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Homeowner Guide · Three Brothers Kitchens & Baths
The single most underestimated aspect of kitchen renovation planning is time. Homeowners routinely expect a 4–6 week project that ends up taking 4–6 months from the first design conversation to the final walkthrough. This guide gives you a realistic timeline based on our actual project schedules, so you can plan accordingly.
The design phase begins at your first consultation and ends when you have an approved design, finalized material selections, and a signed contract. For a straightforward renovation (existing footprint, standard cabinetry), design typically takes 4–6 weeks. For more complex projects (layout changes, custom cabinetry, structural modifications), design and specification can take 8–12 weeks. This phase includes: initial consultation and measurement, space planning and concept development, 3D design presentation and revisions, material selection (cabinetry, countertops, tile, hardware, appliances), permit application submission, and final contract execution. Do not rush the design phase — changes made during design are free. Changes made during construction are expensive.
After design is finalized and contracts are signed, permit applications are submitted to the local building department. Permit review times vary significantly by municipality. Chappaqua (New Castle): typically 2–4 weeks. Scarsdale Village: 3–5 weeks. White Plains: 4–6 weeks. Yonkers: 5–8 weeks. Rural municipalities (Bedford, Yorktown, Cortlandt): 3–5 weeks. Projects that involve structural modifications, new electrical service, or plumbing changes require more detailed permit documentation and tend toward the longer end of these ranges. We submit permit applications immediately after design finalization to minimize the overall project timeline.
This is where most project timelines are underestimated. Semi-custom cabinetry (Fabuwood, Wellborn) typically arrives 6–8 weeks after order placement. Fully custom or European cabinetry may take 10–14 weeks. Countertop stone must be selected, templated (after cabinetry is installed), fabricated, and installed — this phase alone takes 2–3 weeks after cabinets are set. Premium appliances in specific configurations can have lead times of 8–14 weeks or more. We order materials as soon as the design is finalized and the contract is signed, so they arrive concurrent with permit approval rather than after construction begins.
The construction phase — from demolition through final punch list — typically takes 4 to 8 weeks for a standard full kitchen renovation. Week 1: Demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, structural modifications. Weeks 2–3: Cabinetry installation and trim work. Week 4: Countertop templating (after cabinets are set). Week 5: Tile installation, appliance delivery preparation. Week 6: Countertop installation, appliance installation. Week 7: Backsplash tile, plumbing trim-out, electrical trim-out. Week 8: Punch list, touch-ups, final inspection, certificate of occupancy.
Conservative estimate (straightforward renovation, fast-approval municipality): 14–20 weeks from first consultation to project completion. Typical estimate (full renovation with layout changes): 20–26 weeks. Complex estimate (structural modifications, custom cabinetry, older home with surprises): 26–36 weeks. The gap between 'the kitchen is installed' and 'the project is complete' is often 2–4 weeks as punch list items, final inspections, and minor adjustments are resolved. Plan your temporary kitchen setup for at least 6–8 weeks of active construction, and be prepared for the full project to take longer than you initially expect.
Most homeowners do. We set up a temporary kitchen (microwave, coffee maker, mini-fridge) in an adjacent room, and maintain a clean and organized job site. The disruption is real but manageable for most families, particularly if you have access to alternative cooking and dining options.
Common causes of schedule extension include: unexpected structural conditions discovered during demolition (old plumbing, asbestos, load-bearing walls not shown on plans); material delays (backordered cabinetry, delayed appliances); permit review delays in slower municipalities; and change orders made after construction begins. A well-managed project with fixed-price contracting and early material ordering minimizes all of these.
Fall and winter are typically faster seasons for scheduling — contractor calendars are less congested and permit offices tend to process applications more quickly. Spring and summer bookings can push start dates 3–4 months out. If you have flexibility, scheduling a fall start often results in a spring completion.
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Three Brothers Kitchens & Baths · 7 Memorial Dr, Chappaqua, NY · (914) 297-4280