From First Call to Final Walkthrough: The 6-Week Roadmap of a Craftwork Kitchen Renovation
Why Timelines Matter More Than You Think
The number one source of renovation anxiety isn't cost — it's uncertainty about time. Most contractors answer with a range so wide it's meaningless: "Usually 6-12 weeks."
"The number one source of renovation anxiety isn't cost — it's uncertainty about time. A range of 6-12 weeks isn't a timeline. It's a shrug."
At Craftwork, we map every project to a day-by-day timeline before demo begins. Here's the standard roadmap for a full kitchen gut renovation (no layout changes). Layout changes add 5-10 days.
Pre-Construction: Weeks -4 to 0
- Week -4: Design lock. All finish selections finalized. Cabinet order placed (3-4 week lead time for semi-custom).
- Week -3 to -1: All materials ordered and delivery dates confirmed. Permits pulled. PM sends you a "living without a kitchen" guide.
- Day -1: Dust containment barriers installed. Appliances disconnected.
This pre-construction phase is where most delays originate. We don't schedule demo until every material is confirmed.
"We don't schedule demo until every material is confirmed. The pre-construction phase is where most delays originate — so we do the hard planning work before Day 1."
Phase 1: Demolition (Days 1-2)
Existing cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and flooring removed. Walls stripped to studs. Site cleaned and prepped for rough-in. Your PM texts you end-of-day photos.
Phase 2: Rough-In (Days 3-5)
Electrical circuits run. Plumbing supply and drain lines positioned. Inspections completed. Days 3-5 is when we discover what's behind the walls — the contingency budget exists for exactly this moment.
Phase 3: Drywall, Substrate & Prep (Days 6-8)
New drywall hung. Cement board installed behind all tile areas. Subfloor repaired if needed. Primer on all wall surfaces.
Phase 4: Cabinets & Countertop Template (Days 8-12)
Cabinets individually leveled (Houston foundations require shimming). Blum soft-close hardware installed and adjusted. Countertop fabricator templates on Day 11.
Phase 5: Flooring & Backsplash (Days 13-16)
Floor tile or LVP installed, then backsplash tile. By Day 16, the kitchen is 80% of its final visual impact.
Phase 6: Countertops, Fixtures & Finish (Days 17-21)
- Day 17: Countertops installed. Undermount sink set.
- Day 18: Plumbing connections completed and tested.
- Day 19: Appliances installed and tested.
- Day 20: Paint touch-ups, cabinet hardware, trim, and pendants.
- Day 21: Final cleaning. Dust barriers removed. Final walkthrough with your PM.
The Seasonal Booking Window
- Jan-Feb: Low demand — fastest scheduling, best crew availability
- March-May: Rising — book 4-6 weeks out
- June-Aug: High — book 6-8 weeks out
- Sept-Oct: Peak — longest lead times
- Nov-Dec: Low — good availability but holiday disruptions
Our recommendation: Book in January or February for a March-April start.
Book in January or February for a March-April start — lowest demand, best crew availability, fastest scheduling. Peak season (September-October) has the longest lead times and tightest crew schedules.
What Happens When Things Go Wrong
Material delays, inspection reschedules, discoveries behind walls — these happen. We build buffers, communicate within 24 hours of any deviation, and resolve without change orders for standard contingency items.
The Bottom Line
A renovation timeline isn't a guess — it's a commitment. At Craftwork, we hit our timeline on 95%+ of projects — not because we're lucky, but because we do the hard planning work before Day 1.
"A renovation timeline isn't a guess — it's a commitment. We hit our timeline on 95%+ of projects not because we're lucky, but because we do the hard planning work before Day 1."
Ready to see your project's timeline mapped out? Book a consultation.