Kitchen Remodel Timeline in Massachusetts: What to Expect Week by Week

Kitchen Remodel Timeline in Massachusetts

Most homeowners underestimate how long a kitchen remodel actually takes. Then they get frustrated when "two weeks" turns into two months.

Here is the realistic week-by-week breakdown of a mid-size MA kitchen remodel done right.

Phase 0: Planning (3-8 weeks BEFORE construction starts)

Week 1-2: Design

Initial consultation with our designer

Measurements and existing-conditions documentation

Layout options (3-4 concepts)

Material selection (cabinets, countertops, appliances, fixtures)

Week 3-4: Engineering and detail

Final cabinet drawings

Electrical and plumbing plans

Structural review if any walls are coming down

Week 5-8: Procurement

Cabinet order (typically 4-6 week lead time)

Countertop template (after cabinets installed)

Tile and flooring delivery

Appliance scheduling

Permit application and approval

Phase 1: Demolition (Week 1)

Day 1: Protect floors and adjacent rooms. Set up temporary kitchen (microwave, fridge, hot plate elsewhere).

Day 2-3: Remove cabinets, countertops, appliances. Disconnect plumbing and electrical (licensed trades).

Day 4-5: Remove drywall as needed. Expose wall and floor framing. Demo flooring.

End of week 1: Studs and subfloor visible. Rough-in plumbing and electrical begins.

Phase 2: Rough-In (Week 2)

- Electrician runs new circuits (dedicated 20A for fridge, 20A for microwave, 20A for disposal, plus general 15A or 20A circuits)

Plumber relocates supply and drain lines as the new layout requires

HVAC adjusts duct runs if needed

Framing changes — bulkheads, walls coming down or up, new headers

Insulation if walls are open

Inspector visits (rough electrical, rough plumbing, framing)

Phase 3: Drywall and Paint Prep (Week 3)

- Drywall hung, taped, mudded, sanded (3 coats)

Primer applied

Trim package delivered

Phase 4: Floors and Paint (Week 4)

- Hardwood, tile, or LVT installation

Painting (walls, ceiling, trim)

Time for stain or finish to cure

Phase 5: Cabinet Installation (Week 5)

- Wall cabinets installed first (easier without base cabinets in the way)

Base cabinets installed and leveled

Filler pieces and crown trim

Soft-close drawers and doors adjusted

Phase 6: Countertop Template (Week 6)

- Templater measures actual installed cabinets (not drawings)

1-2 week fabrication for granite/quartz

Sinks ordered to fit countertop cutouts

Phase 7: Countertop Install + Final Connections (Week 7-8)

- Countertops installed

Plumber connects sink, faucet, dishwasher, disposal, fridge water line

Electrician installs receptacles, switches, undercabinet lighting, hood

Appliances delivered and connected

Backsplash tile installed

Phase 8: Punch List + Final Inspection (Week 9)

- Final touch-up paint

Cabinet hardware install

Final cleaning

Final inspections (plumbing, electrical, building)

Walk-through with homeowner

Total Timeline

Realistic range: 7-10 weeks from demo day to occupancy, ASSUMING:

- Material lead times accounted for (the biggest variable)

Inspector schedule cooperates

No surprises in the walls (old knob-and-tube, asbestos, structural issues)

Where Kitchen Remodels Get Delayed in MA

1. Cabinet lead times. 4-6 weeks is normal. 8-12 weeks for custom or some semi-custom lines. Order EARLY.

2. Inspector availability. Marlborough, Framingham, Cambridge, Newton — inspector calendars run 5-10 days out for non-emergency. Cape Cod can be longer.

3. Stone fabrication. Quartz and granite shops are 1-2 weeks normal, 3-4 in peak season (spring).

4. Older home surprises. Knob-and-tube wiring (1900-1940 homes). Galvanized supply lines (pre-1970). Cast iron drains. Asbestos floor tile. We budget contingency.

5. Change orders. Mid-project changes always extend timeline. Decide AHEAD of time.

How We Keep Projects on Schedule

✅ Lock all selections BEFORE we demo ✅ Order long-lead-time items first ✅ Schedule inspectors at the start (not when we need them) ✅ Same crew start-to-finish (no sub handoffs) ✅ Daily progress photos and updates to the homeowner ✅ Built-in contingency for surprises

Free Kitchen Design Consultation

We will walk your existing kitchen, listen to what you want, draft 2-3 layout options, and give you a realistic timeline tailored to your home.

📞 (774) 512-3176 — Same-week consultation 📧 info@rs-developmentgroup.com

In the trade since 2008. 9+ Five-Star Google Reviews. Latino-owned.