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Well, it depends.

We put kitchen remodeling projects into two different categories which helps us project a timeline and help us answer that question, “How long does a kitchen remodel take?”

The “Pull and Replace” category

We refer to a “pull and replace” project as one where we come in, pull most things and replace them with new. So, we’ll come in, pull the cabinets and countertops, the sink, the oven and microwave and replace them with new items.

A “pull and replace” project includes the demo, any drywall that needs replacing/repairing, electrical and plumbing.

Generally, once we have the items in hand – the cabinets, the new appliances, the countertops – we can complete the project in three weeks, start to finish.

But, there are definitely a few things to remember. Before we ever step foot in a house to start removing and replacing things, we have to plan. Planning consists of a number of different things. Countertops and cabinets have to be selected and ordered.. Appliance decisions need to be made as well as a new sink and fixtures. In terms of length of time, cabinets take the longest to order and get delivered from the supplier. We base our time estimates on when those items will be ready.

The “Major Remodel” category

We refer to a “major remodel” project as one where many things are changing. The project itself is way more involved than a “pull and replace” project. Often, the entire layout of the kitchen changes. Flooring may be removed and replaced. Walls may come down. Electrical and plumbing may need to be reworked and/or brought up to current code. All of this adds complexity to the overall project.

Drywall, painting, electrical and plumbing is all figured into a “major remodel”. When we look at a project like this, from start to finish, we generally estimate eight weeks. But, as with a “pull and replace” much planning must go into it prior to the contractors walking into the house to begin work.

Based on the type of work, permits may need to be pulled. Design work may need to be done. Of course, cabinets countertops and the other items already mentioned will need to be determined and ordered.

Our Commitment

We’ve been helping people remodel kitchens for a long time. We know what it takes to get the job done. Our contractors generally work a 5 day week so you have your weekends free. We do our best to stick to the timeline. When things do arise that may set us back, we confer quickly with the homeowner. We really do work to keep things on schedule as we know how disruptive construction can be in your home.

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, read our article on what to expect when you tackle a kitchen do-over. 

Thinking about remodeling this summer? Are you asking, “Is this is the best time to remodel?” If so, here are some things to think about:

Pros of a Summertime Remodel

You get to be outside! During summer hours, with the extended daylight hours, you can be outside a lot more than you can when it’s colder and darker. Your schedule is often a bit more relaxed because there is more daylight to work with. This allows you to use your grill or outdoor kitchen and patio as living space instead of your kitchen.

You can open the windows! When walls are being painted and floors being resurfaced, odors and fumes happen. When you can keep your windows open and take advantage of the natural air flow, your indoor air quality is way better.

Cons of a Summertime Remodel

Due to the fact that the weather is so cooperative during summertime hours, contractors get busy, really busy. And so do their subcontractors who they rely on to complete a project. This means that careful planning must take place to get the job done. When you’re dealing with busy teams of contractors, you have to be on top of the project management of everything. If you are acting as your own project manager on a remodel and you miss deadlines, this can set back your completion time significantly.

You’ll get less individualized attention during the summer months because of how busy everyone is. If you want to be able to talk more thoroughly with your contractors, you may consider remodeling between October and December and January through April. They’ll be less busy and have time to slow down and offer you more attention.

Often times, during the summer, kids are home too. The addition of the kids and their friends and more daytime activity doesn’t always work well with the additional noise, people and dust in the house. And then there’s the noise. Demolition of existing walls, flooring, cabinets, etc creates a lot of noise. Power tools, in general, make a lot of noise. If you have kids who need to nap or have quiet times during the day, this could be a problem.

How to Make Things Smoother

If you do go ahead and opt to remodel in the summer, here are a few things that will help things go more smoothly.

• Have someone like Eheart project manage the entire remodel. Industry professionals have relationships with contractors and know how long things take. Overall, an outside project manager will smooth everything out.
• Utilize you outdoor space as best as you can. Do your cooking outside, your entertaining outside, etc.
• And better yet, go on vacation for all or part of the remodel. Let the contractors do what they need to do while you’re away. If you are going to be away for only part of it, try to schedule that time away when the project will be extra noisy or the air will be full of fumes.

Maybe you’ve stared at those kitchen countertops for too long. Or, maybe you’ve just moved into a house with dated or worn countertops and you’re looking to install something fresh. Whatever your reason, you’re looking at different types of kitchen countertops and wondering, “What’s best for our house?”

To maintain, or not to maintain?

One question we often ask people who start looking at different types of kitchen countertops is, “How much time do you want to spend maintaining your house?” Often times, the answer is, “Well, not very much.” We often find that people want to spend less time cleaning, prepping and maintaining and more time living. In these cases, we often recommend a quartz countertop and see about 70% of our clients select it as their new surface.

Why quartz?

Quartz offers the natural look of stone without needing to be treated. Between 92 and 96% of a quartz countertop is made of actual stone. Resin makes up the rest and fills in the porous areas of the stone. Manufacturers also add colors, sparkles, you name it. They can get pretty creative. In fact, you can even get a quartz countertop that mimics the look of granite.

With a nearly impermeable surface, quartz repels stains. For a busy household, quartz needs very little maintenance which makes it one of the most “easy to live with” materials on the market. If something does happen to it – a small chip or a scratch – resin can be applied to fix it. Quartz also doesn’t scorch, however, it’s not indestructible. We still recommend hot pads or trivets. Quartz can be heat shocked causing it to crack, but other than that, there really are no downsides to quartz.

What about granite?

The organic look and feel of granite often grabs people’s attention. It carries a lot of character. Granite, however, varies. It is truly natural stone and with that comes veining and varies. When you choose granite, you must be willing to accept some variance. You can control some of it when you pick out your slab, but because it’s natural stone, don’t expect perfection.

Granite needs more maintenance. You must reseal it every three years in order for it to maintain its luster and repel stains. We also recommend always using trivets or hot pads on granite. It’s more permeable than quartz and can also be heat shocked. You can also repair it with resin if you scratch or chip it.

Other materials

On occasion, we do see people use limestone, soapstone, marble and concrete. All four products need more care than granite or quartz. The look of these materials can be incredible, but it really needs to be properly cared for. Limestone can be pretty organic looking. We’ve seen some that have fossils in them. If you like a matte finish, limestone may be worth looking at. It is, however, super porous.

Marble makes a beautiful choice, but we generally recommend it for a guest bath or some where with lower traffic. Marble doesn’t do well with acids, chemicals and even water glasses. If you don’t mind etching and/or staining, it can be a lovely choice.

Go ahead and set anything hot on soapstone. It can handle it. Just don’t rub it with your sleeve button. It scratches super easily and the scratches show through. Soapstone surface is generally dark but the scratches come out white.

Concrete has been trendy the past few years, but if it’s not cured and sealed properly, you’ll be bummed. Concrete has very visible seams, it can peel off and chip off. Once measurements are taken, it can take nearly 3 weeks to install.

Stop in and chat

As you’re looking for different types of countertops, why not stop in and talk with us. We’d love to help you learn more about countertop styles and materials.