It’s one of the first questions anyone asks when planning a kitchen renovation – ‘How long will it take?’ – and the answer depends on how much you’re changing.
While each project is different, it’s helpful to divide kitchen renovations into three main categories, which gives you a general construction time frame for each:
Approximate construction times:
- For a small-scale cosmetic upgrade, 1–3 weeks will usually be enough.
- For a standard mid-range kitchen renovation (the most common type), allow 4–8 weeks.
- On larger builds, those involving structural changes and/or custom elements, allow 8–12 weeks – and often more.
As well as these construction time frames, you’ll want to allow for a reasonable lead-in time for design, material selection, building consent (where required) and ordering. For mid-range projects, this planning phase alone can take four weeks or more.
For mid-range and larger projects, you’ll likely be without a functioning kitchen for several weeks. Many people set up a temporary space in the laundry or garage: a microwave, kettle and access to water go a long way. The BBQ will get a workout, too!
Small kitchen upgrades: 1–3 weeks
Planning and design time for a small makeover is relative to its size and scope – cosmetic and minor upgrades may need only a week or two to plan and 1–3 weeks to complete.
Typically, a small-scale upgrade may include minor repairs or cosmetic refreshes such as replacing benchtops, painting cabinets, changing handles or splashbacks, and plug-and-play appliance swaps.
Once you’ve finalised your plans, most materials and appliances can be purchased off the shelf. If you need a tradesperson – an electrician for new lighting, say – book them in advance.
Three weeks should be the maximum you will need after that to complete the work, assuming no plumbing or electrical changes are involved.
Mid-range kitchen renovations: 4–8 weeks
Things get more complex when the scope of work is bigger. Renovation at this scale usually involves a full strip-out of the old kitchen, new cabinetry and benchtops, updated plumbing and electrical work, and new lighting, finishes and even flooring.
You need to be working from a highly detailed plan, have scheduled the delivery of all your cabinetry, benchtops and other products and materials, and line up your contractors in the order their work will be needed.
At this scale, many people choose to work with a kitchen designer or specialist who can coordinate the trades and keep the project on track.
The construction phase follows a set sequence: demolition, plumbing and electrical, plastering, splashback, cabinetry, benchtop, flooring, then final connections. Each trade needs to finish before the next can start, which is why scheduling matters.
If everything goes according to plan, 4–8 weeks should be sufficient to complete the work, from demolition to final installation and fixing any minor issues.
A time buffer matters most at this scale. Once the old kitchen’s out, you might find surprises, like outdated wiring, water damage behind the cabinets, or dodgy DIY from previous owners.
Scheduling conflicts between contractors can also cause idle periods that lengthen the overall timeline. Also keep in mind that spring and summer are peak renovation season, when tradespeople book up quickly.
This renovation by the Jensen family moved walls and replaced flooring to create a cohesive family orientated space - read more
Major kitchen rebuilds: 8–12 weeks or more
A full redesign is the most involved type of renovation, but with the right team in place, it can also be the most rewarding. At this scale, you’re likely starting from scratch: new layout, custom cabinetry and premium finishes throughout.
When walls are moving and materials are custom-made or imported, lead times stretch out, particularly if consents are required. The build itself will take at least 8–12 weeks, sometimes longer.
With a project this size, it’s worth bringing in a professional project manager to ensure that everything runs smoothly. This can save you real time and stress; an experienced project manager will know all the potential pitfalls and delays and will usually be contracted to achieve completion within a specified time.
Whatever the scale, the same principles apply: plan thoroughly, line up reliable tradespeople, and allow buffer time for the unexpected. Once you know your timeline and priorities, the decisions get easier.
For a practical starting point, download the free Laminex Kitchen Design & Renovation Series. Featuring our Kitchen Renovation Guide and covering everything from budget templates to material options and construction timelines – all in one place.
