When you're planning a new kitchen, knowing how long you'll be without proper cooking facilities is essential. Whether you're in Bromley, Brighton, or anywhere across Kent and Sussex, here's what to expect from your kitchen renovation timeline.
Typical Kitchen Renovation Timescales
Simple kitchen replacement (like-for-like): 1-2 weeks
If you're keeping the same layout and just replacing units, worktops, and appliances, a straightforward kitchen fit can be completed quickly. This assumes no structural changes and existing plumbing and electrics staying in place.
Kitchen renovation with layout changes: 3-4 weeks
Moving the sink, cooker, or adding an island means rerouting plumbing and electrics. This adds time but gives you a kitchen that works better for your needs.
Kitchen extension and fit-out: 8-12 weeks
If your new kitchen is part of an extension project, the timeline extends significantly. The building work typically takes 6-8 weeks, followed by the kitchen installation.
What's Involved Week by Week
For a typical mid-sized kitchen renovation with some layout changes, here's how the work breaks down:
Week 1: Strip out old kitchen, first fix electrics and plumbing, any structural work
Week 2: Plastering, floor preparation, second fix electrics and plumbing
Week 3: Kitchen unit installation, worktop templating
Week 4: Worktop fitting, tiling, appliance installation, decoration, snagging
Factors That Affect Timing
Several things can speed up or slow down your kitchen project:
Worktop lead times: Granite, quartz, and solid surface worktops need templating after units are fitted, then fabrication. Allow 1-2 weeks for this.
Appliance delivery: Order appliances early. Supply chain delays can hold up completion if your oven or hob isn't available.
Structural surprises: Older properties in areas like Tunbridge Wells or Lewes sometimes reveal unexpected issues when walls are opened up.
Your specification: Complex designs with intricate tiling or bespoke joinery take longer than straightforward installations.
Living Without a Kitchen
Most families set up a temporary kitchen in another room - a microwave, kettle, toaster, and portable hob can get you through. We always try to keep disruption to a minimum and give you realistic expectations upfront.
Ready to Plan Your Kitchen?
We fit kitchens across Kent, Sussex and South London, from compact galley kitchens to large open-plan kitchen-diners. Call 01732 905968 for a free quote and realistic timeline for your project.