The Question Every Homeowner Asks First
You've been dreaming about a new kitchen for months — maybe years. The outdated countertops, the cabinets that have seen better decades, the layout that makes cooking feel like an obstacle course. You're ready to pull the trigger. But before you commit, there's one question that always comes first: how long is this actually going to take?
It's a fair question. Your kitchen is the most-used room in your home, and living without it for weeks (or longer) requires real planning. As a remodeling company based in Fort Lauderdale, we walk homeowners through this conversation every week. And the honest answer is: it depends — but not in a vague, hand-wavy way. There are concrete phases with predictable timelines, and understanding them will help you plan with confidence.
The Short Answer
A typical kitchen remodel in Fort Lauderdale takes 6 to 12 weeks from demolition to final walkthrough. A minor refresh — think new countertops, a backsplash, and fresh paint — can wrap up in 3 to 4 weeks. A full gut renovation with layout changes, custom cabinetry, new plumbing, and electrical work will land closer to the 10- to 12-week mark, sometimes longer.
Now let's break down what happens during each phase so you know exactly where your time goes.
Phase 1: Design and Planning (2–4 Weeks)
This phase happens before any hammers swing, and it's arguably the most important. During design and planning, you'll work with your contractor to finalize the layout, select materials, choose finishes, and nail down the scope of work. If permits are required — and in Fort Lauderdale, they usually are for anything involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes — this is when the application process begins.
Permit approval timelines in Broward County can vary, but you should budget 1 to 3 weeks for standard residential permits. Your contractor should handle this process, but it's worth asking about upfront so there are no surprises.
Pro tip: The more decisions you make during this phase, the smoother everything goes later. Changing your mind about tile after it's been ordered can add weeks to your timeline.
Phase 2: Demolition (2–5 Days)
Demo day is when things get real. Old cabinets come out, flooring gets pulled up, and outdated fixtures are removed. For a full kitchen remodel, demolition typically takes 2 to 5 days depending on the size of the space and how much is being removed.
This is also when your contractor may uncover hidden issues — water damage behind walls, outdated wiring, or plumbing that doesn't meet current code. In older Fort Lauderdale homes, especially those built before the 1980s, these discoveries aren't uncommon. A good contractor will communicate these findings immediately and provide options before moving forward.
Phase 3: Rough-In Work (1–2 Weeks)
Once the space is stripped down, the behind-the-scenes work begins. This includes:
- Plumbing rough-ins for new sink or dishwasher locations
- Electrical wiring for updated lighting, outlets, and appliances
- Any structural modifications, such as removing or reinforcing walls
This phase often requires inspections before the walls can be closed up. Scheduling inspections through the city adds a small buffer to the timeline, but it's a necessary step that protects you as a homeowner.
Phase 4: Drywall, Painting, and Prep (1–2 Weeks)
With rough-in work approved, the walls go back up. Drywall is hung, taped, mudded, and sanded. Then comes priming and interior painting. If you're making ceiling changes or adding recessed lighting, that work gets finished here too.
This phase sets the stage for everything that comes next, so quality matters. Rushing through drywall finishing leads to visible seams and uneven surfaces — something you'll notice every single day in a room you use constantly.
Phase 5: Cabinetry and Countertop Installation (1–2 Weeks)
Now the kitchen starts looking like a kitchen again. Cabinets are installed first, carefully leveled and secured. If you've opted for custom cabinetry, keep in mind that fabrication typically adds 3 to 6 weeks of lead time before this phase — another reason early planning matters.
Once cabinets are set, countertops are templated and fabricated. Stone countertops like granite or quartz usually require a separate templating visit after cabinet installation, followed by a 1- to 2-week fabrication period before the final install.
Phase 6: Flooring, Tile, and Backsplash (3–7 Days)
Tile and flooring installation is one of the more satisfying phases because the transformation becomes visible quickly. Whether you're going with porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank, or natural stone, this work typically takes less than a week for an average-sized kitchen.
Backsplash installation often happens during this phase as well, adding that finishing detail that ties the whole design together.
Phase 7: Fixtures, Appliances, and Final Details (3–5 Days)
The home stretch. This is when your new faucet, sink, lighting fixtures, hardware, and appliances are installed. Final electrical connections are made, and everything is tested. Your contractor will do a thorough walkthrough to check for any punch-list items — small touch-ups, adjustments, or corrections that need attention before the project is officially complete.
What Can Cause Delays?
Even with the best planning, some factors can extend your timeline. Here are the most common culprits:
- Material lead times: Custom cabinets, specialty tile, and certain countertop materials can take weeks to arrive. Ordering early is critical.
- Permit and inspection scheduling: Municipal timelines are outside your contractor's control, but experienced local contractors know how to navigate the process efficiently.
- Scope changes: Deciding mid-project to move the refrigerator to the other wall or switch from laminate to quartz will add time and cost.
- Hidden damage: Mold, termite damage, or outdated plumbing behind walls can require additional work that wasn't in the original plan.
- Hurricane season: Living in Fort Lauderdale means weather can occasionally cause brief delays, especially during summer and early fall.
How to Keep Your Remodel on Track
You have more control over your timeline than you might think. Here's how to help things move smoothly:
- Make all material selections before demo begins. This is the single biggest thing you can do to prevent delays.
- Set a realistic budget with a contingency. A 10–15% buffer for unexpected issues keeps the project moving when surprises pop up.
- Communicate openly with your contractor. Ask questions, respond to decisions promptly, and stay engaged throughout the process.
- Plan for life without a kitchen. Set up a temporary coffee station, stock up on easy meals, and mentally prepare for a few weeks of disruption. It's temporary — and worth it.
Ready to Start Planning?
At Archway Building Contractors, we've guided countless Fort Lauderdale homeowners through kitchen remodels of every size and scope. We provide detailed project timelines before work begins, communicate proactively throughout every phase, and treat your home like it's our own. If you're considering a kitchen transformation and want a realistic timeline tailored to your specific project, we'd love to talk. Reach out to schedule a consultation and let's start turning your vision into a plan.