Weeks 1-2: Demolition and Rough Trades
Connecticut kitchen remodel work starts with demolition, typically two to four days depending on kitchen size. We remove existing cabinets, countertops, fixtures, flooring, and any drywall scheduled for replacement. Pre-1978 Connecticut homes need EPA RRP lead paint compliance during demolition, which adds a day or two for proper containment and waste disposal. After demolition, rough plumbing relocates supply and drain lines for the new layout. Rough electrical adds outlets per current code, dedicated circuits for appliances, and lighting circuits for under cabinet, recessed, and pendant fixtures. Both rough trades typically finish within the first two weeks. Town inspectors sign off on rough plumbing and electrical before we close up the walls.
Kitchen remodels move in phases, not all at once.
Demolition, inspections, drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and final details each depend on the previous step being completed correctly.
Weeks 3-5: Drywall, Paint, and Flooring
After rough trade inspections pass, drywall installation and finishing takes about a week including the multiple coats and sanding stages. Paint goes on next, typically two to three days for primer and two finish coats with proper drying time between. Flooring installation timing depends on flooring type. Tile takes three to five days including layout, installation, grout, and cure time. Hardwood takes two to four days for installation plus several days for finishing if site finished. Engineered or vinyl plank can install in one to two days. By the end of week five most Connecticut kitchen remodels have walls painted and floors complete, ready for cabinet installation in week six.
Weeks 6-9: Cabinets, Counters, and Appliances
Cabinet installation runs two to four days depending on kitchen size and cabinet complexity. Custom cabinets need to arrive on schedule, which depends on the cabinet maker lead time, often six to ten weeks from order. We typically order cabinets at the start of the project so they arrive when needed in week six or seven. After cabinets are installed level and square, the countertop fabricator measures for stone countertops, which takes another one to two weeks for fabrication and installation. While waiting for stone countertops, we can install backsplash tile, complete plumbing finish work for the sink and dishwasher, and finish electrical work for outlets and switches. Appliance installation follows countertop installation.
Weeks 10-12: Finish Trades and Punch List
Final weeks of a Connecticut kitchen remodel involve finish trades and detail work. Backsplash tile if not done earlier. Trim work including crown molding, baseboards, and any custom millwork. Cabinet hardware installation. Final paint touch ups where finish trades nicked walls. Plumbing finish work including faucet installation and final connections. Electrical finish including light fixtures, outlets, and switch covers. Final inspection by the town building department covers all completed work. Punch list items where homeowners walk through with us identifying any final touches typically take two to three days. Most Connecticut kitchen remodels complete in six to twelve weeks total. Estate kitchens with custom cabinetry and elaborate finishes can run twelve to sixteen weeks for proper completion.