Kitchen Renovation Timeline: What to Expect

"How long will my kitchen be out of action?" is the question we hear most. A kitchen renovation isn't just the install week — the design and build phases before it are where the real time goes. Here's a realistic step-by-step timeline for a Sydney kitchen, so you know what to expect from first call to final handover.

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

For most custom kitchens in Sydney, plan on 6 to 10 weeks end to end — from your first measure to the finished room. The on-site install itself is usually only 1 to 2 weeks; the rest is design, approvals and fabrication happening behind the scenes. Bigger structural jobs (moving walls or plumbing) take longer.

Step 1 — In-home measure and consultation (Week 1)

We visit your home, measure the space, and talk through how you use your kitchen, your style and your budget. This is also where we flag anything tricky — plumbing positions, load-bearing walls, appliance sizes. You leave with a clear idea of scope and a quote.

Step 2 — Design and detailed drawings (Weeks 1–2)

Once you're happy to proceed, we produce detailed designs — cabinet layouts, finishes, hardware and benchtop selections. You review, we refine, and we lock in the final plan. Getting this stage right is what prevents expensive changes later. Material and colour choices for your kitchen cabinets are confirmed here.

Step 3 — Fabrication (Weeks 2–5)

Your cabinetry is built in our workshop while your current kitchen stays usable. Because everything is made to measure, this is the longest behind-the-scenes phase — but it means a precise fit on install day. Benchtops are templated and ordered during this window too.

Step 4 — Site prep and removal (install Week 1)

The old kitchen comes out and the space is prepped — any plumbing or electrical rough-in happens now. This is the only stage where your kitchen is genuinely offline, which is why good planning keeps it short.

Step 5 — Installation (install Weeks 1–2)

Cabinetry goes in, benchtops are fitted (stone and porcelain are usually templated after cabinets are set, then installed a few days later), followed by splashback, appliances, plumbing and electrical connection. Final adjustments, handles and soft-close tuning finish the job.

Step 6 — Final check and handover

We walk through the finished kitchen with you, check every door and drawer, and tidy up. You get a kitchen that's ready to use that day.

What causes delays — and how to avoid them

• Late decisions. Changing finishes or layout after fabrication starts is the number one cause of delay. Lock choices in at the design stage.
• Benchtop lead times. Stone and custom materials can add a week. We order early to absorb this.
• Trades and approvals. Structural changes or strata approval (common in Sydney apartments) add time — factor them in from day one.

Handling design, build and installation under one roof is what keeps the timeline tight. That's how our full kitchen renovation service runs — one team, start to finish, with no gaps between trades. For a sense of where your budget lands before you start, see our kitchen cabinet cost guide.