The Question Every Homeowner Asks First
You've been dreaming about a new kitchen for months — maybe years. You've scrolled through Pinterest boards, saved Instagram posts, and finally decided it's time. But before you commit, there's one question that stops almost every homeowner in their tracks: how long is this actually going to take?
It's a fair question. Your kitchen is the most-used room in your home. Living without it — even temporarily — affects your daily routine, your budget for eating out, and your overall stress level. At Willow Full Home Renovation, we walk our Fort Lauderdale clients through a detailed timeline before we swing a single hammer. Here's what a realistic kitchen remodel timeline looks like, broken down phase by phase.
The Short Answer
A typical kitchen remodel in Fort Lauderdale takes 6 to 12 weeks from demolition to completion. A minor refresh — think new countertops, cabinet refacing, and updated hardware — can wrap up in 4 to 6 weeks. A full gut renovation with layout changes, custom cabinetry, and new plumbing or electrical work usually lands in the 10 to 14 week range.
But those numbers only tell part of the story. The planning and design phase that happens before construction begins is just as important — and often takes longer than people expect.
Phase 1: Design and Planning (2–6 Weeks)
This is where the magic starts. During this phase, you'll work with your remodeling team to:
- Finalize your layout and floor plan
- Select materials — countertops, cabinetry, backsplash, flooring, and fixtures
- Establish a detailed budget
- Pull any necessary permits from the City of Fort Lauderdale
Permits are a step some homeowners don't anticipate. In Broward County, most kitchen remodels that involve electrical, plumbing, or structural changes require permits and inspections. Skipping this step can create serious problems when you sell your home later. A reputable remodeling company will handle the permitting process for you, but it can add one to three weeks depending on the scope of work.
Pro tip: The fastest way to speed up this phase is to make material selections early. Custom cabinetry, for example, can have lead times of 4 to 8 weeks. Ordering early keeps your project on schedule.
Phase 2: Demolition (2–5 Days)
Demo day is exciting — and loud. This is when the old kitchen comes out. Depending on the scope, your crew will remove existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, and sometimes walls. For a full gut renovation, demolition usually takes 2 to 5 days.
During this phase, your contractor should also assess what's behind those walls. In many older Fort Lauderdale homes — especially those built in the 1960s through 1980s — we occasionally find outdated wiring, corroded plumbing, or moisture damage that needs to be addressed before new construction begins. Discovering these issues early is actually a good thing, even though it can adjust the timeline slightly.
Phase 3: Rough-In Work (1–2 Weeks)
This is the behind-the-scenes phase that most people never see in the finished photos. Rough-in work includes:
- Moving or adding plumbing lines for a new sink or dishwasher location
- Updating electrical wiring and adding circuits for modern appliances
- Installing recessed lighting or under-cabinet wiring
- Any structural modifications like removing a wall or adding a support beam
Each of these trades requires its own inspection before the walls can be closed up. Your general contractor coordinates the scheduling so there's minimal downtime between inspections.
Phase 4: Drywall, Painting, and Prep (1–2 Weeks)
Once inspections pass, walls get patched or replaced with new drywall, then primed and painted. If you're installing new flooring throughout the kitchen, this is typically when subfloor preparation happens as well. Ceiling work, including any new lighting fixtures, also gets roughed in during this stage.
This phase feels slow because there isn't a dramatic visual transformation yet. But it's setting the foundation for everything that comes next.
Phase 5: Cabinetry and Countertop Installation (1–2 Weeks)
Now the kitchen starts to look like a kitchen again. Cabinet installation usually takes 2 to 4 days for a standard-sized kitchen. After cabinets are set, your countertop fabricator will come out to do final measurements — called templating — and then return to install the finished countertops about a week later.
If you've chosen natural stone like granite or quartz, the templating-to-installation turnaround is typically 5 to 10 business days. This is one of the most common causes of timeline gaps, so experienced contractors plan for it in the schedule from the beginning.
Phase 6: Finishing Touches (1–2 Weeks)
The final phase brings everything together:
- Backsplash tile installation
- Flooring installation and trim work
- Plumbing fixture hookups — faucets, garbage disposal, dishwasher
- Appliance delivery and installation
- Cabinet hardware, outlet covers, and final paint touch-ups
- Final inspections and cleanup
This is the most satisfying phase because every day brings a visible change. By the end, you're looking at a finished kitchen that feels completely new.
What Can Delay a Kitchen Remodel?
Even with careful planning, delays happen. Here are the most common causes we see in the Fort Lauderdale area:
- Material backorders: Supply chain issues have improved since 2021, but specialty items can still have extended lead times. Ordering early is the best defense.
- Permit delays: Processing times vary by municipality. Projects in Hollywood or Pompano Beach may have different timelines than those in Fort Lauderdale proper.
- Unexpected structural issues: Water damage, termite damage, and outdated systems are more common in South Florida's humid climate than in many other parts of the country.
- Change orders: Changing your mind mid-project is your right as a homeowner, but every change — even a small one — can ripple through the schedule.
How to Keep Your Remodel on Track
The best thing you can do as a homeowner is make decisions early and stick with them. Here are a few more tips:
- Finalize all material selections before demolition begins
- Set up a temporary kitchen space — a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker in another room goes a long way
- Maintain open communication with your contractor and don't hesitate to ask questions
- Build a 10–15% contingency into your budget for surprises
Ready to Start Planning?
A kitchen remodel is a big commitment, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. When you work with a team that communicates clearly and plans thoroughly, the process can actually be enjoyable. At Willow Full Home Renovation, we guide Fort Lauderdale homeowners through every phase — from the first design conversation to the final walkthrough — so you always know what's happening and what's coming next.
If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, reach out for a free consultation. We'll give you an honest timeline, a transparent estimate, and a plan you can feel confident about.