A full kitchen remodel usually takes 6 to 12 weeks from the day demolition starts. That is the on site portion.
Before any of that, you need a design and ordering phase that runs another 4 to 8 weeks. Smaller projects like refacing or a countertop swap move much faster, often finishing in days.
Below is how the time actually breaks down, and what tends to stretch a project past its target date.
The Two Phases People Confuse
Most homeowners think the clock starts when the crew shows up. It really starts much earlier.
The design and ordering phase is when decisions get made and materials get ordered. The active install phase is the loud, visible part where the room comes apart and goes back together.
Phase 1: Design and Ordering (4 to 8 weeks)
This is where layout, cabinets, counters, and finishes are locked in. Rushing it is the single most common cause of delays later.
Cabinets drive this timeline more than anything else. Semi custom lines often ship in 3 to 5 weeks, while custom cabinetry built to your exact dimensions can take 6 to 10 weeks to arrive.
Countertops usually get templated only after cabinets are installed, so stone and quartz fabrication falls near the end of the project rather than the start.
Phase 2: Active Install (2 to 5 weeks for most kitchens)
Once materials are on hand, the physical work is fairly predictable. This is the phase you can actually see progress in every day.
A Realistic Week by Week Timeline
Here is how a standard full remodel in a Wichita home tends to flow once the crew starts. Your exact schedule depends on scope and material lead times.
| Stage | Typical duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition | 2 to 4 days | Old cabinets, counters, and flooring come out |
| Rough in | 3 to 7 days | Plumbing, electrical, and any framing changes |
| Inspection and drywall | 3 to 5 days | City sign off, then patch and paint prep |
| Cabinet install | 3 to 5 days | Boxes set, leveled, and secured |
| Countertop template and install | 1 to 2 weeks | Measure, fabricate, then set the tops |
| Backsplash, flooring, fixtures | 4 to 7 days | Tile, floor, sink, faucet, and lighting |
| Punch list | 2 to 4 days | Final touch ups and cleanup |
Notice the gap in the middle. After cabinets go in, there is usually a wait while counters are fabricated, and the kitchen sits partially finished.
That pause is normal. Planning your backsplash tile work and final fixtures for after the counters land keeps the schedule tight.
Smaller Projects Move a Lot Faster
Not every kitchen needs a full teardown. If your layout works and your boxes are solid, you can update the look in a fraction of the time.
- Cabinet refacing: 3 to 5 days. New doors, drawer fronts, and veneer over your existing boxes.
- Countertop only swap: 1 to 3 weeks, mostly waiting on fabrication.
- Flooring refresh: 2 to 5 days depending on the material.
If your goal is a new look without moving walls or plumbing, refacing your current cabinets is the fastest path there is.
A standalone kitchen flooring update is another quick win that changes how the whole room feels.
What Actually Causes Delays
Timelines slip for a handful of predictable reasons. Almost all of them trace back to decisions or discoveries, not slow crews.
Late or changed selections
Every time a finish gets swapped mid project, ordering resets. Finalizing choices during the cabinet design and layout stage is the best delay insurance you have.
Long lead materials
Custom cabinets, specialty tile, and certain stone slabs can take weeks to arrive. Ordering early is the fix.
Hidden conditions
Older Wichita and Newton homes sometimes hide outdated wiring, worn plumbing, or water damage behind the walls. These only appear after demolition and can add days to the schedule.
Permits and inspections
Projects that move plumbing, gas, or electrical need city inspection. Scheduling around inspection windows adds a small but real buffer.
Scope changes and add ons
Deciding to add an island or upgrade the lighting mid project extends the timeline. A new kitchen island or an updated lighting plan is easier to schedule when it is decided up front.
How to Keep Your Remodel on Schedule
The homeowners who finish on time all do the same thing. They make their selections early and stick with them.
Order long lead items first, keep a small contingency in the budget for surprises behind the walls, and expect the mid project pause while counters are fabricated.
Whether you want a quick refresh or a complete kitchen remodel across the Wichita metro, a clear plan is what keeps the calendar honest. For a high end build, a luxury kitchen project will run longer, so plan the design phase accordingly.
Want a realistic timeline for your specific kitchen? Reach out for a free quote and we will map out the schedule before any work begins.