The Question Every Homeowner Asks First
You've been dreaming about new cabinets, gleaming countertops, and a layout that actually makes sense for your family. But before you commit, there's one question that keeps coming up: how long is my kitchen going to be out of commission?
It's a fair concern. Nobody wants to eat takeout for three months or wash dishes in the bathroom sink longer than necessary. As a remodeling company based right here in Pembroke Pines, we hear this question on almost every consultation call. The honest answer is that timelines vary, but with the right planning, most kitchen remodels follow a predictable path.
Let's break it down phase by phase so you know exactly what to expect.
The Short Answer
A typical kitchen remodel in South Florida takes 6 to 12 weeks from demolition to the final walkthrough. Smaller updates — like replacing countertops and refacing cabinets — can wrap up in as little as 2 to 3 weeks. A full gut renovation with layout changes, new plumbing, and electrical work will land closer to the 10- to 12-week mark, sometimes longer if permits require additional inspections.
Here's the thing: the timeline isn't just about the work itself. A huge portion of the schedule depends on decisions you make before construction begins.
Phase 1: Design and Material Selection (2–4 Weeks)
This is the phase most homeowners underestimate. Choosing cabinets, countertop materials, tile, flooring, fixtures, and appliances takes time — especially when you're comparing options, visiting showrooms, and waiting on samples.
Our advice? Start browsing early. Even before you've signed a contract, save inspiration photos, visit local suppliers, and narrow down your style preferences. Pembroke Pines has several tile and stone showrooms within a short drive, and we're always happy to point clients in the right direction.
- Cabinets often have the longest lead time — custom orders can take 4 to 8 weeks to arrive.
- Countertop fabrication typically takes 1 to 2 weeks after templating.
- Appliances should be ordered early, as supply chain delays can still pop up unexpectedly.
The golden rule: the sooner your materials are selected and ordered, the smoother the construction phase will go.
Phase 2: Permits and Approvals (1–3 Weeks)
If your remodel involves moving walls, relocating plumbing, or adding electrical circuits, you'll likely need permits from the City of Pembroke Pines or Broward County. Permit timelines vary, but plan for one to three weeks for approval. A reputable contractor handles this process for you, but it's important to factor it into your overall schedule.
Minor cosmetic updates — swapping countertops, installing new tile, or refacing existing cabinets — usually don't require permits, which can shave weeks off the timeline.
Phase 3: Demolition (1–3 Days)
Demo day is exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Old cabinets come out, flooring gets pulled up, and your kitchen temporarily looks like a construction zone. For most kitchens, demolition takes one to three days depending on the scope.
This is also when your contractor may uncover surprises — outdated wiring, water damage behind walls, or plumbing that doesn't meet current code. A good contractor communicates these findings immediately and presents solutions before moving forward.
Phase 4: Rough Work — Plumbing, Electrical, Framing (1–2 Weeks)
If you're changing the layout, this is when the behind-the-scenes infrastructure gets updated. Plumbers reroute water lines, electricians add outlets or circuits, and any structural framing changes happen now. Inspections are scheduled at the end of this phase before walls get closed up.
For kitchens that keep the same layout, this phase is much shorter or may be skipped entirely.
Phase 5: Installation — The Fun Part (3–5 Weeks)
Now the transformation becomes visible. Installation generally follows this order:
- Drywall repair and painting — Fresh walls set the stage for everything else.
- Flooring installation — Whether it's tile, luxury vinyl plank, or another material, flooring goes in before cabinets in most cases.
- Cabinet installation — This is the moment your kitchen starts to take shape. Expect one to three days for a standard kitchen.
- Countertop templating and installation — Templating happens after cabinets are set, with fabricated countertops arriving about a week later.
- Backsplash tile — Installed after countertops are in place for a clean, seamless look.
- Fixtures, hardware, and appliances — Faucets, cabinet pulls, lighting, and appliances get connected and tested.
Each trade follows the next in a carefully coordinated sequence. Delays in one step can push everything back, which is why having a contractor who manages the schedule proactively makes all the difference.
Phase 6: Final Details and Walkthrough (2–3 Days)
Caulking, touch-up paint, final adjustments to cabinet doors, and a thorough cleaning wrap up the project. We walk through the finished kitchen with our clients to make sure every detail meets expectations before we consider the job complete.
What Can Delay a Kitchen Remodel?
Even the best-planned projects hit bumps. Here are the most common causes of delays we see in the Pembroke Pines area:
- Backordered materials — Ordering early is the best defense.
- Permit delays — Sometimes inspections get rescheduled or additional documentation is requested.
- Scope changes mid-project — Deciding to add recessed lighting or change your tile selection after work has started can add days or weeks.
- Unexpected structural or plumbing issues — Older homes in South Florida sometimes have hidden problems that need to be addressed for safety and code compliance.
- Weather — While kitchen work is mostly indoors, heavy storms can occasionally affect deliveries and crew schedules.
Tips to Keep Your Remodel on Schedule
Based on our experience working with homeowners across Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Cooper City, and the surrounding communities, here's what helps the most:
- Finalize all selections before demo day. Every material, color, and fixture should be chosen and ordered.
- Set up a temporary kitchen. A microwave, mini fridge, and coffee maker in the dining room or garage will keep you sane.
- Communicate openly with your contractor. Ask questions early and respond to decisions quickly when they come up.
- Build in a buffer. Add two weeks to whatever timeline you're given. If the project finishes early, that's a bonus.
Planning Your Pembroke Pines Kitchen Remodel
A kitchen remodel is one of the most impactful investments you can make in your home. Understanding the timeline helps you plan around work schedules, family routines, and holidays — and it removes a lot of the stress from the process.
At Refuge Foundation Contractors, we walk our clients through every phase before we pick up a single tool. Honest timelines, clear communication, and quality craftsmanship are the foundation of every project we take on. If you're considering a kitchen remodel and want a realistic plan tailored to your home, we'd love to have that conversation.