One of the first questions Miami homeowners ask when planning a kitchen remodel is "How long will it take?" The answer depends on the scope of work, permits, material lead times, and whether you're in a single-family home or a condo. Here's a realistic breakdown.
Kitchen Remodel Timeline by Project Type
| Project Type | Active Work | Total (Including Planning) |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware, fixtures) | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Mid-range remodel (cabinets, counters, appliances) | 4–8 weeks | 8–14 weeks |
| Full gut renovation (layout changes, custom work) | 8–16 weeks | 16–24 weeks |
| Condo kitchen remodel | 6–12 weeks | 12–20 weeks |
The 6 Phases of a Kitchen Remodel
Phase 1: Design and Planning (2–4 weeks)
This phase includes initial consultations, measurements, design revisions, material selection, and finalizing the scope of work. Taking adequate time here prevents expensive changes later. At Felimar Kitchens, we typically complete design in 2–3 weeks.
Phase 2: Permits and Approvals (1–6 weeks)
Miami-Dade and Broward counties require permits for electrical, plumbing, and structural work. Permit approval takes 1–3 weeks for standard projects. Condo remodels add an HOA approval step that can take 2–8 additional weeks depending on the building's board schedule.
Phase 3: Demolition (2–5 days)
Removing old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. This is the fastest phase but creates the most disruption. Plan to be without a kitchen starting here.
Phase 4: Rough Work (1–2 weeks)
Electrical wiring, plumbing rough-in, and any structural work (wall removal, framing). This phase requires inspections before work can continue — inspections in Miami-Dade typically take 1–3 business days to schedule.
Phase 5: Installation (2–4 weeks)
The longest phase: cabinet installation, countertop templating and installation (requires two visits, 1–2 weeks apart), flooring, backsplash, and appliance hookup. Custom cabinets take 1–2 days to install once delivered.
Phase 6: Finishing (3–5 days)
Final electrical and plumbing connections, hardware installation, touch-up paint, caulking, and cleaning. Final inspections are scheduled during this phase.
What Causes Delays in South Florida
Permit Processing
Miami-Dade County's building department can be backlogged. While standard permits take 1–3 weeks, complex projects requiring structural review can take 4–6 weeks. An experienced contractor knows how to submit clean applications that pass review faster.
Custom Cabinet Lead Times
Custom cabinets require 6–10 weeks for fabrication after the order is placed. Semi-custom cabinets take 4–6 weeks. Stock cabinets are available in 1–2 weeks. Order cabinets as early as possible in the planning phase.
Countertop Fabrication
Natural stone and quartz countertops require a templating visit after cabinets are installed, then 7–14 days for fabrication and return installation. This gap is unavoidable but can be planned around.
Hurricane Season
South Florida's hurricane season (June–November) can cause delays if a storm approaches. Building supply shortages often follow major storms. If timing is flexible, starting your remodel in December–April avoids weather risks.
Supply Chain and Material Availability
Specialty tiles, imported fixtures, and certain appliance models may have extended lead times. Finalize all material selections before demolition begins to avoid costly downtime waiting for deliveries.
How to Keep Your Remodel on Schedule
- Make all design decisions before demo day: Change orders after work starts cause the biggest delays.
- Order materials early: Cabinets, countertops, and appliances should be ordered 6–8 weeks before your target start date.
- Choose an experienced local contractor: A contractor who knows Miami-Dade/Broward permitting processes can save weeks.
- Be available for decisions: Quick responses to contractor questions prevent idle days.
- Set up a temporary kitchen: A microwave, coffee maker, and portable cooktop in another room keeps you functional during the remodel.
Plan Your Kitchen Remodel Timeline
At Felimar Kitchens, we provide a detailed project timeline during our free estimate so you know exactly what to expect. We manage permits, coordinate materials, and keep your project on track from start to finish.