How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Actually Take?
Your 2026 GTA Home Renovation Guide
When planning a kitchen remodel, one of the first questions homeowners ask is:
“How long will this take from start to finish?”
The honest answer is that a kitchen renovation typically takes 6–10 weeks, depending on:
Scope of the project
Materials chosen
Permits and inspection requirements
Contractor scheduling
Custom fabrication timelines
Below is a detailed week-by-week breakdown so you know what to expect and how to plan confidently.
Stage 1: pLANNING & Design
Duration: 1-3 Weeks
Before any tools come out, your contractor finalizes:
Measurements
Material selections
Cabinet layouts
Electrical and plumbing planning
Budget approvals
This step is faster if you already know what you want, and slower if you’re comparing options.
Stage 2: pERMITS & maTERIAL oRDERING
Duration: 1-3 Weeks
Not every kitchen requires permits, but If you are:
Moving plumbing
Changing electrical layout
Removing load-bearing walls
You may need a permit in Ontario. Link: Check Ontario permit requirements
Material ordering also happens here, including:
Cabinets
Countertops
Flooring
Fixtures
Appliances
Pro Tip: Decide on materials during the planning stage, as material delivery delays or decisions may hold up the rest of your renovation process.
Check out Home Depot’s renovation Idea and material selection Here
Stage 3: Demolition
Duration: 3-4 Days
Demo includes removing:
Cabinets
Countertops
Flooring
Backsplash
Appliances
Some contractors complete demo in a day, others may take several if:
Walls are being removed
Plumbing needs rerouting
There's unexpected structural work
Stage 4: Plumbing, Electrical & framing
Duration: 1-2 Weeks
This stage involves:
Running new electrical lines
Moving or adding plumbing
Framing new structures
Installing venting and gas lines (if needed)
Inspections may occur here, depending on scope.
Stage 5: Flooring Drywall & Paint
Duration: 1-2 Weeks
Once the infrastructure is complete:
Floors get installed
Walls are closed
Drywall is mudded, taped and sanded
Ceiling work is completed
Painting begins
This stage requires drying and curing time, which is why it spans more than a few days.
Stage 6: Countertops & Cabinets
Duration: 1-2 Weeks
Cabinet installation typically takes 3–5 days.
Countertops usually add time because:
Measurements are taken after cabinet install
Fabrication takes 1–2 weeks
Installation is 1 day or less
Pro Tip: The faster you choose countertop material, the faster this step goes.
Stage 7: Fixtures, backsplash &finishing touches
Duration: 1 Week
The kitchen begins to look complete. This includes:
Sink installation
Faucet hookup
Backsplash installation
Appliance installation
Trim and hardware
Final electrical hookups
Stage 8: Walkthrough & Adjustments
Duration: 1-5 Days
The final step involves:
Verifying workmanship
Fixing minor details
Ensuring everything is functioning
Final cleanup and handoff
Final Thoughts
As long as you plan properly and work with certified trades, your kitchen renovation should take 6–10 weeks, from demolition to final walkthrough.
A realistic timeline avoids frustration, helps budget planning, and keeps expectations clear for everyone.
Want a Renovation Quote Without the Guesswork?
We help GTA homeowners match with licensed, certified renovation professionals, delivering:
Accurate timelines
Transparent pricing
Project management from start to finish
