How long does a kitchen remodel take? A phase-by-phase Greater Boston timeline
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Somerville and Greater Boston? A phase-by-phase timeline: design, permits, cabinets, inspections and counters.
Mateus MagnoLicensed Construction Supervisor · November 2, 2026 · 4 min read
On my Greater Boston projects, a full kitchen remodel usually takes about 6 to 10 weeks of construction once demo starts, plus several weeks before that for design, cabinet ordering and permits. From first meeting to final inspection, most homeowners should plan on roughly 3 to 5 months.
How long does a kitchen remodel take? It is the second question my Somerville and Cambridge clients ask, right after the budget. The honest answer is that the construction part is shorter than people fear, but the planning and ordering part is longer than they expect.
On my jobs, a full kitchen usually takes about 6 to 10 weeks of construction, plus several weeks of design, ordering and permits before demo. So from first meeting to final inspection, plan on roughly 3 to 5 months. Here is how it breaks down.
How long does a kitchen remodel take? The short version
These are the ranges I plan around for a full kitchen in an older Greater Boston home. They are from my own experience, not a published standard, and your project may be shorter or longer.
| Phase | Typical time on my jobs |
|---|---|
| Design and selections | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Cabinet lead time | 4 to 12 weeks (overlaps with permits) |
| Permits | Up to 30 days by state code, often sooner |
| Demo and rough-in | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Inspections, insulation and drywall | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Cabinets, counters and finish | 3 to 5 weeks |
Phase 1: design and selections
The fastest kitchens are the ones fully decided before demo. That means the layout, cabinets, counters, appliances, sink, faucet, tile and lighting are all chosen. Appliance specs matter early, because the cabinet sizes and electrical plan depend on them.
- Changing the layout means moving plumbing, gas and circuits, which adds time.
- Keeping the sink and range in place is the quickest path.
- Removing a wall needs a structural plan before the permit.
Phase 2: permits and cabinet ordering
These two run at the same time. Under the Massachusetts building code, 780 CMR R105.3.1, the building official must issue or deny a permit in writing within 30 days of filing. In Somerville, the ISD Building Division lists the documents a contractor must file, including the construction supervisor license, a signed contract, affidavits and a site safety plan. A missing document is the most common reason a permit sits. My post on how long a Somerville building permit takes goes deeper.
Cabinets are usually the long pole. In my experience, stock cabinets can arrive in a few weeks, semi-custom often takes 6 to 10 weeks, and custom can take longer. I never schedule demo until the cabinets have a confirmed ship date.
Phase 3: demo and rough plumbing and electrical
Demo in an old triple-decker usually takes a few days. Then we see what is really behind the plaster: old wiring, galvanized pipes, uneven floors. In pre-1978 homes, any paid work disturbing more than 6 square feet of painted surface per room must be done by a licensed lead-safe renovation contractor, so containment comes first.
After demo, the plumber, electrician and HVAC installer run new lines. Each trade pulls its own permit.
Phase 4: inspections and drywall
Nothing gets closed up until it passes inspection. Under the state plumbing code, 248 CMR 3.00, new plumbing and gas work cannot be covered until it is tested if required and approved, and the inspector must act on a request for inspection within two working days of proper notice. After the rough inspections pass, we insulate where needed, hang drywall, tape, and prime.
Phase 5: cabinets, countertops and finish
- Cabinets: installation usually takes a few days, longer with tall pantries or crown molding.
- Template: the stone fabricator measures the installed base cabinets.
- Countertops: on my jobs, install is usually one to two weeks after template, depending on the shop.
- Backsplash and finish: tile, sink, faucet, appliances, lights and trim go in after the counters.
- Final inspections and a punch list close it out.
Flooring often goes in before the cabinets, or last if you are refinishing existing hardwood.
What makes kitchen remodels run long
- Late selections or changes after the cabinets are ordered
- Hidden rot, knob-and-tube wiring or framing problems behind old walls
- Wrong or damaged cabinet boxes arriving
- Busy inspection calendars and trade scheduling
- Parking and dumpster logistics on tight Somerville streets
Budget and schedule go together. My kitchen remodel cost guide for Massachusetts shows what drives the price.
Need a hand?
Planning a kitchen in Somerville, Cambridge or Medford? Book a free walkthrough and I will map out your timeline and send a written line-item budget, usually within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a full kitchen remodel take?
On my Greater Boston jobs, construction usually takes about 6 to 10 weeks once demo starts. Add several weeks before that for design, cabinet ordering and permits, so plan on roughly 3 to 5 months overall.
What is the longest part of a kitchen remodel?
Usually waiting for cabinets. In my experience semi-custom cabinets often take 6 to 10 weeks to arrive, so I don't start demo until they have a confirmed ship date.
How long does it take to get a kitchen remodel permit in Massachusetts?
Under 780 CMR R105.3.1, the building official must issue or deny a permit in writing within 30 days of filing. A complete application with all required documents moves fastest.
How long after cabinets are installed do countertops go in?
The fabricator templates after the base cabinets are installed and level. On my jobs, countertops usually go in one to two weeks after template, depending on the shop.
Planning a kitchen? See how I remodel kitchens in Somerville and how I price work.
Mateus Magno founded Magno & Co in 2020. He is a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658), registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) and certified Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor who has renovated and managed over $5 million in projects across Greater Boston.
More about Mateus →
