A full gut, turn-key kitchen renovation takes approximately 4 weeks to complete. Proper preparation is key to staying on schedule, as delays in finalizing design selections or receiving finishing materials can extend the overall timeline.

For most full renovations, plan on being without a functional kitchen for roughly 4 weeks, depending on scope, and longer if cabinetry is custom-ordered or if we uncover plumbing/electrical issues once walls are open. We’ll walk you through the expected timeline before work begins so you can plan accordingly. Many clients set up a temporary kitchen (microwave, hot plate, mini-fridge, BBQ) in another room or outside for the duration.

Unexpected issues behind the walls or beneath the floors. Outdated wiring, old plumbing, or subfloor damage that only becomes visible once demolition starts, especially in older West Island homes. The second most common cause is mid-project changes: switching cabinet finishes, adding an island, or upgrading appliances after the quote is locked in. Both add cost, but for different reasons; one is unavoidable and gets handled through a change order, the other is avoidable with a clear plan up front. We flag potential red flags (visible water stains, knob-and-tube wiring, etc.) during the initial walkthrough so surprises are minimized, and we always quote any necessary changes before proceeding, not after.

It’s a smart middle ground for the right situation, not a downgrade. Refacing, replacing doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while keeping the existing cabinet boxes typically costs 50% less than full cabinet replacement and can be completed in days rather than weeks. It works best when your current layout functions well and the boxes themselves are structurally sound. It’s not a good fit if you want to change the layout, need more storage, or if the boxes show water damage or wear. We’ll tell you honestly during the walkthrough whether your kitchen is a good refacing candidate or whether full replacement will actually serve you better long-term.