The first question everyone asks when planning a kitchen renovation is: how long will I be without a kitchen?
The answer depends on the scope of your project, your contractor, and — honestly — how much goes wrong along the way. This guide gives you realistic timelines based on what actually happens, not what the brochure says.
Typical Kitchen Renovation Timelines
Here are realistic timelines for common types of kitchen renovation in the UK. These include a buffer for the delays that almost always occur.
| Project Type | Optimistic | Realistic | Worst Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like replacement (same layout) | 1 to 2 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks | 4 weeks |
| New layout (moving appliances) | 3 to 4 weeks | 5 to 6 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Full renovation (structural changes) | 6 to 8 weeks | 8 to 12 weeks | 16 weeks |
| Kitchen extension | 8 to 12 weeks | 12 to 16 weeks | 20+ weeks |
| Full house renovation including kitchen | 12 to 20 weeks | 16 to 24 weeks | 30+ weeks |
Use the "realistic" column for planning. If your contractor gives you the optimistic timeline, add 50% to 100% for a more accurate estimate.
Phase-by-Phase Breakdown
Here is what happens at each stage and how long it typically takes.
Phase 1: Strip-Out (2 to 5 days)
The old kitchen is ripped out — cabinets, worktops, appliances, flooring, wall tiles, and possibly the ceiling. This is the point at which you lose your kitchen.
Your kitchen is now unusable. If you have not already arranged a temporary kitchen, this is the moment you will wish you had.
Phase 2: First Fix (1 to 2 weeks)
This is the "behind the walls" work:
- Moving or installing plumbing (water supply, waste pipes, gas)
- Moving or installing electrics (sockets, lighting, extractor fan)
- Any structural work (removing walls, installing steels, plastering)
This phase is where most delays happen. Discovering old wiring, asbestos, damp, or structural issues can add days or weeks.
Phase 3: Plastering and Drying (3 to 7 days)
Walls are plastered and need time to dry before they can be painted or tiled. In winter, drying takes longer.
Phase 4: Kitchen Installation (3 to 7 days)
The new kitchen cabinets, worktops, and appliances are installed. This is usually the fastest and most predictable phase, as long as everything has been ordered and delivered on time.
Common delay: Late delivery of worktops, especially stone or composite worktops which are templated and cut to measure after the cabinets are in. This alone can add 1 to 3 weeks.
Phase 5: Second Fix (2 to 5 days)
- Electrics connected (sockets, lights, appliances)
- Plumbing connected (taps, dishwasher, washing machine)
- Gas connected and tested (hob, oven — must be done by Gas Safe registered engineer)
- Extractor fan installed
Phase 6: Tiling and Splashbacks (1 to 3 days)
Wall tiles, splashbacks, and floor tiles are laid. Grouting needs to dry before the kitchen can be fully used.
Phase 7: Decoration (1 to 3 days)
Painting walls and ceilings, fitting plinths, handles, and finishing touches.
Phase 8: Final Inspection and Snagging (1 to 2 days)
You walk through the finished kitchen with your contractor and note anything that needs fixing — chips, scratches, wonky doors, loose handles. Most contractors will fix snags within a few days.
Why Renovations Almost Always Overrun
Understanding the common causes of delay helps you plan realistically:
Supply chain delays. Kitchen units, worktops, and appliances are frequently delayed. Composite and stone worktops are the biggest culprit — they are templated after cabinet installation and typically take 2 to 3 weeks to manufacture and fit.
Discovery of hidden problems. When walls and floors are opened up, contractors often find:
- Old or non-compliant wiring that needs replacing
- Damp or water damage
- Asbestos (common in pre-1990s homes)
- Structural issues (rotten joists, cracked lintels)
- Plumbing that does not meet current regulations
Each of these can add days to weeks to your timeline.
Contractor scheduling. Your contractor may be running multiple projects simultaneously. If another job overruns, yours may be delayed. This is especially common with smaller firms.
Building control and inspections. If your renovation involves structural changes, you may need building control sign-off. Inspections need to be booked in advance and may not happen on your preferred date.
Weather. If your renovation involves any external work (extension, drainage, window replacement), bad weather can cause delays.
When to Arrange a Temporary Kitchen
The ideal time to book a temporary kitchen is before the strip-out begins.
Most providers need 3 to 7 working days' notice for delivery. If you book at the last minute, you may face higher delivery charges or limited availability.
Our recommendation:
| Renovation Type | When to Book |
|---|---|
| Like-for-like (2 to 3 weeks) | Optional — consider if you have children |
| New layout (5 to 6 weeks) | Strongly recommended — book 1 week before strip-out |
| Full renovation (8 to 12 weeks) | Essential — book 1 to 2 weeks before strip-out |
| Extension (12+ weeks) | Essential — book as early as possible |
For renovations lasting 4 weeks or more, the cost of a temporary kitchen is almost always less than the cost of eating out and ordering takeaways. See our cost comparison guide →.
How to Protect Your Timeline
While you cannot eliminate delays, you can reduce them:
- Order your kitchen early. Place the order as soon as the design is finalised. Do not wait for the strip-out to begin.
- Order worktops as early as possible. If you are having stone or composite worktops, discuss templating timelines with your supplier before work starts.
- Get a detailed schedule from your contractor. Ask for a week-by-week breakdown with milestones. Review it together and identify potential bottlenecks.
- Have a contingency budget. Set aside 10% to 15% of your total budget for unexpected costs and delays.
- Communicate regularly with your contractor. Weekly check-ins help catch problems early.
- Do not change your mind mid-project. Design changes during construction are the single biggest cause of avoidable delays and cost overruns.
Planning Your Temporary Kitchen Around Your Timeline
Here is a practical planning checklist:
- Get your contractor's estimated timeline (then add 50%)
- Book your temporary kitchen at least 1 week before strip-out
- Confirm the provider can deliver on your preferred date
- Plan for the realistic duration, not the optimistic one
- Budget for potential extensions if the renovation overruns
- Confirm extension terms with your provider at booking
Ready to Plan Ahead?
Tell us your situation → and we will match you with providers in your area. Book early, avoid the stress, and keep your family fed properly throughout your renovation.