The most common question we get before a kitchen project starts is some version of: how long is this going to take? It's a fair question, and the honest answer is that it depends on scope, material lead times, and how early in the process decisions get made. Most kitchen renovations we handle run four to seven weeks from demo to punch-list, but the front-end planning phase adds time that homeowners don't always account for.
The planning phase comes before the clock starts ¶
Design decisions, material selections, and cabinet orders all happen before demo begins. This phase typically runs three to six weeks. It includes the initial walkthrough, the written estimate, permit application, cabinet selection and order, and countertop templating scheduling. Rushing this phase is the most common cause of mid-project delays. If you change the countertop material after the cabinet order is placed, you may be waiting on a new template and a new fabrication slot.
Cabinet lead times are the critical path ¶
Custom and semi-custom cabinets from local Portland-area shops typically carry a four to eight week lead time from order to delivery. This is the single biggest variable in a kitchen timeline. We don't begin demo until cabinets are confirmed and have a delivery date in writing. That rule adds a few weeks to the front end but compresses the disruptive phase, the period when your household is without a functional kitchen, to three to four weeks rather than eight or ten.
Permit timelines in Portland ¶
Kitchen renovations that involve structural changes, electrical panel upgrades, or gas line work require permits from the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services. Standard residential permits currently run two to four weeks for over-the-counter review. We pull all permits and coordinate inspections. If your project is straightforward, permits are usually in hand before cabinet delivery, so there's no gap in the schedule.
What extends a kitchen timeline ¶
A few things reliably add time: structural changes like wall removal (which require engineering and a separate structural permit), custom countertop materials with long fabrication queues, appliance back-orders, and discoveries during demo, such as knob-and-tube wiring or subfloor damage, that require additional work before the project can proceed. We try to flag likely discoveries at the walkthrough, but older homes sometimes have surprises.
A realistic week-by-week outline ¶
Week one: demo and rough-in work. Weeks two and three: rough electrical, plumbing, and any structural work, followed by inspections. Week four: drywall, priming, and cabinet installation. Week five: countertop template and fabrication (one to two weeks depending on material). Week six: countertop installation, backsplash tile, appliance hookups, and trim. Week seven: punch-list and final walkthrough. This is a compressed version; larger kitchens or those with more complex scopes run longer.
If you're starting to plan a kitchen renovation and want a realistic timeline for your specific project, the best first step is a walkthrough. We'll assess the space and give you a written estimate with a projected schedule. Reach out through the contact page to get started.