinements

At your own pace

Here, you have another opportunity to check for any measurements that need to be modified before you install your new kitchen.

D) THE NEW KITCHEN

Ready to see your new kitchen? This is when it’ll start to materialize!

1. Cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures

1 week

Your contractor will put in the new kitchen cabinets, countertops, and plumbing and electrical fixtures at this stage. It usually takes around a week if all the materials are supplied on time.

2. Install your new appliances

1-2 days

Finally, everything you need to get cooking is brought in, including your refrigerator, stove, and microwave. When that’s done, you’ll be very close to the finish line.

3. Add the finishing touches

2-4 days

Check your original design to see if there are any details that still need to be taken care of. Do a thorough check before you clean up the kitchen and call it a wrap.

The remodel process looks a little for everyone, but the kitchen remodel timeline estimates we’ve shared should help you decide when to start the process. Here’s a summary:

Activity	Time estimate
Compile ideas and setting goals	At your own pace
Select a contractor	At your own pace
Evaluate the existing kitchen	At your own pace
Finalize the kitchen design	1-4 weeks
Building permits	Location-dependent
Select and order materials	1-3 months
Demolition	2-3 days
Plumbing and rewiring	2-5 days
Walls, doors, and windows	2-3 days
Flooring	1-2 days
Cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures	1 week
New appliances	1-2 days

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, connect with the Bath Plus Kitchen team over a virtual consultation. We’ll help you create the perfect design with a kitchen remodel timeline and budget that works for you!

The prospect of a new and improved kitchen is an exciting one, but taking the plunge isn’t an easy decision. That’s why we created this overview of what a typical kitchen remodeling process looks like based on our experience as a full-service design-remodel firm.

Aside from the investment and inconvenience, two of the top fears around kitchen remodels are the fear of disappointment and the fear of being misled by a contractor. We believe these concerns should not hold you back from creating the kitchen of your dreams. Instead, we recommend doing your homework and learning as much as you can about the process. When you understand the workflow, you will be in a position to collaborate successfully with your contractor and understand what’s happening at every stage of your kitchen’s transformation.

A major kitchen remodel project by Bath Plus Kitchen.

Stage 1: Set goals for your remodel

What are you hoping to achieve through this kitchen remodeling project? Here are a few goals our clients often share with us:

• Creating a kitchen that suits their lifestyle
• Increasing resale value
• Incorporating smart appliances to create a more future-friendly kitchen
• Improving functionality, so home-cooked meals become an inviting option
• Updating the space’s look, especially for older kitchens

Defining a goal will help you share your vision more clearly with your kitchen remodeling contractor. It helps to write it out as a goal statement and share it with everyone involved. You can then revisit the document at every stage to ensure you’re on track and making choices in line with your vision. Very often, the remodel is planned with a big event on the horizon. For example, one of our clients in NW Washington, DC wanted theirs completed before their baby boy was born. We completed this project with them in 8 weeks, just a few weeks before they welcomed the newest member of their family home.

kitchen remodel process

Stage 2: Evaluate your existing kitchen With a clear goal in mind, you can approach a designer and contractor, or a remodeling company that will do both. If you’re not sure how to evaluate them, start with these questions. Many companies have their own selection process to determine if the project is right for them. Our selection process at Bath Plus Kitchen is a curated one that’s designed to ensure each project is a good match for both the homeowner and the company. If you explain your goals clearly, it will be easier for the contractor to tell you if they will be able to execute the project to your satisfaction.

Once you have identified your kitchen remodel team, you will need to work with them to assess your current kitchen. The aesthetics are the first thing to evaluate. Ask yourself what you love about it and what you want to change. In addition, consider these factors:

• Space – do you have enough counter, cabinet, and floor space?
• Flow – is it easy to navigate, cook with family members, and interact with guests?
• Appliances – should you upgrade to energy-saving, easier-to-use appliances?
• Accessibility – can family members of various ages and use it safely, including yourself as you get older? What about people with disabilities?
• Children and pets – do you need to make any special provisions for them?

Stage 3: Design your dream kitchen

With a clear vision of your future kitchen, you can proceed to the fun part – designing! Yes, you will need to be realistic, stick to your budget, and make adjustments for any limiting factors, but a good kitchen designer can help you find creative solutions to give you a kitchen you will fall in love with. It’s important to be flexible and open to new possibilities during the kitchen design process. However, you should also stand firm on what you really want. For example, what kind of layout works for you? If you’re not sure what your options are, explore the pros and cons of some tried-and-true kitchen design layouts.

We like to set up a meeting with prospective clients at the Bath Plus Kitchen showroom at this stage. Prior to the initial visit, we ask our clients to email us the following:

• Photos of the current kitchen.
• Inspirational photos and/or a summary of goals and design aesthetic.
• Rough measurements and/or a sketch of the existing kitchen.

During this initial appointment, clients will be able to:

• Meet and interview one of our designers to explain the project goals, learn how we work, and determine if we’re the best fit for the project.
• Touch, feel, see our displays and samples. We’ve built out two kitchens and remodeled a bathroom to showcase our level of design and craftsmanship.
• Settle on a rough budget for the project, depending on the size, scope, and level of materials required.

Once this is done, we go on to prepare plans for the job that include photo-realistic renderings for our clients. It’s a critical step because it will give you a clear picture of the kitchen you are planning.

Stage 4: Apply for building permits

Once those plans are drawn up, you will need to apply for building permits. We work with clients from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, and know that requirements vary based on location. That’s why it’s always best to consult your local permitting office to ensure there are no oversights and potential code violations. Here are a few things homeowners should keep in mind regarding the legal aspects of remodeling.

Stage 5: Select your materials

Material selection is an integral part of the kitchen remodeling process. At this stage, you will need to select materials that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and that will suit your budget. Remember that this is an investment, and cutting corners here can make you unhappy with the final outcome. It’s essential to think long-term when it comes to choosing your flooring, appliances, cabinets, light fixtures, countertops, backsplash, and other kitchen elements.

That said, there are several incredible options to choose from that will suit your budget and needs. The Bath Plus Kitchen experts believe that kitchen cabinetry can make or break a kitchen design, which is why we offer fully-custom and semi-custom cabinets from top-rated cabinet manufacturers. For example, many of our clients love the versatility of the Bellmont cabinets that we help them customize.

Bellmont PASADENA and CROSSBUCK

Stage 6: Complete the demolition and re-evaluate

Here’s where the real work begins. Your team will start to remove your existing kitchen – floors, cabinets, appliances, and perhaps a few walls. A good team will minimize the mess and inconvenience, which will make a massive difference to you if you opt to live at home during this time. Once this is done, your team will inspect the kitchen to see if any adjustments need to be made due to unforeseen factors such as uneven floors and other construction flaws.

Stage 7: Start the plumbing and rewiring (rough-in work)

This covers the framing, plumbing, and electrical work. At this stage of the kitchen remodeling process, the focus is on the walls of the kitchens and what goes into them. Since adherence to codes is essential here, it’s important to let the professionals decide the best way forward. A professional inspection will happen at the end of this stage to ensure your remodel is up to code so the work can continue.

Stage 8: Finish the walls, doors, and windows

Once you pass the inspection, you can complete the walls. This will entail hanging, taping, finishing, and priming drywalls. Doing a thorough job here will make the next stages of the kitchen remodeling process smooth sailing. After this, you can move to the doors and windows; finishing these will ensure your measurements for the cabinetry are correct.

Stage 9: Complete the flooring

Contractors choose to do this at different points during the kitchen remodeling process. Some believe it works better if done after the cabinetry. We like to make a recommendation based on each project and its unique requirements. To decide on your flooring, look up a range of options for inspiration, from the classics to the trends.

Stage 10: Make design refinements

Before you proceed with the cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, and fixtures, take a step back to evaluate your plan in the context of your kitchen so far. Are there any adjustments to make or measurements to modify? Look for these and make any refinements necessary.

Stage 11: Install the cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures

This is where things start getting exciting, as you begin to see your kitchen come to life! Those materials and elements you so carefully selected will be installed. Your new kitchen cabinets, countertops, plumbing, and electrical fixtures will all fall into place, allowing you to finally see your new and improved kitchen.

Stage 12: Install your new appliances

Here’s where your new appliances will be installed. This includes items that will have a fixed place in your kitchen, such as your fridge, stove, and microwave.

Contemporary kitchen remodel by Bath Plus Kitchen in old town Alexandria

Stage 13: Add the finishing touches

Once all the major tasks are completed, it’s a good idea to go back to your list and see what’s left. You can get these done and add the finishing touches. As mentioned earlier, the flooring may be put in last, so this last stage will look a little different for different projects. We recommend taking the time to check all the little details before your contractor calls it a wrap.

Stage 14: Say hello to your new kitchen

This is where you remember why you wanted a remodel in the first place! Step into your new kitchen and celebrate all the hard work and brilliant ideas that went into creating a space that you will love for many years to come.

A kitchen remodeling project is a major undertaking. However, when well-executed, it offers you and your family a beautiful setting in which to make wonderful, priceless memories. That’s something we’ve helped our clients experience through our many kitchen remodeling projects in VA, DC & MD. Get in touch with us here to find out how we can help you create the kitchen of your dreams.

The benefits of careful remodel preparation become apparent when you’re right in the middle of a project. At that point, you can no longer see your old kitchen or bathroom, and the new one hasn’t taken shape yet. The sight can be unnerving! Now imagine your family coping with all the change and inconvenience a few weeks into the project – what does that look like? It may be scary, but that kind of thinking ahead is exactly what you need to do before you flag off a major home renovation project.

If you’re on the verge of starting a home remodel project, these 10 tips will help you get yourself, your family, and your home ready for an exciting upgrade. As a full-service design remodel firm, we’ve helped clients in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC put these tips into practice. In our experience, if everyone involved is prepared for the challenges, you’re likely to enjoy a smoother process and a better outcome. More importantly, it will encourage your family to be supportive of each other during what is almost certainly going to be a trying time.

1.  Write down why you want this remodel

This exercise will remind you why the remodel is important. The list will come in handy on days when you feel overwhelmed, which can happen during any home improvement project, even with the most thorough planning and careful execution. Visualizing your new space can calm you down and help you keep the bigger picture in focus. We suggest inviting all members of your household to participate. A fun remodel preparation activity could be creating a vision board for your remodel together. It can include home remodeling trends that inspired the new design plus little décor items you can add once it’s complete. It’ll show you what to look forward to, at a glance.

2. Compare your current space to your future space

A written description or collage will help you envision the remodeled space, but it helps to go deeper. Do a little comparing and assess how your current kitchen/bathroom serves you vs. how you want your future kitchen/bathroom to serve you better. You can detail out what drew you to specific features. For example, write down why you chose those kitchen cabinet accessories, why a certain type of kitchen cabinetry was the best fit for you, how you settled on a particular material for your countertops, or why you chose metal strips or bullnose tiles for your bathroom tile edges. This is an excellent way to keep yourself and everyone involved excited about the outcome. It’ll also remind you why you made those choices after the fact – sometimes it’s hard to remember the reason behind a decision!

3. Create a budget and shared calendar.

At this point in your home remodel preparation, you will already have a budget for the remodel in place. In addition, plan your living expenses, factoring in additional costs such as eating out. When you do this, having to spend on things like takeout and temporary accommodation won’t feel unexpected and stressful. You can also put together a shared calendar, marking important dates and events as well as different phases of the remodel. This will come in handy if you have to make special arrangements for some days. For example, if you need to find another place to stay during certain parts of your remodel.

4. Have a Q&A session with the professionals

In addition to getting their home remodeling recommendations, consult your team on the practical details that will affect your day-to-day life during this period. Sit down with them and have an honest conversation about your concerns, so they can help address them. At Bath Plus Kitchen, we set up pre-construction meetings with our clients. We make sure all the key team members – the sales designer, job supervisor, specialty tradesmen, architect and/or other designers – are involved in this step of remodel preparation. These meetings help everyone get on the same page, so we highly recommend them.

Once you have a good idea of what to expect, be sure to discuss it with your neighbors so they are prepared for any noise or inconvenience.

5. Evaluate your experience with your contractor so far

Before you commit to a potential contractor for your kitchen or bathroom remodel, ask yourself if you can trust them to get you through any delays or bumps in the road. You should feel sure that your comfort, convenience, and concerns are important to them. Here are some red flags to look out for:

• Unusually low rates. While a low price sounds great, the reason someone charges significantly less than their competitors do isn’t often good. It could be because of poor quality work and bad reviews.
• They’re not keen on detailed contracts. Getting all the details straight is very important and verbal agreements are risky business here. Before you dive into a big project, make sure your contractor is happy to put it all in writing.
• They don’t have project samples or recent references. In addition to looking at their best work, it’s important to see recent work as well as ongoing projects. It’ll give you a better sense of what you can expect now, as opposed to going only by older projects.

Here are some more warning signs to look for when hiring a contractor.

6. Pack away as much as possible

Once you set a start date for the project, it’s time to get packing. This includes things from connected rooms such as artwork, shelves, and clocks, which could get damaged. It’ll protect them and make cleaning up a lot easier at the end of each day. Leave just what you need. It’s also a good time to declutter, to avoid filling your brand new kitchen cabinets with things you’ll never use. If you do find yourself in need of storage ideas, Dura Supreme has some great solutions and creative tips.

7. Prepare a temporary kitchen

For anyone living at home during a kitchen remodel, a temporary kitchen is a must. The last thing you want during a stressful time is to be stuck without your morning coffee or with a pile of dirty dishes that have nowhere to go. Try to include:

• A table or two for counter space
• A few spare sockets so you can plug in your coffee machine, microwave, kettle, and any other small appliances you rely on
• Basic items such as a chopping board, knives, storage containers for leftovers, basic plateware, cutlery, and mugs/glasses
• A temporary pantry with basic food items
• A box to store dirty dishes in, since you may not have running water close by

At the very least, this remodel preparation step will help you minimize how often you need to order in by giving you a convenient way to prepare the essentials.

8. Set up a temporary dining area

Depending on the project, you may need to create a dining area so you have a comfortable place to eat. Just like having a temporary kitchen, this will help your family feel a little less lost in the absence of their usual spot. It will also give you somewhere to spend quality time together and communicate, which is very important when you’re dealing with the challenges of a remodel.

9. Consider the comfort of children and pets

Loud noises, new faces, and a break from the familiar can be stressful for both children and pets. As part of your remodel preparation, pay special attention to their emotional wellbeing.

For children, seeing things in their home being broken or changed can be upsetting, so take the time to explain what’s happening before and during the home remodeling process. Let them know why this is a good thing and share your excitement about the new space.

Pets will need to be prepared for this gradually. You may want them to spend more time in the backyard or in a different part of the house, away from the renovation work and workers. Start getting them used to this new schedule before the work begins. In case your pets find it too stressful, you could ask a friend or relative to look after them temporarily. Some people also choose to board their pets. Be sure to consider pet safety and take all the necessary precautions.

10. Plan trips or time outside the house during the remodel period

A remodel can put a strain, however temporary, on relationships. Ensure you schedule some time away from the remodel with your partner or family – including a break from discussing it – to make it a better experience for everyone. Budget permitting, you can use the opportunity to plan a memorable staycation and even check into a nearby hotel for a few days.

Anyone who has been through a remodel will tell you that you’re in for a challenging time. But you can make it less stressful by planning ahead, considering everyone involved, and focusing on the joy the new space will bring you. Communicate clearly about what to expect and how you will handle the unexpected. Once you do this, we believe a good contractor should be able to get you through the rest. That’s why we ensure our clients can sit back and relax as we create the bathrooms and kitchens they’ve always wanted. To learn more about our work and process, get in touch here.