How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?

Curious how long your kitchen remodel project will last? It’s probably longer than you think. Renovating a kitchen is a complicated project and it’s important to get the best results. In this article we will explore your renovation calendar including design process, lead times, and construction timelines. We will also review tips that the project managers at Airy Kitchens use to minimize delays and deliver beautiful projects on time. At Airy Kitchens, we focus on larger kitchen renovations that most call a ‘gut reno’ with new layouts, new appliances, and often changing walls, windows, and HVAC. This article focuses on that type of a kitchen renovation.

Sean Lewis, our Creative Director leads the design department.

DESIGN (3-8 weeks)

The most important step is the first. Designing your kitchen will lay the groundwork for your whole project. During the design phase you will decide on the scope of your project and choose your hardware, materials, and appliances. All of these items will affect the next phase, lead times, so be clear about your timeframe expectations from the beginning. Your designer can consider lead times while they are designing the project and choose items that are available quickly. Depending on our schedule, Airy Kitchens can typically complete and present kitchen designs in three to eight weeks.

LEAD TIMES AND BIDDING (10-24 weeks)

Between design and construction is a phase where lots of people are working on your project, but you don’t see much happening at your home. After your design is finished, Airy kitchens will begin building cabinets, ordering appliances, and managing all materials based on their lead times. While we are waiting on materials, we create construction documents and have contractors bid on your project. Ultimately there are two items that will dictate your start date: Lead times on your materials and the schedule of the contractor you choose. Specialty products may have long lead times and it doesn't always make sense to start the project without important items. You may also love a contractor who is booked out for six months. When it comes to your dream kitchen, we think working with the best people and ordering the products you love is worth the wait!

CONSTRUCTION (8-14 weeks)

All of the planning and waiting is over and construction has begun! How long will you be living with a temporary kitchen or residing in a rental apartment? Construction timelines vary depending on the project scope, but even for simple renovations expect to be without a working kitchen for eight weeks. Twelve weeks is average. What does the construction timeline look like? Below is a Gantt calendar from a project we just completed in Bucks County.

Our project managers track schedules with an online app so clients can easily see updates and changes.

While there is some overlap, you can see that there is an order that tasks are completed in and many tasks depend on others being completed first. Below is the typical order of tasks for kitchen construction. Timeframes are quoted based on a simple kitchen project with no unexpected delays.

Demo (< 1 week) Most clients are surprised how fast the old kitchen can be removed.

Framing (1 week) Your project may not need new framing if you’re not moving walls. If you plan to add insulation to an old house, plan on new framing on exterior walls. New framing and insulation may need city inspections.

Rough electric + plumbing (2-3 weeks) Working with tradsespeople takes more time and the work will need to be inspected before closing up the walls.

Drywall (1 week) Drywall is often subcontracted. Overall the process is fast, and your project starts to take shape here!

Flooring (1 week+) Tile is typical in kitchens and involves a multi-step process. Wood floors might go in faster.

Cabinetry (1 week) If the framing and drywall were done well, the cabinets should go in fast. This is when the counters get templated.

Trim and Painting (1 week) Complicated trim details may add to this timeframe. Painting is usually done in a few days.

Counters and Backsplash (1 week) Counters are typically installed 10-14 days after templating. Backsplash has to go up after they are installed.

Finished Electric, Plumbing, and appliance instal (1 week) This is the last step to substantial completion. After everything is installed and hooked up, the contractor will deliver the project for clients to move in and start using.

Punchlist (< 1 week) After homeowners have had a chance to move back in and use the kitchen, we create a punchlist of work that needs to be completed to consider the project finished. Contractors and tradespeople will return to complete the list as fast as possible.

Once counters go in, the remodel typically wraps up quickly. See more of this Lower Merion Kitchen Remodel

Wow! That’s eleven weeks, and with no delays. Large and complicated projects take even longer. So, how do the Airy Kitchens project managers work to minimize delays and deliver beautiful projects?

POJECT MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR KITCHENS

1) Use the design phase to explore changes

During design, everything is just an idea and it’s easy to explore changes. Homeowners should really dig into the details and ask all the questions then. Once materials have been ordered and construction has begun, changes to the design get expensive and cause major delays. It’s easy to second guess decisions when you’re standing in an unfinished project, home renovation is stressful! If you spend the time and effort during the design phase and you’ll be more relaxed during construction.

2) Order early and inspect every package

Ordering for projects is tricky. Order too early and you may pass your return window before you instal the product. Order too late and your item may be backordered or cause your whole project to be delayed. We prefer to order early and do a detailed inspection of everything that arrives (including taking photos). This way you can breath easy knowing you are prepared for the project start and you won’t discover broken or mis-ordered items during your project.

3) Communication is key / Everyone likes brownies

Communication is the most important part of keeping a project on track. We call contractors a week or two before starting to remind them of our start date and make sure they’re on track. Regular meetings and phone calls make sure that details aren’t missed and contractors know what our expectations are. Contractors are busy and don’t always love oversight, so we make sure to respect their time, offer to help with tasks when we can, and if all else fails, everyone likes brownies.

4) Document and protect everything

An easy way for homeowners to protect themselves is to photograph their home before work begins. Anywhere contractors may venture including adjacent rooms, bathrooms, garages, and basements should all be documented. If your home gets damaged, these photos are an easy way to prove that. A good contractor will protect floors and walls thoroughly, but homeowners can protect their belongings by removing art and furnishings from hallways and adjacent rooms, avoid parking near dumpsters or contractor vehicles, and keep kids and pets away from work areas.

5) Choose a flexible timeframe

If homeowners put too much focus on a fast timeframe, then contractors won’t take the time to get every detail perfect. Most contractors truly care about the look and quality of their builds, but if they feel more pressure to work fast than to get details perfect then they will comply. Is that what you really want? Avoid scheduling a holiday gathering or a guest visit right at the end of your project. Delays do happen, and you don’t want to sacrifice quality to get the project done faster.

Now that you understand the timeframe, are you ready to start your design? Click below to schedule a consultation and learn more about our pricing.

I've Got Steam Heat: Replacing Radiators In Philadelphia Kitchens.

Many homes in Philadelphia feature radiators. These cast iron behemoths are usually a kitchen designer’s worst enemy. They’re bulky, attract dust, and are typically located in front of windows (just where you wanted the sink to go!) Like most homeowners, you are probably focused on new countertops, high-tech appliances, or beautiful new cabinets, but don't overlook the basics. If your home uses radiators then they will be an important detail of how your new kitchen looks and works.

This new radiator was sourced to match older existing ones.

When replacing or adding radiators you have many options. Old-style cast iron radiators, which look best in older homes, are still being made and come in both ornate and plain styles, large and small.  Chances are good that our kitchen designers can find a model that nearly matches the radiators you already have.

Don’t let the current placement of your radiators limit your ideas. Radiators can be moved but this will involve getting under the floor to move pipes. While best done in the summer this work is not difficult especially if you are already planning to pull up and replace your flooring. If you're keeping the floor, pipes can be accessed through the ceiling of the room below. If that room is an unfinished basement, you're in luck!

This modern wall mounted radiator is sleek and easy to clean around.

Thanks to the large market for radiators in Europe there are plenty of contemporary radiators available including some which are positively gorgeous. These include low profile baseboard radiators, wall panel radiators, and radiators that practically double as sculpture. You don’t have to sacrifice your dream kitchen’s sleek, modern look because of radiator heat. However, installing european style radiators may cost more and it's important to note whether they use steam or hot water for heat.

Why use a radiator in the bathroom when you can have a towel warmer?

Bathrooms are the spot for that elegant alternative to a radiator: a towel rack. These home luxuries are heated by the water from your boiler and will warm your bathroom and your towels.  Like radiators, these come in both traditional and sharply contemporary styles. 

Determining the size and number of radiators for a space requires some complicated math and an understanding of the thermodynamics of the room.  You can find tutorials and calculators for this on the internet, but most of these calculations are best left to an HVAC professional.

Electric radiators can be great for small rooms.

Even small radiators can get very hot and may deliver too much heat to a tiny room. For a very small space, like a powder room, consider a wall-mounted electric radiator with a thermostat. There are many models available for cheap but these often perform poorly and have only an on/off switch. Higher quality units offer convenient features like child lock-out and they typically look sleeker too.

When in doubt, paint it black and put some marble on it.

While your old radiators are disconnected during the project you may want to consider having them renewed.  A build-up of old paint on the outside and sludge on the inside can decrease a radiator’s efficiency thereby increasing your heating bills.  The outside of a radiator can be sandblasted and the inside can be flushed out.

For those homeowners who don't want to move their radiators, consider installing a shelf,  towel rack, or even shoe rack above them. Why not use this powerful heat source to your advantage and dry those winter boots? If your radiator is an eyesore consider having Airy Kitchens design a custom radiator cover to match your cabinetry. Remember, radiators are not simply heating elements but can be an opportunity to add a special touch to your new kitchen or bathroom.

Philadelphia Home Show Upcycle Challenge

We had a great time at the Philadelphia Home Show. Owner Sean Lewis created this upcycle grill cart for the Habitat for Humanity Upcycle Challenge. It was really cool being part of the home show and we even got on the morning news! The entries were auctioned off for charity (habitat) and we hope this groovy grill has gone to a good home. Unfortunately, we didn't win, but free tickets to the home show for the Airy Kitchens team and all of our clients was prize enough. Always happy to help Philadelphia Restore. Go check them out on Washington Ave!

Outdoor Kitchen Options in Philadelphia

Here in Philadelphia, there are a lot of urban roof decks. These entertaining spaces are usually two floors above the kitchen and barbecuing becomes a marathon workout. Enter the Outdoor Kitchen. Todays home-cooks want a place to work around the BBQ, and keep their beer cold. Northeast weather is harsh though, so your indoor kitchen won't do. Here are the best (and worst) options:

Wood Cabinets

Wood looks great and adds warmth to the space. Only a few wood types should be used for outdoor cabinetry, so make sure you buy from a reputable company. The negatives? Doors can warp and wood needs more upkeep than other options.

Stainless Steel Cabinets

Stainless is tough and we think it looks the best. It can be powder-coated many different colors and is low maintenance. However, it is the most expensive, and it gets hot in full sun.

Synthetic Cabinets

Like wood, plastics come in different grades, so look for a quality material that won't fade or crack. Synthetic materials are low maintenance, easy to clean, and come in a variety of colors. 

Counters, hardware and floors

We recommend a stone counter like marble, granite, soapstone or quartzite. Counters will need to be sealed for outdoor use. Avoid synthetic counters, as they can melt against a hot grill. All hardware should be stainless. Outdoor cabinet pulls can be wood or plastic, but stainless is best. Set your kitchen on a solid surface like a concrete pad or hardwood deck. 

Outdoor Appliances

Only use outdoor rated appliances. The Northeast has harsh weather and indoor appliances won't cut it. Built-in grills can sit against stainless cabinets, but wood and synthetic cabinets should have a heat barrier. Any water will need to be shut off in the winter, so instal a shut-off valve in a convenient location.

Enjoy your outdoor kitchen. They are convenient and a great way to keep the party out of your house.