A new kitchen is exciting, but living without one for weeks is not. Knowing what to expect makes the whole process much easier to plan around, especially if you have kids, work from home or are trying to time things around holidays.
Here's a realistic timeline for a kitchen renovation in Sydney, based on how we run our own projects.
The short answer
For most full kitchen renovations in Sydney:
- Design and selections: 2 to 4 weeks
- Cabinetry manufacturing: 3 to 6 weeks
- Time on site: 3 to 6 weeks
So from your first consultation to a finished kitchen, allow roughly 2 to 4 months. The time you are actually without a kitchen is usually the 3 to 6 weeks on site.
Stage 1: Consultation and design (2 to 4 weeks)
Everything starts with a visit to your home. We measure the space, look at plumbing, power and structure, and talk about how you use your kitchen and what you'd like to change.
Then we prepare a layout and 3D drawings. You'll choose cabinetry finishes, benchtops, splashback, handles and appliances. This stage is where you save the most time later, because every decision made now is one less delay on site. Our kitchen layout guide can help you think about layouts before we meet.
Stage 2: Manufacturing and ordering (3 to 6 weeks)
Once the design is signed off, cabinetry goes into production. While that's happening, appliances and fixtures are ordered and the work schedule is locked in. Special order items like imported tapware or particular natural stone slabs can take longer, so it's worth confirming lead times early.
Stage 3: Demolition and preparation (1 to 3 days)
On day one we protect your floors and the rest of the house, then remove the old kitchen. Once it's out, we can see the walls, floor and services properly. In older Sydney homes this is when surprises sometimes appear, like old wiring or water damage, and we'll talk you through any issues straight away.
Stage 4: Rough in services (2 to 5 days)
Plumbers, gas fitters and electricians run new pipes and cables to the right positions for the sink, dishwasher, cooktop, oven, rangehood, power points and lighting. If walls are being patched or a bulkhead is being built, plastering happens here too.
Stage 5: Cabinetry installation (2 to 5 days)
Your new cabinets are installed, levelled and fixed. This is the moment the kitchen starts to look like the drawings.
Stage 6: Benchtops (1 to 3 weeks)
Stone and porcelain benchtops are templated once the cabinets are installed, because they need to fit the actual cabinets precisely. Fabrication then usually takes one to two weeks before installation. Laminate benchtops can be quicker. This waiting period is normal, and it's a good time for painting and other finishing work.
Stage 7: Splashback, fit off and finishing (1 to 2 weeks)
The splashback goes in, then plumbers and electricians return to connect the sink, tapware, appliances, lights and power points. Painting is completed, handles and accessories fitted and everything is adjusted and cleaned.
Stage 8: Handover
We walk you through your new kitchen, show you how everything works, hand over warranties and make sure you're completely happy.
How to keep your kitchen renovation on time
- Finalise selections before work starts. Including appliance models and sizes.
- Order long lead items early. Imported tapware, specific appliances and natural stone.
- Avoid mid project changes. They ripple through the whole schedule.
- Plan around holidays. Suppliers often close over Christmas and New Year.
- Choose a team that manages everything. One project manager coordinating every trade avoids gaps between them.
Living through a kitchen renovation
A few tips from homeowners who have been there:
- Set up a temporary kitchen in the laundry or dining room with the fridge, a microwave, a kettle and a toaster.
- Stock up on easy meals and use the barbecue.
- Keep a box of plates, cutlery and cups somewhere easy to reach.
- Expect some dust, even with protection in place.
Ready to plan your kitchen?
If you'd like a realistic timeline and a fixed price for your own kitchen, we're happy to help. Read about our kitchen renovations in Sydney, check our kitchen renovation cost guide or book a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long will I be without a kitchen?
Usually 3 to 6 weeks. Setting up a simple temporary kitchen with a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster makes this period much easier.
What causes kitchen renovations to run late?
The most common causes are late changes to the design, appliances that arrive late or turn out to be a different size, hidden problems found during demolition and supply delays on special order items.
Can a kitchen be renovated in two weeks?
A small kitchen that keeps the same layout can sometimes be installed quickly, but benchtops are templated after cabinets go in, so most full kitchens take longer than two weeks on site.
