If you’re planning to transform your kitchen, one of the most common questions is, how long does a kitchen renovation take? The answer depends on the scope, contractor efficiency, and materials chosen, but a structured kitchen renovation timeline makes all the difference. Whether you’re a first-time renovator or preparing for your second remodel, knowing what to expect week by week can ease stress, help with budgeting, and keep your home life running smoothly.
At renoWOW!, we believe that transparency and planning are key to a successful renovation. This guide outlines a typical week-by-week kitchen remodel, breaking down each phase from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough. With this roadmap, you can better understand the kitchen remodelling process and plan with confidence.
Week 0–1: Planning, Design, and Permits
Every successful renovation begins with thoughtful kitchen renovation planning. In the first week, you will meet with our design experts to discuss layout preferences, material choices, appliance needs, and your lifestyle goals. This is the time to finalize your design and select cabinets, countertops, lighting, and appliances.
An essential early step is the permit process. Especially in Ontario, changes involving plumbing, electrical systems, or structural walls typically require permits. Obtaining these ahead of time helps avoid unnecessary delays during the kitchen construction phases.
Need help with the permit process? renoWOW! can help. Our team handles the details so your renovation stays on track and compliant with Toronto building codes.
Week 2: Site Prep & Temporary Kitchen Setup
Week two involves preparing your home for construction. This includes clearing out your existing kitchen, protecting adjacent spaces from dust, and laying floor coverings to prevent damage.
Equally important is setting up a temporary kitchen setup. You’ll need a functional space with essentials like a microwave, kettle, or mini fridge to maintain some normalcy during the renovation. Our team will also coordinate delivery schedules for materials and appliances, especially those with longer lead times.
These small but crucial steps ensure a smoother experience and help maintain momentum throughout your renovation.
Week 3: Demolition
The real transformation begins in week three. Demolition includes removing existing cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and flooring. This phase is often noisy and dusty, but our team takes great care to minimize disruption to your home.
During demolition, we ensure safe disposal of materials and maintain a clean site. If you’re living in the house during the remodel, we offer tips on managing daily routines while work is underway.
This marks the official start of the kitchen remodelling process and sets the stage for the new design to take shape.
Also Read: 10 Kitchen Renovation Ideas that Add Value to Your Home
Week 4–5: Structural Work & Rough-Ins
Weeks four and five focus on the bones of your kitchen. Our licensed tradespeople begin rough-ins for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. If your renovation includes moving a sink, upgrading lighting, or installing a new range hood, this is when those updates happen.
If structural modifications are part of your renovation—such as removing a wall or adjusting layout framing—this is also the time they are completed. Depending on availability, city inspections are typically required after rough-ins, which can impact the timeline.
Understanding the importance of this phase within the kitchen construction phases helps explain why attention to detail is so important at this point in the project.
Week 6: Insulation, Drywall & Painting
Once inspections are approved, your renovation progresses into insulation and drywall. Walls are insulated for energy efficiency and noise reduction. Next, drywall is installed, taped, mudded, sanded, and primed.
Painting happens before cabinets go up to ensure clean lines and easy access. This step also includes ventilation planning to ensure your kitchen remains fresh and free of moisture buildup.
Our experienced painters ensure walls and ceilings are smooth and ready for cabinetry installation in the next phase.
Week 7: Flooring Installation
The flooring will be installed in week seven, which is a critical step in your kitchen renovation timeline. Depending on your design, this could be ceramic tile, engineered hardwood, vinyl, or laminate. Subfloor preparation is critical for long-term durability.
After installation, certain flooring materials require curing or drying time. During this period, we’ll advise you on care and traffic restrictions to protect the newly installed surface.
When planning, consider how your flooring integrates with cabinetry, appliances, and overall kitchen use. Explore more ideas on materials and layouts.
Week 8: Cabinetry & Appliance Installation
With walls painted and flooring complete, week eight is dedicated to your cabinet installation schedule. Cabinets are delivered, unboxed, and carefully installed based on your kitchen’s layout.
Appliances like the fridge, oven, dishwasher, and microwave are positioned and hooked up by licensed technicians. This phase may reveal minor measurement issues, but experienced contractors like renoWOW! are prepared to adjust quickly and efficiently.
This is the week when the structure of your kitchen really begins to look like the finished vision you had in mind.
Week 9: Countertops, Backsplash & Lighting
Week nine brings the finishing details that elevate your kitchen’s appearance and functionality. Countertops are templated and installed—whether you’ve chosen quartz, granite, or solid surface material.
Once counters are in place, backsplash tiles are added. We install under-cabinet lighting and finalize ceiling light fixtures, ensuring adequate illumination for both prep and ambience.
This stage helps tie the room together, adding the design elements that personalize your space and enhance usability.
Week 10: Final Touches, Punch List & Walkthrough
By week ten, your renovation is nearly complete. This is when our team focuses on the fine details. Touch-ups, caulking, finish carpentry, and any last-minute fixes are addressed.
We also complete a final inspection and punch list walkthrough with you to confirm that every detail meets your expectations. Small items such as paint blemishes, hardware alignment, or trim adjustments are resolved at this time.
Your satisfaction is our top priority, and this final phase ensures nothing is overlooked before your new kitchen is ready for full use.
Post-Reno: Cleaning, Move-In & Maintenance
After construction ends, we will thoroughly clean your new kitchen space. We remove dust, polish surfaces, and ensure everything is spotless for move-in day.
Our team also provides advice on organizing your kitchen for efficiency. We recommend storing your most-used items, keeping work zones functional, and extending the life of your finishes.
It’s also a good idea to schedule a post-renovation maintenance check. This allows us to ensure everything is performing well and address any minor settling that may occur in the months following installation.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, be sure to consult our full resource on Kitchen Renovation Cost in Toronto to help align expectations with your budget.
Plan Ahead, Stay on Track, and Enjoy Your Dream Kitchen
Kitchen renovations don’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your kitchen renovation timeline from demolition to final walkthrough, you gain clarity and control over the process. Whether you’re navigating the cabinet installation schedule or managing your temporary kitchen setup, each stage plays a vital role in the overall success of your project.
At renoWOW!, we make it our mission to confidently guide homeowners through every detail. With over 30 years of experience in Toronto, our proven systems and customer-first mindset help deliver outstanding results on time and on budget.
Ready to see how your kitchen could look—and when it could be done?
Book a free consultation with renoWOW! to get your personalized kitchen renovation timeline and quote. Discover why we’re the Trusted Kitchen Renovation Experts in Toronto – renoWOW!.
