Key Takeaways
- Plan early, order early — Custom materials like cabinets have long lead times, so finalizing selections in weeks 3–4 is critical to keeping the project on schedule.
- The full project takes roughly 10–12 weeks — About 4 weeks of planning/design upfront, followed by 6–8 weeks of active construction.
- Set up a temporary kitchen before demo day — A microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee pot in a spare room will make daily life much easier during construction.
Deciding to remodel your kitchen is a big, exciting step. It’s a chance to create a space that truly works for you and your family. A place for morning coffee, homework sessions, and making memories. But the path from your current kitchen to your dream kitchen can seem a little overwhelming. What happens when? How long will it take?
As your local Columbia, MO construction partners, we at New Beginnings Construction believe you should feel confident and informed every step of the way. We’re here to walk you through the process, just like a helpful neighbor would. This timeline will give you a clear picture of what to expect so that you can focus on the exciting outcome.
Part 1: The Foundation of a Great Project (Weeks 1-4+)
The most important work of a remodel often happens before a single hammer is swung. This planning phase is all about collaboration and ensuring we get every detail right for your new kitchen.
Weeks 1-2: Sharing Your Vision & Setting a Budget
It all starts with a conversation. We’ll sit down with you in your home to understand your goals. What do you love about your current kitchen? What drives you crazy? We’ll discuss how your family uses the space and what your dream kitchen looks like.
This is also when we talk about the budget. Our goal is to be transparent and realistic, helping you understand where your investment goes and how to make the most of it. We work with you to create a plan that aligns your dreams with a budget you are comfortable with.
Weeks 3-4: Designing and Selecting Your Materials
Once the layout is finalized, the fun begins: choosing the elements that will bring your kitchen to life. This includes cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, appliances, and all the finishing touches.
It can feel like a lot of decisions, but you’re not alone. We guide you through the selection process, offering advice on materials that fit your aesthetic, lifestyle, and budget. When all selections are finalized, we place the orders. Many items, especially custom cabinets, have long lead times, so ordering them early is crucial to keeping the project on schedule.
A Helpful Tip: Before construction starts, set up a temporary kitchen area. A microwave, coffee pot, and mini-fridge in a spare room or basement can make daily life much smoother. It helps to have a designated spot for basic meals.
Part 2: The Transformation Unfolds (Generally 6-8 Weeks)
With your materials on their way, our team prepares to bring your vision to life. This is where you see physical progress each day as your new kitchen takes shape.
Week 1: Demolition and Rough-In Work
The first step in construction is saying goodbye to the old. Our team will carefully demolish and remove old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. We work cleanly and efficiently to minimize disruption to the rest of your home.
Once the room is cleared, our licensed electricians and plumbers begin the “rough-in” stage. They will reposition electrical wiring and plumbing lines to match the new kitchen layout. This behind-the-scenes work is critical for ensuring your new sink, dishwasher, and lighting are exactly where you want them.
Week 2: Preparing the Canvas
With the walls open, we take care of any necessary framing adjustments or drywall repairs. If your project includes a new window or exterior door, this is often when it will be installed. Our focus this week is to create a clean, solid “canvas” for the beautiful new elements to come.
Week 3: Drywall and Flooring
This week, the space really starts to feel like a room again. New drywall is hung, taped, and mudded to create smooth, seamless walls. This process takes a few days to allow for drying time between coats.
As the drywall is being finished, we can often begin installing your new flooring. Whether it’s hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl, seeing the floor go in is an exciting milestone that establishes the footprint of your new kitchen.
Week 4: Cabinet Installation
This is a major turning point in every kitchen remodel. The arrival and installation of your new cabinets is when the space truly begins to look and feel like a kitchen. Our skilled installers will precisely place, level, and secure each cabinet, bringing the design you approved on paper into three-dimensional reality.
Week 5: Countertop Templating and Painting
With the base cabinets securely in place, it’s time to measure for countertops. A specialist will visit to create a precise digital or physical template. This ensures your countertops will be fabricated for a perfect fit.
While your custom countertops are being cut (which usually takes about a week), our painting crew will get to work. They’ll apply primer and fresh coats of paint to the walls, ceiling, and trim, adding color and warmth to the space.
Week 6: Countertops and Backsplash Installation
Get ready for a dramatic change! The installation of your new countertops is a highlight of the remodeling process. This single step can make the kitchen feel more complete and luxurious.
Shortly after the countertops are in, we install the backsplash. The backsplash is a key design element that ties the cabinets and countertops together, adding personality and texture to your kitchen.
Week 7: Appliances, Plumbing, and Electrical Finals
Your kitchen is about to become functional again. The electricians and plumbers return to complete their final installations. This includes the sink, faucet, garbage disposal, light fixtures, outlets, and switches.
Your new appliances will be delivered, set in place, and connected. The room is no longer just a collection of parts; it’s a working kitchen where you can soon start cooking and gathering.
Week 8: Final Touches and Project Completion
This final week is dedicated to details. We install cabinet hardware, complete any remaining trim work, and perform paint touch-ups. We then conduct a final walkthrough with you to create a “punch list” of any small items that need adjustment. Your complete satisfaction is our priority.
Finally, our team performs a thorough cleaning to remove any remaining dust and debris. We leave you with a beautiful, sparkling, clean kitchen that is ready for you to enjoy.
Ready for Your New Beginning?
A kitchen remodel is a significant undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. At New Beginnings Construction, we pride ourselves on clear communication and a supportive process for our neighbors in Columbia, MO. We manage the project, so you can enjoy the transformation.
If you’re thinking about a new kitchen, we would be honored to help you get started. Contact us today for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Remodeling
How long does a kitchen remodel take? Expect roughly 10–12 weeks total — about 4 weeks for planning and material selection, followed by 6–8 weeks of construction.
When do I need to make design decisions? Ideally, by weeks 3–4, before construction begins. Locking in cabinets, countertops, and appliances early prevents delays, since many items have long lead times.
Will my kitchen be unusable during the remodel? Yes, for most of the construction phase. Setting up a temporary kitchen in another room (microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker) is strongly recommended.
What happens during the first week of construction? Old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances are removed, and licensed electricians and plumbers begin repositioning wiring and pipes to match the new layout.
When will my kitchen start looking like a kitchen again? Week 4 is the big turning point — cabinet installation is when the space first starts to look and feel like a real kitchen.
What happens at the very end of the project? The final week covers hardware installation, trim work, paint touch-ups, a walkthrough with you to create a punch list, and a thorough cleaning before handoff.