The most common question we get before a kitchen project starts is some version of: how long will my kitchen be out of commission? It is a fair question. Cooking on a hot plate in the living room gets old fast. The honest answer depends on the scope of the work, but here is how we think about it.
Cosmetic Updates: Three to Four Weeks ¶
If you are keeping the existing layout and just replacing cabinet doors, countertops, and a backsplash, three to four weeks is a realistic timeline. The longest lead time in this scope is usually the countertop fabrication. Stone yards in the Portland area typically run two to three weeks from template to installation. Everything else, demo, cabinet door swap, tile, and appliance reconnection, can happen around that window.
Mid-Size Remodel: Five to Seven Weeks ¶
New cabinets, new countertops, new tile, new appliances, and a few minor layout tweaks, like moving a sink a few feet or adding an island, fall into this range. The permit for a project like this, if electrical or plumbing work is involved, currently takes two to three weeks to process in Multnomah County. We submit the permit application before demo begins so the approval arrives while early work is underway.
Full Gut with Layout Changes: Eight to Twelve Weeks ¶
Moving walls, relocating the range or sink to a new wall, upgrading the electrical panel, or adding a window all extend the timeline significantly. Each of these triggers additional inspections. A rough-in inspection has to pass before walls close. If the inspector has a backlog, that can add a week. We build buffer into our schedules for this reason, but we cannot control the county inspection calendar.
What Causes Delays ¶
The most common delay we see is material lead time. Custom cabinetry from local millwork shops can run six to eight weeks from order to delivery. If you want a specific stone slab, the yard may need to order it. We walk clients through material selection early in the process specifically to avoid mid-project waits. The second most common delay is what we find inside the walls: old wiring, galvanized plumbing, or moisture damage that was not visible at the estimate stage.
How to Plan Around the Disruption ¶
We recommend setting up a temporary kitchen in another room before demo starts. A microwave, a coffee maker, a mini fridge, and access to a bathroom sink will get most households through a remodel without too much hardship. We also schedule demo and rough-in work for the first half of the week when possible, so the space is sealed and contained by the weekend.
If you want a timeline specific to your project, the best starting point is a site visit. We can give you a written schedule before you commit to anything. Reach out to schedule a free estimate.