How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take? A Week-by-Week Timeline for NJ & NYC
A realistic kitchen renovation timeline for New Jersey houses and New York City apartments: design, permits and board approval, cabinet lead times, and a week-by-week construction schedule.
Short answer
A full kitchen renovation usually takes 3–5 months from first meeting to finished kitchen in a New Jersey house, and 4–7 months in a New York City co-op or condo. Construction itself is typically 6–10 weeks in New Jersey and 8–12 weeks in NYC. The rest is design, permits or board approval, and cabinet lead times (often 6–12 weeks), which should overlap rather than run back to back.
The big picture
| Phase | NJ house | NYC co-op / condo |
|---|---|---|
| Design & selections | 2–6 weeks | 2–8 weeks |
| Permits / board approval | 2–6 weeks | 6–14 weeks |
| Cabinet & material lead time (overlaps approvals) | 6–12 weeks | 6–12 weeks |
| Construction | 6–10 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Typical total | 3–5 months | 4–7 months |
The schedule is set by the slowest of three tracks running in parallel: approvals, cabinetry and long-lead items (stone, appliances, special-order tile). The fastest kitchens are the ones where every selection is made before demolition.
Before construction
Design and selections (2–8 weeks)
Measure, choose the layout, then pick appliances first: cabinet drawings, electrical circuits and ventilation all depend on exact appliance models. Finalize cabinets, counters, sink, faucet, backsplash, flooring, lighting and hardware. Every “we’ll decide later” is a potential delay later.
Approvals (2–14 weeks)
In New Jersey, your contractor files plumbing, electrical and, if needed, building permits with the municipal construction office. In NYC, co-ops and condos review an alteration package, and work with multiple trades usually needs a DOB ALT2 filed by an architect or engineer; pre-1987 buildings need an asbestos investigation first. See our co-op and condo guide and NJ permit guide.
Ordering (start as soon as dimensions are final)
Semi-custom cabinets commonly take 6–10 weeks, custom 10–14 weeks or more. Order once field dimensions are confirmed so lead time runs during approvals, not after.
Construction, week by week
A typical full remodel with the layout mostly unchanged, in a New Jersey house. NYC apartments run similar steps with an extra one to two weeks for building logistics and inspections.
- Week 1: Protection and demolition. Floor and dust protection, utilities made safe, cabinets, counters and finishes removed. Hidden conditions (rot, old wiring, uneven floors) surface here.
- Week 2: Framing and rough-in. Wall changes, blocking for cabinets and hoods, new plumbing supply and drain lines, gas, electrical circuits and boxes, hood ducting.
- Week 3: Inspections and close-up. Rough plumbing and electrical inspections, insulation where walls are open, then drywall hang and tape.
- Week 4: Finish drywall, prime, floors. Drywall finishing, primer, and flooring if it runs under the cabinets.
- Week 5: Cabinets. Cabinet installation, leveling and scribing, panels and fillers.
- Week 6: Counter template. The fabricator templates installed cabinets; fabrication usually takes 1–2 weeks. Meanwhile: electrical trim, under-cabinet lighting, paint.
- Week 7–8: Counters, backsplash, plumbing trim. Stone install, sink and faucet, backsplash tile, appliances set and connected.
- Week 8–9: Finals and punch list. Final inspections, touch-ups, hardware, adjustments, cleaning.
What causes kitchen delays
- Late selections or changes after cabinets are ordered.
- Back-ordered appliances: have them delivered (or confirmed in stock) before cabinets go in.
- Hidden conditions in older homes: structural repairs, old wiring or plumbing found at demolition.
- Inspection scheduling and, in NYC, building access, elevator bookings and work-hour limits.
- Counter templating can’t start until cabinets are installed, so any cabinet delay moves the stone date.
Living through it
Set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the home: a microwave, a fridge, an induction hotplate and a utility sink or bathroom for washing up. Expect water and power interruptions during rough-in. In apartments, warn your neighbors and keep the super in the loop.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take without moving plumbing?
Construction is usually 5–8 weeks when plumbing and walls stay in place, assuming cabinets and counters are ready on schedule.
How long do kitchen cabinets take to arrive?
Stock cabinets can be quick; semi-custom commonly takes 6–10 weeks and custom 10–14 weeks or more. Confirm lead time before you finalize the start date.
Can I live at home during a kitchen renovation?
Usually yes, with a temporary kitchen set up elsewhere. Gut renovations involving multiple rooms are different and often require moving out.
Why does a NYC kitchen take longer than in New Jersey?
Board review, DOB filings, asbestos investigation in older buildings, limited work hours and building logistics add weeks before and during construction.
Sources & further reading
- NYC Department of Buildings: Renovating kitchens & bathrooms
- NJ Department of Community Affairs: Division of Codes and Standards
Costs are 2026 planning ranges for the New Jersey and New York City market, not quotes. Rules summarized here change and vary by building and municipality; confirm requirements with your local building department, building management or attorney before you start.