A kitchen renovation is the most complex and disruptive home improvement project most Ottawa homeowners undertake. Understanding the timeline helps you plan your life around the chaos — setting up a temporary kitchen, scheduling time off work for key decisions, and managing expectations. Here's what to expect week by week.
Cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware, backsplash): 1-2 weeks Partial renovation (new countertops, sink, fixtures): 2-3 weeks Full kitchen renovation (same layout): 4-8 weeks Full kitchen renovation (new layout): 6-12 weeks Kitchen expansion (wall removal, addition): 8-16 weeks Add 6-12 weeks before construction for design, material selection, ordering, and permitting. Total project timeline from first meeting to cooking in your new kitchen: 3-6 months for a typical full renovation.
This phase happens before any demolition and is critical to staying on schedule: Weeks 1-3: Design and planning — finalizing layout, selecting cabinets, countertops, appliances, tile, lighting, and fixtures. Every decision made now prevents a delay later. Weeks 3-4: Ordering — cabinets (6-10 week lead time for custom), countertops (template after cabinet install), appliances (2-8 weeks depending on availability). Weeks 4-6: Permit application (if required) — structural changes and electrical/...
Before demo day, set up a temporary kitchen in another room. You'll need: a microwave, toaster oven, electric kettle, and possibly a hot plate; a table for prep space; access to a sink (bathroom or laundry); a small fridge (or use coolers if short-term); paper plates and disposable utensils to minim...
Week 1: Demolition — removing old cabinets, countertops, flooring, backsplash, and appliances. This is the loudest, dustiest phase. Seal off adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting. Week 2: Rough-in — electrical rewiring for new layout, plumbing relocation, any structural work (beam installation for wall removal), HVAC modifications. Inspections at end of rough-in. Week 3: Drywall, patching, and floor preparation. New subfloor installation if needed. Week 4-5: Cabinet installation — the most exc...
A kitchen renovation affects your entire household. Tips: maintain a positive attitude — the disruption is temporary but the result is permanent. Keep children and pets away from the work area. Establish clear communication with your contractor (daily or weekly updates). Make decisions promptly — delayed decisions delay the project. Build in 1-2 weeks of buffer for unexpected issues.
The most common kitchen renovation delays: cabinet ordering errors (verify measurements repeatedly), countertop template timing (can't template until cabinets are installed and level), appliance backorders (order appliances early — even before construction starts), hidden issues behind walls (old wiring, plumbing problems, structural surprises), and scope creep (adding work mid-project extends timeline and budget).
4-8 weeks for construction, plus 6-12 weeks of pre-construction planning and ordering. Total timeline: 3-6 months from first meeting to cooking in your new kitchen.
Order custom cabinets 8-12 weeks before your target construction start date. Stock and semi-custom cabinets have shorter lead times (2-6 weeks) but still need advance ordering.
Yes, most Ottawa homeowners stay in their homes. Set up a temporary kitchen with microwave, toaster oven, and access to a sink. The main challenges are dust, noise, and limited cooking options.
Fall and winter (October-March) often offer better contractor availability and potentially lower prices. Spring and summer are busiest. Interior work isn't weather-dependent, so any time works — it's about contractor scheduling.