The Number One Question We Get Asked
If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, the first question on your mind probably isn't about countertop materials or cabinet styles. It's this: how long is this going to take?
It's a fair question. Your kitchen is the most-used room in your home. It's where you cook, eat, gather, help kids with homework, and pour that first cup of coffee in the morning. Losing access to it — even temporarily — is a big deal.
At Nova General Contractors, we've completed kitchen remodels across Boynton Beach and surrounding communities like Delray Beach, Lake Worth Beach, and Boca Raton. And we've learned that the best thing we can do for homeowners is set honest expectations from day one.
So let's break down what a kitchen remodel timeline actually looks like — phase by phase — so you can plan your life around the work, not the other way around.
The Short Answer
A typical kitchen remodel takes 6 to 12 weeks from demolition to final walkthrough. Smaller updates like replacing countertops and painting cabinets might wrap up in 3 to 4 weeks. A full gut renovation with layout changes, new plumbing, and custom cabinetry can stretch to 14 weeks or more.
The wide range depends on the scope of work, material lead times, permitting requirements, and whether any surprises show up behind the walls. Here in South Florida, permit processing times can also vary depending on the municipality, so that's always a factor we account for early.
Phase 1: Design and Planning (2–4 Weeks)
Before a single hammer swings, there's important groundwork to cover. This phase includes:
- Initial consultation and measurements
- Design discussions — layout, materials, finishes, fixtures
- Finalizing the scope of work and budget
- Ordering materials (especially cabinets, which often have the longest lead times)
- Pulling any necessary permits from the City of Boynton Beach or your local building department
This is the phase where patience pays off. Rushing through design decisions leads to regret later. We encourage our clients to take the time to get it right — it saves time and money during construction.
A Note on Cabinets
Custom and semi-custom cabinets can take 4 to 8 weeks to arrive after ordering. Stock cabinets are faster, usually 1 to 2 weeks. This is often the single biggest factor in your overall timeline, which is why we recommend selecting cabinets as early as possible.
Phase 2: Demolition (2–5 Days)
Demo day is when the project starts to feel real. Old cabinets, countertops, flooring, backsplash, and sometimes walls come out. If you're doing a full gut remodel, this phase also involves removing old plumbing fixtures and electrical components.
Demo is fast but messy. We take precautions to contain dust and protect the rest of your home, but this is a good time to set up a temporary kitchen station in another room — a microwave, coffee maker, and a folding table go a long way.
Phase 3: Rough Work — Plumbing, Electrical, and Framing (1–2 Weeks)
Once the space is stripped down, the behind-the-scenes work begins. This includes:
- Moving or adding plumbing lines for new sink or appliance locations
- Updating electrical wiring, adding outlets, or installing recessed lighting circuits
- Framing changes if walls are being moved or an island is being added
This phase requires inspections before we can close up the walls. Inspection scheduling in Boynton Beach is generally efficient, but we always build a buffer into the timeline just in case.
Phase 4: Drywall, Mudding, and Priming (3–5 Days)
After rough work passes inspection, we hang new drywall where needed, tape and mud the seams, and apply primer. This step needs time for proper drying between coats, so it can't be rushed — especially in Florida's humidity.
Phase 5: Cabinet Installation (2–4 Days)
This is the phase where your new kitchen starts to take shape. Cabinets are carefully leveled and secured, and you'll finally get a sense of the new layout and flow. It's one of the most exciting milestones in the project.
Phase 6: Countertop Fabrication and Installation (1–2 Weeks)
After cabinets are installed, the countertop fabricator comes out to template — meaning they take precise measurements of the installed cabinets. Then the countertops are cut and fabricated off-site before being installed. For materials like quartz or granite, expect about 7 to 10 business days between templating and installation.
Phase 7: Finishing Touches (1–2 Weeks)
This is where everything comes together:
- Backsplash tile installation — custom tile work adds character and is one of the details that makes a kitchen feel truly finished
- Flooring installation — whether it's luxury vinyl plank, porcelain tile, or hardwood
- Painting — walls, ceilings, and any trim work
- Fixture installation — faucet, sink, lighting, hardware
- Appliance hookup — connecting your new range, dishwasher, and refrigerator
We also do a detailed punch list walkthrough with you to catch any small items that need attention before we call the job complete.
What Can Delay a Kitchen Remodel?
Even with careful planning, delays happen. Here are the most common causes we see:
- Material backorders: Supply chain issues have improved since 2021, but certain specialty items can still have extended lead times.
- Hidden damage: Water damage, mold, or outdated wiring discovered during demo may need to be addressed before moving forward.
- Permit delays: While generally manageable, permit processing times can fluctuate.
- Change orders: Changing your mind on materials or layout mid-project adds time. We don't judge — it happens — but it's worth knowing the impact.
The best way to minimize delays is to make final selections before construction begins and work with a contractor who communicates proactively. At Nova, we keep our clients updated throughout every phase so there are no surprises.
Tips for Surviving Your Kitchen Remodel
- Set up a temporary kitchen in your garage, dining room, or lanai with essentials like a microwave, toaster oven, and mini fridge.
- Plan meals ahead. Stock up on easy-prep foods or budget for eating out a bit more during the project.
- Communicate with your contractor. Ask questions early and often. A good contractor welcomes them.
- Stay flexible. Minor schedule shifts are normal. Focus on the end result.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you're a homeowner in Boynton Beach or a nearby community like Lantana, Wellington, or Delray Beach, and you've been thinking about a kitchen remodel, the best first step is a conversation. We'll walk through your goals, talk about realistic timelines for your specific project, and give you a clear picture of what to expect.
At Nova General Contractors, we believe an informed homeowner is a happy homeowner. Reach out to us today to schedule your free consultation — and let's start turning your kitchen into the space you actually want to spend time in.