A realistic week-by-week look at where the time actually goes, from first call to final walkthrough.
"How long will this take" is usually the second question clients ask, right after cost. The honest range for a full kitchen remodel in Los Angeles is roughly 3 to 5 months from signed contract to final walkthrough, but that number only means something once you see where the time actually goes.
Design and material selection (2–4 weeks). Layout decisions, cabinetry, countertops, and finish selections all need to be locked before an accurate order can be placed. Changing your mind on a countertop mid-project is one of the most common causes of delay.
Permitting (2–8+ weeks, highly variable). If your remodel touches plumbing, electrical, or structural elements, it needs a permit before work begins. Permit review timelines vary significantly by city and current department workload. See our permit guide for what triggers a permit requirement.
Material lead times (varies by product). Custom cabinetry and certain countertop materials or appliances can have longer lead times than off-the-shelf options, which is why we order early once selections are finalized rather than waiting until demo day.
Demo (2–5 days). Removing existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures. This is also when hidden issues, like outdated wiring, plumbing behind the wrong wall, or water damage, get discovered, which can add time if they require an unplanned fix before work continues.
Rough-in: plumbing, electrical, HVAC (1–2 weeks). Any relocated sink, added outlet, or new lighting layout gets roughed in before walls close up, and typically needs inspection before the next phase starts.
Drywall, flooring, and paint (1–2 weeks). The kitchen starts taking visible shape here.
Cabinet and countertop installation (1–3 weeks). Cabinets go in first, then countertops are templated and fabricated to the installed cabinets, which is why countertops can't be ordered before cabinets are set.
Appliances, fixtures, and finish details (1–2 weeks). Final tile, hardware, lighting, and appliance hookups, followed by a punch list walkthrough before we call it done.
The single biggest lever homeowners have over their own timeline is finalizing design and material decisions before demo starts, not during it.
We build the permitting and material lead times into your schedule from day one instead of treating them as surprises, and you work with the same team, founder Erica Anenberg and Head of Sales & Operations Beth Benson, from the first walkthrough to the final one. See our kitchen remodeling services or browse finished projects.
Want a real timeline for your kitchen? Schedule a discovery call →, or read our kitchen & bathroom remodel cost guide.
Tell us about your project and we'll set up a discovery call to talk it through. Serving LA and the Valley.