As you prepare for your kitchen remodel in Des Moines, Iowa, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of having the project finished and being able to use your new and improved space. However, getting from Point A to Point B requires a significant dedication of time and energy over the next few months.
Knowing what to expect and your projected kitchen remodeling timeline can help you prepare mentally and logistically for how the project will impact your life and routine along the way.
The average duration of a kitchen remodel in Des Moines, Iowa is six to eleven weeks, taking into consideration that each individual project is as unique as the members in your household – actual timelines will vary for both design and construction. The reason for such a wide range is because there are several factors that impact the duration of any home improvement project. If you are simply removing and replacing your existing kitchen components and adding new finishes and decorative details, your project can be completed in about 6 to 8 weeks.
However, if you’re remodeling plan involves a larger scope of work, such as reconfiguring the layout and making structural changes, the project may take closer to 11-13 weeks. Additionally, the size and existing condition of your kitchen, as well as the complexity of your remodeling design and availability of your design-build remodeler, will affect your timeline.
Although these figures are simply a starting point for planning your project and setting realistic expectations, kitchen remodeling generally involves a standard series of steps to get you from start to finish. Here is what a typical kitchen remodeling schedule will look like:
The first phase of a kitchen upgrade involves preliminary discussions with your prospective contractor about your project priorities, as well as your budget range. During this time, you can explore potential options for your remodel based on your wants and needs, the layout of the space and how much you want to spend. If you feel confident about the budget range and scope of work provided by your design-build remodeler, you can move forward with a design development agreement. This process generally takes a week or two.
During the design phase, your team will start developing detailed plans for your kitchen remodel using discussions from your initial in-home meeting, as well as follow-up meetings. They’ll finalize a 3D design with schematics, interior elevations, and cabinet plans. After you’ve agreed to the plans, you can proceed with a construction agreement. During this phase, which typically lasts about 4-6 weeks, you will be actively involved in selecting materials, appliances, fixtures, and finishes for your kitchen.
One benefit of working with a design-build team is they can provide guidance on how various selections will look and function not only on paper but also in real life. They also can get accurate quotes from their Trade Partners to provide you with a better sense of your project costs.
During the design phase, and over the next couple of weeks, your team will finalize the budget and a construction schedule. They also can work on ordering materials, pulling permits, and solidifying other logistical details to ensure the success of your kitchen remodel. You should plan to meet onsite with your team for a pre-construction meeting at some point during this step.
Additionally, if you're upgrading your kitchen, you can use the pre-construction period to work with your remodeler on setting up a temporary kitchen to use during the construction phase. The garage is typically a good spot for a temporary kitchen, or your contractor can help you identify another appropriate spot in your house.
With the drawings, budget, and schedule finalized, your project will advance to the construction phase. To start, your team will prepare the site, setting up protections to contain debris and prevent damage to adjacent spaces. From there, they can begin demolition, which involves removing everything from your kitchen that is going to be replaced or simply no longer needed. The following weeks are spent on framing, ductwork and electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-ins. Your team next works on installing insulation, hanging drywall, and prepping the walls for paint. From there, they can start installing your cabinets, countertops, flooring, and backsplash and paint the walls, ceiling and trim.
The construction phase generally takes about six weeks to 8 weeks, depending on your scope of work. The kitchen remodel wraps up with site cleanup, final inspections, and a walk-through to familiarize you with your newly improved space. At this point, you also can identify any issues that need to be addressed before you sign off on the project.
Kitchen remodels are especially complex home improvement projects because they involve a lot of moving parts and coordination between your contractor and their trade partners and vendors. The schedule must be carefully planned so each person knows when they’re scheduled and to ensure a seamless transition between craftsmen.
One thing that can lengthen the duration of your remodel is making changes to the plan once construction starts. Change orders are sometimes necessary, but they also tend to increase prices and cause delays. It’s important you go into the construction phase feeling confident about your selections, which is where hiring a design-build remodeling team is helpful. The same project manager that will oversee the construction of your remodel is involved during design, so you can catch potential issues early on and address them before the crew breaks ground.
Additionally, it’s good to note that certain products—such as custom cabinetry and handcrafted or imported materials—may take longer to arrive than your basic, stock options. However, your team is aware when ordering materials of staggered arrival dates and can plan your schedule accordingly.
Remodeling your kitchen in the Des Moines area is a complex process that requires a significant time commitment, and it’s good to set that expectation heading into the project. However, you also should prioritize efficiency and mitigating unnecessary delays. At Compelling Homes, we are constantly refining our design-build process to create a smooth, efficient kitchen remodeling experience that incorporates one-source accountability and superior customer service.