If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, one of the first questions that comes up is usually practical: how long will we be without a kitchen, and what actually happens once work starts? The answer is less mysterious than most homeowners expect. A well-run kitchen remodel follows a predictable sequence of phases, and understanding them upfront helps you plan your budget, your timeline, and your family's routine.
With more than 465 renovations completed across Greater Cincinnati over the past 30+ years, we've seen firsthand that the projects that go smoothly almost always share one thing in common: the homeowner understood the process before demo day arrived.
Before any walls come down, the most important work happens at the drawing stage. You'll decide whether to keep your existing layout or move plumbing and walls - the single biggest factor in both cost and timeline. Keeping the sink and range where they are can save thousands; moving a gas line or relocating a window adds weeks and expense.
This is also when you'll select cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and lighting. Ordering materials early matters because lead times on cabinetry and stone slabs often run four to eight weeks. A remodel rarely stalls because of construction - it stalls because a material wasn't ordered in time.
Once permits are in hand and materials are on site, the build follows a fairly standard sequence:
For most kitchens, the construction portion runs six to ten weeks. Larger projects that involve removing walls or rerouting plumbing sit at the top of that range.
Make every selection before construction begins - change orders mid-project are the fastest way to inflate a budget. Set up a temporary kitchen spot with a microwave and coffee maker, and expect some dust no matter how well the space is sealed. Build in a small contingency, generally 10 to 15 percent, for surprises hiding behind old walls, which are common in older Cincinnati-area homes.
If you're considering a kitchen remodel in Warren or Hamilton County, we're happy to walk you through the process in plain terms - what it costs, how long it takes, and what to expect at each stage. Scheffer Construction backs its work with a 15-year warranty, and Matt Scheffer personally oversees every project. Reach out when you're ready to talk through your plans.
