Kitchen Remodels Go Wrong for One Simple Reason…Poor Planning.

You’re excited about your dream kitchen; new cabinets, sleek countertops, high-end appliances. But halfway through the remodel, you realize…

❌ Your custom cabinets are delayed by 8 weeks.
❌ Your appliances don’t fit because they were ordered too late.
❌ Your contractor is waiting on materials, pushing back the entire project.

Sound familiar? This is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when remodeling their kitchens, not ordering materials early enough.

👉 The good news? You can avoid these costly delays with the right timeline.

Kitchen Remodel Timeline: When to Buy What & Key Lead Times.

A successful kitchen remodel isn’t just about choosing the right materials; it’s about ordering everything at the right time to avoid costly delays. Some items have long lead times, and waiting too long to order can push your entire project back by weeks (or even months).

To help you stay on track, here’s a step-by-step timeline for purchasing, ordering, and installing materials during a kitchen renovation.

6+ Months Before Remodel Start Date: Planning Phase 🏗️

🎯 Goal: Set your budget, finalize design, and choose all major materials.

✅ What to Do:

✔️ Set a realistic budget (with a 15-20% contingency fund). ✔️ Hire a designer and general contractor. ✔️ Finalize the kitchen layout (floor plan, work triangle, storage solutions). ✔️ Select appliances (stove, fridge, dishwasher, microwave). ✔️ Research material lead times, some items take months to arrive!

🔎 What to Order Now:

• Custom cabinetry (12–16 weeks lead time)

• Appliances (6–12 weeks lead time)

💡 Why Order Now? Custom cabinets and high-end appliances have the longest lead times, so ordering them early is crucial to avoid project delays.

3–5 Months Before Remodel: Ordering Key Materials 📦

🎯 Goal: Ensure major materials arrive before demolition starts.

✅ What to Do: ✔️ Confirm permits & approvals (if required). ✔️ Finalize and order countertops, backsplash, and flooring. ✔️ Start ordering fixtures and finishes (sink, faucets, lighting). ✔️ Purchase cabinet hardware and organizational accessories.

🔎 What to Order Now:

• Countertops (natural stone or manmade) (6–10 weeks lead time)

• Backsplash tiles (4–8 weeks lead time)

• Flooring (4–8 weeks lead time)

• Sink & faucet (4–6 weeks lead time)

• Lighting fixtures (4–8 weeks lead time)

💡 Why Order Now? Many of these items require fabrication or custom cutting (like countertops), and delays here can hold up the entire remodel.

2 Months Before Remodel: Final Purchases & Prepping 🛠️

🎯 Goal: Have everything ordered so installation can run smoothly.

✅ What to Do: ✔️ Confirm delivery dates for appliances & cabinetry. ✔️ Order cabinet hardware, drawer organizers, and finishing touches. ✔️ Purchase paint for walls & trim. ✔️ Arrange temporary kitchen setup (if needed).

🔎 What to Order Now:

• Cabinet hardware & organizers (2–4 weeks lead time)

• Paint & primer (immediate availability)

• Vent hood & exhaust fan (2–4 weeks lead time)

💡 Why Order Now? Smaller finishing details like hardware can be an afterthought but can delay installation if not available.

1 Month Before Remodel: Deliveries & Prep Work 🚚

🎯 Goal: Ensure everything is on-site before demo begins.

✅ What to Do: ✔️ Confirm delivery dates for all materials. ✔️ Schedule contractors & tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, tile installers). ✔️ Clear out your kitchen.

🔎 What to Double-Check Now:

• Are all major items on-site (flooring, appliances)?

• Do you have enough storage space for deliveries (garage, spare room)?

• Do you need special equipment (like a dolly for a heavy fridge)?

💡 Why Do This Now? Last-minute surprises (damaged or missing items) can delay your entire remodel. Check everything before demo starts.

Week 1–3: Demolition & Rough Construction 🔨

🎯 Goal: Remove old kitchen and complete structural work.

✅ What Happens Now: ✔️ Demolition of old cabinets, flooring, countertops. ✔️ Electrical & plumbing rough-ins (if changes are being made). ✔️ Framing & drywall installation (if needed).

🔎 What Needs to Be Ready:

• Plumbing fixtures (for installation)

• Electrical outlets & wiring (for appliances & lighting)

💡 Pro Tip: This is the noisiest & messiest phase, plan accordingly!

Week 4–6: Cabinet & Flooring Installation 🚪

🎯 Goal: Install cabinets, flooring, and begin finishing work.

✅ What Happens Now: ✔️ Cabinet installation (this can take 1–2 weeks). ✔️ Flooring installation (if not already done). ✔️ Finalize paint & wall finishes.

🔎 What Needs to Be Ready:

• Cabinets & hardware (for installation)

• Appliances (if built-in)

• Backsplash tiles & grout

💡 Why Timing Matters: Flooring should be installed before cabinets to prevent unnecessary trims.

Week 7–8: Countertops, Appliances & Backsplash 🔧

🎯 Goal: Install countertops, appliances, and backsplash for final touches.

✅ What Happens Now: ✔️ Countertop installation (this requires templating & fabrication). ✔️ Backsplash installation (grout needs 24–48 hours to cure). ✔️ Appliance installation & testing.

🔎 What Needs to Be Ready:

• Countertops delivered & cut to fit cabinets.

• Backsplash tiles & grout ready for installation.

• Plumbing & electrical connections finalized.

💡 Pro Tip: Countertop fabrication takes time; expect 1–2 weeks after cabinets are installed before they’re ready.

Week 9–10: Finishing Touches & Final Walkthrough ✨

🎯 Goal: Complete final details and enjoy your new kitchen!

✅ What Happens Now: ✔️ Install final hardware, trim, and small details. ✔️ Deep clean the kitchen before moving everything back in. ✔️ Final inspection & contractor walkthrough.

🔎 What to Double-Check:

• Are all appliances working properly?

• Do cabinets & drawers open/close smoothly?

• Is lighting installed correctly with no flickering?

💡 Final Tip: Take a punch list walk-through with your contractor to address any last-minute fixes before signing off on the project.

How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? ⏳

A well-planned kitchen remodel typically takes 6 to 8 months from initial planning to project completion, sometimes longer if you're dealing with custom materials or unexpected delays. Here’s a general breakdown:

🔹 Planning & Design: 3–6 Months (including hiring a designer, selecting materials, and ordering)

🔹 Pre-Construction: 2 Months (finalizing orders, receiving deliveries)

🔹 Demolition & Structural Work: 3–6 Weeks (removing old cabinets, plumbing/electrical rough-ins)

🔹 Cabinet & Flooring Installation: 3–6 Weeks (major construction phase)

🔹 Countertops & Appliances: 3–6 Weeks (countertop fabrication, backsplash, and appliance setup)

🔹 Final Touches: 3 Weeks (hardware, paint, and final walkthrough)

How to Avoid Delays 🚧

The best way to keep your project on schedule is to order as many materials as possible before demolition starts. Items like custom cabinets, countertops, and appliances have the longest lead times, so waiting until after demo to order can add weeks (or even months) to your timeline.

✅ Order major materials at least 3–6 months in advance

✅ Confirm lead times with your designer and suppliers

✅ Store materials on-site or work with suppliers who can hold them until needed

Final Takeaway

A kitchen remodel is a big investment in both time and money. But by planning ahead, ordering early, and working with an experienced designer, you can stay on track and avoid costly delays.

Looking for design inspiration for your kitchen remodel? Check out our Kitchen portfolio here https://www.paulinacarcach.com/spaces/kitchens to see beautifully designed kitchens that balance style, function, and efficiency.

💬 Thinking about remodeling your kitchen? What’s your biggest concern about the process? Drop your questions in the comments!

xx Paulina