"How long will we be without a kitchen?" is the first question almost everybody asks. The real answer depends on how big the project is and what you choose, but the steps are pretty much the same every time. Knowing them up front helps you plan, and it helps keep the job moving.
Step 1: The walk-through and estimate
It starts with a visit. Paul looks at the space, measures, and listens to what's working and what isn't. Then you get a free detailed estimate. This is the time to share your wish list and your must-haves.
Step 2: Design and choices
This is where most of the decisions happen:
- Layout, and whether any walls, plumbing or appliances move
- Cabinets: style, color and hardware
- Countertops
- Sink, faucet and backsplash
- Flooring and lighting
- Appliances
Moving the sink or range, or taking out a wall, adds work and time. Keeping the same layout with new everything is usually the quickest route to a brand-new kitchen.
Step 3: Ordering
This step often decides the schedule. Cabinets and some countertops, tile and special-order items can take weeks to arrive. Ordering early, before demo starts, keeps the crew from sitting around waiting. Countertops are usually measured after the cabinets are installed, so that step comes later.
Step 4: Demo and rough work
Out with the old. Once the kitchen is cleared out, any plumbing, electrical or framing changes happen while the walls are open. If the work needs a permit, inspections happen at this stage, before walls are closed up.
Older homes sometimes hide surprises behind the cabinets: old water damage, outdated wiring or soft subfloor. If we find something, Paul stops and talks with you before going further. If your house was built before 1978, lead-safe work rules may also apply when painted surfaces are disturbed.
Step 5: Installation
Cabinets go in first. Then countertops are templated and installed, followed by the backsplash, sink, faucet, fixtures and appliances. Flooring may go in before or after cabinets depending on the plan.
Step 6: Punch list and final walkthrough
We go room by room, or in this case drawer by drawer, and fix the small stuff. We don't call it done until you do.
So how long, really?
A straightforward cabinet-and-countertop swap can take a couple of weeks of on-site work once materials arrive. A full remodel with layout changes takes longer. Paul gives you a timeline with your estimate, and we keep you posted as things move.
Living without a kitchen
Most families stay in the house during a kitchen remodel. A few tips that help:
- Set up a temporary kitchen in another room with the microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven and a folding table.
- Use paper plates for a while. Your sanity is worth it.
- Plan easy meals and a few nights out.
- Keep kids and pets clear of the work area.
- Ask us ahead of time when water or power will be off.
Questions to answer before the estimate
You'll save time, and get a sharper estimate, if you think through a few things before Paul comes out:
- What bugs you most about the kitchen you have now?
- Do you want to keep the same layout, or move things around?
- Are you keeping any appliances?
- How much counter space and storage do you need?
- Who cooks, and how many people are usually in the kitchen at once?
- Do you have photos of kitchens you like? Screenshots are perfect.
Changes during the job
Changes happen. You see the cabinets go in and decide you want an extra outlet, or a different light over the sink. That's fine, but every change can affect materials and schedule. We'll talk it through with you and put it in writing before we change course, so there are no surprises at the end.
Living through a kitchen remodel
Most families stay in the house while we work, and that's fine with a little planning. Set up a small "camp kitchen" in another room: the fridge if it can move, a microwave, a coffee maker, paper plates and a plastic tub for dishes. Plan easy meals for those weeks, and use the grill when the weather's good. We keep the work area closed off as much as we can and clean up at the end of each day, so the rest of the house stays livable.
Ready to talk kitchens?
GRD Construction remodels kitchens across Clanton, Chilton County and Central Alabama. Call or chat with Paula any time, and Paul will come out for a free detailed estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
It depends on size and choices. A cabinet-and-counter swap can take a couple of weeks on site once materials arrive. Layout changes take longer.
What slows a kitchen remodel down most?
Material lead times, especially cabinets and countertops, plus changes made after work starts.
Can we live at home during the remodel?
Most families do, with a temporary kitchen set up in another room.
Does a kitchen remodel need a permit?
Cosmetic swaps usually don't. Plumbing, electrical or structural changes often do. We check for your address.
