Short answer: most full kitchen remodels we build take 4–8 weeks of construction, and that’s the stretch you’re without a working kitchen. A refresh that keeps the layout takes 2–3 weeks. The wait before construction depends on the project: for a kitchen that keeps its layout, design, selections, and a typical permit have taken 1–3 weeks in our experience; a structural permit has taken 3–4 weeks; and custom cabinets can carry 6–12 weeks of lead time. We order long-lead items early and sequence the schedule so they arrive before demo begins. Your kitchen isn’t torn out while the cabinets are still on a truck.
The six stages of a kitchen remodel, and how long each takes
Free consultation
We visit your home, measure, and talk goals and budget. Week 0.
Layout and design
Cabinet layout, island, lighting plan, and selections you can picture. Weeks 1–2.
Itemized estimate
Line-item pricing in writing. Weeks 2–3.
Permits
Filed with the City of Portland, inspections included. Typical kitchen (no walls moved): 1–2 weeks. Structural changes: 3–4 weeks.
Construction
Demo through finish work. 4–8 weeks for a full remodel; 2–3 for a refresh.
Final walkthrough
Punch list completed. Your one-year warranty on our labor and the materials we installed starts here.
The stages overlap where they can: we sequence ordering so materials arrive before demo begins.
Before construction vs. time without a kitchen
| What | Typical time on our projects |
|---|---|
| Design and selections | Weeks 1–2 |
| Itemized estimate | Weeks 2–3 |
| Permit (City of Portland) | 1–2 weeks for a typical kitchen; 3–4 if walls move or structure changes |
| Custom cabinet lead time | 6–12 weeks, ordered early so cabinets arrive before demo |
| Construction (no working kitchen) | 4–8 weeks for a full remodel; 2–3 for a refresh |
Permit times above are what we’ve seen on our own Portland jobs. The City publishes average and median review times on its Permit Review Dashboard, updated every Monday; those are past figures, so a specific application can be faster or slower.
What makes a kitchen remodel take longer
- ✓ Changing the layout. Moving or removing walls means structural work and a 3–4 week permit instead of 1–2. Keeping the footprint is the fastest path.
- ✓ Custom cabinetry. 6–12 weeks of lead time is common. We sequence ordering so materials arrive before demo.
- ✓ Countertops. Stone and quartz are templated after the cabinets are set.
- ✓ What opening up finds. Old wiring, plumbing, or rot can add work. Here’s what happens when we open a wall and find more than planned.
Living without a kitchen
Most families stay in the house. We contain dust, keep a clean site, and can help you plan a temporary kitchen setup so day-to-day life keeps working.
When to start
Any season works; a kitchen remodel is indoor work, and Portland’s rain doesn’t slow it down. What changes with the season is scheduling: spring and summer are the busiest months for Portland remodelers, so a fall or winter start often means a shorter wait for a crew. Allow 1–3 weeks for design, selections, and a typical permit before construction (longer for a structural permit or custom cabinets), then 4–8 weeks of build for a full remodel.
Questions homeowners ask
Can we stay in our home during a kitchen remodel?
Most families do. We contain dust, keep a clean site, and can help you plan a temporary kitchen setup.
How long does a kitchen permit take in Portland?
In our experience, a typical kitchen with no walls moved has been approved in 1–2 weeks and structural changes in 3–4. The City publishes its own average review times on its Permit Review Dashboard. We file with the City of Portland and schedule the inspections. Outside Portland, the permit office and timing differ.
Who keeps the schedule?
One of our owners manages every project and is your point of contact from the first visit through the warranty year. You’ll get a realistic timeline with your estimate.
Want a real schedule for your kitchen?
Free consultation and an itemized estimate with a timeline.
Related: kitchen remodeling in Portland · what a kitchen remodel costs in Portland · how long a bathroom remodel takes.
