How long does a typical kitchen renovation take?

A typical kitchen renovation in Ottawa takes 4-8 weeks from start to finish, with the timeline heavily dependent on the scope of work, material availability, and whether you're doing a full gut renovation or a more cosmetic update.

For a standard kitchen renovation involving new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances, expect about 6 weeks. This includes demolition (2-3 days), rough work like electrical and plumbing updates (3-5 days), drywall and painting (1 week), cabinet installation (3-4 days), countertop templating and installation (1 week apart), and final details like backsplash and trim work (3-4 days). However, these phases often overlap, and there are waiting periods between certain steps.

Cosmetic renovations - painting, new countertops, and appliance swaps without moving plumbing or electrical - can be completed in 2-3 weeks. On the other end, full gut renovations that involve moving walls, relocating plumbing, or adding windows can stretch to 8-12 weeks, especially if structural changes require engineering drawings and extended permit review.

Ottawa-specific factors can impact your timeline significantly. City of Ottawa building permits typically take 10-20 business days for straightforward kitchen work, but if you're opening walls or doing major electrical upgrades, plan for 4-6 weeks permit processing. Winter renovations may face material delivery delays due to weather, and the busy renovation season (April through October) can extend timelines due to higher demand for trades and materials.

Material lead times are currently the biggest wildcard in kitchen renovation timelines. Custom cabinets typically require 6-8 weeks from order to delivery, while some specialty countertop materials can take 3-4 weeks after templating. We always recommend ordering long-lead items like cabinets and appliances before demolition begins to avoid costly delays where you're living without a functional kitchen.

The most disruptive phase for homeowners is typically days 3-10, when you'll have no functioning kitchen. We recommend setting up a temporary kitchen in another room with a microwave, mini-fridge, and basic supplies. Most families find takeout and simple meals manageable for this period, but it's worth budgeting an extra $500-800 for dining out during the renovation.

For a detailed timeline specific to your kitchen project and to ensure we can meet your target completion date, contact Justyn Rook Contracting for a free consultation. We'll walk through your space and provide a realistic timeline based on your specific goals and any potential complications we identify.