How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Really Take? (A Realistic Timeline for 2026)

It is the question every homeowner in King and Snohomish County asks us during our first meeting: "How long will I be washing dishes in the bathtub?"

We get it. You dream of quartz countertops and a modern, open layout, but you dread the idea of weeks (or months) of takeout food and dust.

If you watch home renovation shows, you might think a full kitchen transformation happens in a brisk 3-day weekend. Here is the reality check: In the real world, especially here in the Pacific Northwest, quality craftsmanship takes time.

So, how long does a kitchen remodel take in 2026?

The Short Answer

For a standard full kitchen remodel, you should expect the entire process to take between 3 to 5 months from the day we first meet to the day you pop the champagne.

• Design & Permitting: 4–8 Weeks
• Active Construction: 6–12 Weeks

While that might sound like a long time, the "stress-free" experience we promise at 360 House Remodeling comes from transparency. We believe in giving you a realistic schedule upfront—not a "best-case scenario" that leaves you frustrated later.

Here is exactly where that time goes and how our family-owned team ensures your project stays on track.

The "Hidden" Phase: Pre-Construction (Weeks 1-8)

Most homeowners assume the clock starts ticking when the demolition crew arrives. In reality, the most critical part of your timeline happens before a single hammer is swung.

At 360 House Remodeling, we don't start demolition until we have a solid plan. Rushing into construction without a roadmap is the #1 cause of delays and budget overruns.

Here is what happens during these crucial first weeks:

Step 1: On-Site Meeting & Vision (Week 1)

Every great kitchen starts with a conversation. We visit your home to measure the space, discuss your pain points (like that awkward corner cabinet), and understand your style. This is where we align your dream with your budget.

Step 2: Planning & 3D Design (Weeks 2-6)

This is where the magic happens. Unlike contractors who sketch on a napkin, we use advanced design software to bring your vision to life.

• Why it takes time: We collaborate with you to refine the layout. You will see 3D renderings of your new kitchen, allowing you to "walk through" the space virtually. We tweak the design until it’s perfect, whether that means moving the island six inches or changing the backsplash tile.
• Material Selection: This is also when we help you select everything, from the cabinets to the faucet finish.

Step 3: The "Supply Chain" Buffer

In 2026, ordering materials is a strategic game.

• The 360 Difference: We typically do not begin demolition until your critical materials (especially cabinets and windows) have arrived or have confirmed delivery dates.
• Why? We would rather wait 2 weeks before we start than tear apart your kitchen and leave you with a non-functional shell for a month while waiting for a delivery truck.

Step 4: Permitting (Varies by City)

Whether you are in Seattle, Bellevue, or Mill Creek, building permits are non-negotiable for major remodels (especially if moving plumbing or walls).

• The Reality: Some cities approve permits in 2 weeks; others can take 6-8 weeks. As experienced local contractors, we know how to navigate the paperwork in King and Snohomish County to keep this moving as fast as possible.

The Active Construction Phase: Week-by-Week Breakdown

Once permits are approved and materials are ready, the real transformation begins. This phase typically runs 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of your project.

Here is what that schedule looks like in action:

Week 1: Demolition & Site Prep

This is the messy part, but we take great care to minimize the impact on the rest of your home.

• What happens: We set up dust barriers, protect your floors, and remove your old cabinets, flooring, and appliances.
• The Goal: To strip the space down to the studs (if necessary) so we have a clean slate for the new design.

Weeks 2-4: Rough-In (The "Invisible" Work)

To the untrained eye, this phase can feel slow because the changes happen behind the walls.

• Framing: If we are moving walls or changing the layout, framing happens now.
• Mechanicals: Our plumbers and electricians run new pipes and wires for your sink, pot filler, island outlets, and lighting.
• Inspections: Crucial Note: There will be days when no one is working on-site. We are often waiting for city inspectors to approve the rough-in work before we can close up the walls. This is a normal part of the process in Washington!

Weeks 5-8: The Transformation

This is the exciting part where it starts to look like a kitchen again.

• Drywall & Paint: We hang, tape, texture, and paint the walls.
• Flooring: Your new hardwood, tile, or LVP is installed.
• Cabinet Installation: The biggest visual change! Your kitchen boxes are installed, leveled, and secured.

Weeks 9-12: The Finish Line

Now we focus on the details that make the kitchen functional and beautiful.

• Countertops: Once cabinets are in, we template for countertops. Fabrication usually takes 1-2 weeks.
• Backsplash & Fixtures: Tile is set, and faucets/lighting are installed.
• Appliance Hookup: Your range, dishwasher, and fridge are connected.
• Final Walkthrough: We walk the space with you to ensure every drawer glides perfectly and every detail meets our 5-star standard.

Project Timeline at a Glance

Not every kitchen remodel is a major overhaul. The timeline depends heavily on how much we are changing. Are we just swapping cabinets, or are we tearing down walls?

Here is a realistic breakdown of timelines based on the scope of work we see most often in King and Snohomish County:

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Note: These are estimates. During your On-Site Meeting, we will provide a customized schedule based on your specific home and goals.

Three Factors That Kill Your Timeline (And How We Avoid Them)

We have all heard the horror stories of remodels that drag on for a year. In almost every case, those delays are caused by three specific things.

At 360 House Remodeling, our process is designed specifically to neutralize these risks before they derail your schedule.

1. The "While You're At It" Syndrome (Scope Creep)

This is the most common cause of delays. We start the project, and midway through, you decide you also want to add heated floors or change the lighting plan.

• The Impact: A "small change" usually requires a new permit, a new material order, and rescheduling the electrician—adding weeks to the timeline.
• Our Solution: We spend more time in the Planning & Design phase than most contractors. We want to capture all your "wish list" items before we start, so the price and schedule we give you are the ones we stick to.

2. Material Delays

Nothing is worse than a crew standing around waiting for a faucet that is stuck on a shipping container.

• The Impact: If your tile arrives broken or your cabinets are backordered, work stops.
• Our Solution: We order long-lead items early. As mentioned above, we rarely begin demolition until your critical materials are either in our warehouse or have a confirmed delivery date. We don't like waiting any more than you do.

3. The "Surprise" Behind the Wall

In the Pacific Northwest, older homes can hide secrets: rot, outdated wiring, or plumbing that isn't up to code.

• The Impact: Finding extensive water damage can pause a project for repairs and inspections.
• Our Solution: You can't predict everything, but experience matters. Our family-owned teams have seen it all in King and Snohomish County homes. When we find a surprise, we don't panic. We assess it immediately, give you options, and have the skilled trades on speed dial to fix it so the project keeps moving.

Why Hiring a Design-Build Pro is Faster than DIY

In the era of YouTube tutorials, it is tempting to think, "I can manage the project myself and save money."

While you might save on management fees, you will almost certainly pay for it in time. When you act as your own General Contractor, you become the bottleneck.

Here is why a Design-Build firm like 360 House Remodeling completes projects 30-40% faster than the DIY route:

1. We Eliminate the "Gap Weeks"

When a homeowner manages a project, they often schedule trades with huge safety buffers because they aren't sure how long things take.

• The DIY Reality: The plumber finishes on Tuesday, but you didn't schedule the electrician until next Monday just to be safe. That is 5 lost days.
• The 360 Reality: We practice "tight stacking." We know exactly how long our plumber needs, so we have the electrician scheduled to arrive the moment the plumbing rough-in is signed off. We treat your timeline like a relay race, not a series of independent jogs.

2. We Have Leverage with Subcontractors

If you hire a tiler for a one-off job and they get a call from a big contractor offering them 6 months of work, guess who gets bumped? You do.

• Our Advantage: We provide steady work to our trade partners in Seattle and Snohomish County. They show up for our jobs on time because they want to keep working with us. You get the benefit of our professional relationships.

3. Immediate Problem Solving

If a DIYer opens a wall and finds a structural issue, work stops while they scramble to find a structural engineer who is available.

• Our Advantage: We have the resources on speed dial. We can assess the issue, get the engineering approval, and pivot the plan often within 24-48 hours, keeping the momentum going.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live in my house during the remodel?

Yes, absolutely. Most of our clients choose to stay in their homes. However, you need to prepare. You will lose access to your sink and stove for several weeks. We help our clients set up a "Temporary Kitchen" in a dining room or laundry area, usually consisting of a microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, and a utility sink.

• Pro Tip: We use heavy-duty plastic zip-walls to seal off the construction zone, keeping dust out of your living quarters so you can breathe easy.

What time of year is best for a kitchen remodel in Washington?

Because kitchen remodeling is primarily indoor work, we can do it year-round. In fact, starting a project in the fall or winter (the "rainy season") can sometimes be faster, as permit offices in some local municipalities are slightly less bogged down than they are in the spring/summer rush. The best time to start is simply when you are ready to commit to the 3-5 month process.

How long does it take to get kitchen cabinets?

This is the biggest variable in the 2026 timeline.

• Stock / Quick-Ship Cabinets: 2–4 Weeks. (Limited sizes and finishes).
• Semi-Custom: 4–8 Weeks. (Good balance of choice and speed).
• Fully Custom: 12–16+ Weeks. (Hand-built for your specific space).
• Note: We will help you choose the line that fits both your design vision and your timeline goals.

Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?

In most cases, yes. If you are just painting cabinets and changing countertops, you might not need one. But if you are moving a sink (plumbing), adding a new outlet (electrical), or taking down a wall (structural), local codes in Seattle, Bothell, and Mill Creek require permits. We handle all the paperwork and inspections for you.

Conclusion: Your Dream Kitchen is Worth the Plan

In a world of instant gratification, a 3-to-5-month timeline can feel long. But remember: you are not just updating a room; you are remodeling the heart of your home for the next 20 years.

A rushed remodel leads to cut corners, regret, and "I wish we had moved that island" conversations. A planned remodel leads to a space that fits your family perfectly.