From the day demolition starts, a mid-range kitchen remodel in the Richmond area usually takes four to eight weeks of on-site work. The part most homeowners underestimate is everything before that day: design, selections, ordering and permitting can take just as long. Here is the full picture Kitchen and Bath Experts shares with every client so the schedule holds no surprises.
Phase 1: Consultation and design (1–3 weeks)
It starts with a free in-home consultation. We measure the room, photograph it, talk through what works and what does not, and discuss budget honestly. Within a week or two you receive a design with a layout, a material list and a fixed price. Revisions are normal; most clients make one or two rounds of changes before signing.
Phase 2: Selections and ordering (2–6 weeks)
Once the proposal is signed, you choose cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, fixtures and hardware. Doing this in one place keeps the finishes coordinated and the schedule tight. Then lead times take over:
- Stock cabinets: often 1–3 weeks
- Semi-custom cabinets: typically 4–8 weeks
- Custom cabinets: 8–12 weeks or more
- Quartz and granite: templated after cabinets are installed, fabricated in roughly 1–2 weeks
- Special-order tile, appliances and lighting: varies widely; order early
Kitchen and Bath Experts does not start demolition until the cabinets have a confirmed delivery date. Tearing out a kitchen and then waiting on cabinets is the most common reason remodels drag on, and it is avoidable.
Phase 3: Permits (1–3 weeks, overlaps with ordering)
If the project involves plumbing, electrical or structural changes, permits are filed with the City of Richmond, Henrico County or Chesterfield County, depending on where you live. Review times vary by locality and season. This happens while materials are on order, so it rarely adds time to the overall schedule when it is planned for.
Phase 4: Construction (4–8 weeks on site)
A typical sequence for a mid-range remodel with no major layout change:
- Week 1 — Demolition and rough-in. Old cabinets, counters and flooring come out. Plumbing and electrical are rerouted as needed. Inspections are scheduled.
- Week 2 — Drywall, subfloor and paint prep. Walls are patched or replaced, the subfloor is leveled, and ceilings and walls are primed.
- Week 3 — Flooring and cabinet installation. Floors go in first in most designs, then cabinets are set level and plumb. Countertop templating happens the day cabinets are done.
- Weeks 4–5 — Countertops, backsplash and finish work. Counters are installed, then the backsplash, then trim, toe kicks and paint.
- Weeks 5–6 — Plumbing and electrical trim, appliances. Sink, faucet, disposal, lighting, outlets and appliances are connected and tested. Final inspections are completed.
- Final walkthrough. We go through the kitchen with you, address any punch-list items, and hand over care instructions.
Full renovations that move walls, add windows or rework the layout from scratch typically run 8–12 weeks on site.
What causes delays, and how we prevent them
- Late changes. Swapping a tile or a faucet after ordering can reset a lead time. We lock selections before demolition.
- Hidden conditions. Homes in the Fan, Bellevue, Westover Hills and other older Richmond neighborhoods often hide old wiring or plumbing. We inspect what we can beforehand and carry a contingency.
- Inspection scheduling. Inspections are booked ahead of each milestone so the crew is never waiting.
- Trade coordination. One crew and one schedule means the electrician is not waiting on the plumber who is waiting on the tile setter.
Living without a kitchen
Plan on four to eight weeks of a temporary kitchen. Set up a microwave, a toaster oven and a coffee maker in another room, move the refrigerator if it can be done safely, and plan some meals out. Richmond has no shortage of good takeout. Many clients schedule remodels for late winter or early spring, before cookouts and holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay in my house during the remodel? Yes. Dust barriers, floor protection and daily cleanup keep the rest of the house livable.
What is the fastest kitchen remodel? A cosmetic refresh with refaced cabinets, new counters and backsplash can be finished in about two weeks on site.
Do you give a written schedule? Yes. Every Kitchen and Bath Experts project comes with a written schedule and a single point of contact who keeps you updated.
Start the clock with a free consultation
The sooner design and selections begin, the sooner the kitchen is done. Book a free in-home consultation and we will map out a realistic timeline for your home.