How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? Houston Timeline (2026)

Most Houston kitchen remodels take 6–12 weeks once demo starts, as of 2026. A straightforward remodel that keeps the existing layout takes about 6–8 weeks. Full gut remodels with layout changes and custom cabinetry typically run 10–14 weeks. The biggest factor isn't the crew. It's cabinet lead time: custom cabinets take 6–10 weeks from order to delivery, so we order them first and do demo and rough-in while they're being built.

Here is what a typical kitchen remodel looks like week by week, what sets the schedule, and what makes one run long.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Typical Houston timelines as of October 2026, counted from the day demo starts:

Scope	Typical timeline	What drives it
Straightforward remodel, same layout	6–8 weeks	New cabinets, countertops, backsplash, lighting and fixtures in the existing footprint.
Most Houston kitchen remodels	6–12 weeks	Custom cabinet lead time and how much of the layout changes.
Full gut remodel with layout changes	10–14 weeks	Wall removal, relocated plumbing and custom cabinetry.
Historic home (1920s–1940s)	14–20 weeks	Longer custom cabinet lead times and structural, plumbing or electrical updates found during demo.

For what each scope costs, see our Houston kitchen remodel cost guide.

What happens each week of a kitchen remodel?

A typical 10-week Houston kitchen remodel, once demo starts:

1. Weeks 1–2: Demo, rough plumbing and electrical, framing for any layout changes.
2. Weeks 3–4: Drywall, paint prep and flooring prep. Cabinets arrive.
3. Weeks 5–6: Cabinet install. Countertops are templated. Backsplash prep.
4. Weeks 7–8: Countertop install, backsplash tile, lighting, plumbing fixtures, appliances in.
5. Weeks 9–10: Punch list, final trim, touch-up and final cleaning.

Every kitchen is different, and what stretches a schedule is usually a little of everything: scope, cabinet lead time, framing and relocated plumbing, and what turns up behind the walls.

Why do cabinets set the kitchen remodel schedule?

Custom cabinets typically take 6–10 weeks from order to delivery, which is longer than most of the construction itself. A typical cabinet schedule:

• Week 1: We submit shop drawings for your approval.
• Weeks 2–7: Cabinets are in production.
• Weeks 7–8: Cabinets are delivered to the job site.

That's why we order cabinets first. Demo, plumbing, electrical and drywall happen during the build period, so the cabinets arrive when the room is ready for them, and your kitchen isn't torn out while you wait. Once they're delivered, installation takes about 1–2 days. Learn more about custom cabinet costs and lead times.

What makes a kitchen remodel take longer?

• Layout changes. Removing a wall or moving the sink to an island adds framing, plumbing and electrical work, and that adds time as well as cost. Keeping a workable layout is the easiest way to save both.
• Surprises behind the walls. Structural, plumbing or electrical problems uncovered during demo are one of the most common reasons a schedule moves.
• Older homes. A full kitchen remodel in a historic 1920s–1940s River Oaks home typically takes 14–20 weeks, because those homes often need updates behind the original walls and matching custom cabinetry takes longer to build.
• Custom cabinetry. Custom cabinets take longer than stock or semi-custom. The extra time buys cabinets built to your exact space instead of stock sizes.

What happens before demo starts?

The timelines above start at demo. Before that, every project goes through the same three steps:

1. Free in-home consultation. We walk the space with you, learn how you use the kitchen, and talk through budget and priorities.
2. Design and quote. Layout, cabinet specifications, finish selections and a line-item quote.
3. Cabinet order. Shop drawings are approved and the cabinets go into production, which starts the 6–10 week clock.

Selections are the biggest part of the schedule you control. Choosing cabinets, countertops, tile and appliances early lets us order materials before they're needed, so nothing waits on a late decision. See how we run kitchen remodeling projects.

Can you live at home during a kitchen remodel?

Yes. Most of our Houston clients stay in the home throughout the remodel. We set up a temporary kitchen, contain the work area with dust barriers and coordinate the schedule to keep disruption down.

Does a kitchen remodel take longer than a bathroom remodel?

Project	Typical timeline once demo starts
Guest bath	3–4 weeks
Primary bath with custom tile and glass	5–7 weeks
Luxury spa primary bath	7–10 weeks
Kitchen remodel	6–12 weeks

Kitchens take longer mainly because of cabinetry, countertops and appliances. Planning both at once? See our Houston bathroom remodel cost guide, or check kitchen remodeling in Katy if you're on the west side.

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McKelvey Designs is a family-owned remodeling company serving Katy and the Greater Houston area since 1991. NARI member. Get a free in-home consultation or call (281) 499-0581.