The Complete Guide to Planning Your Kitchen Remodel in 2025

Understanding Kitchen Remodel Timelines

One of the first questions homeowners ask is: "How long will this take?" The answer depends on your project's scope, but understanding typical timelines helps you plan accordingly.

Phase 1: Planning & Design (2-4 Weeks)

This crucial phase sets your entire project's direction. You'll:

• Define your goals and must-haves vs. nice-to-haves

• Establish your realistic budget

• Interview and select your contractor

• Create detailed design plans

• Choose cabinet style, countertops, flooring, and fixtures

• Finalize layout and functionality decisions

Fresh Home Tip: Don't rush this phase. Thoughtful planning prevents costly changes mid-project and ensures you get exactly what you want.

Phase 2: Permits & Material Ordering (2-3 Weeks)

Before demolition begins, administrative work happens behind the scenes:

• Building permit applications and approvals

• Custom cabinet ordering (12-16 week lead times for some manufacturers)

• Countertop templates and fabrication scheduling

• Appliance ordering and delivery coordination

• Electrical and plumbing plan reviews

Central Ohio building departments typically process permits within 2-3 weeks, but complex projects may take longer.

Phase 3: Demolition (1-3 Days)

The dramatic transformation begins as old cabinets, countertops, appliances, and sometimes flooring get removed. Your kitchen becomes a construction zone, but the vision starts taking shape.

Phase 4: Rough-In Work (1-2 Weeks)

Licensed electricians and plumbers rough in new systems:

• Electrical wiring for lighting, outlets, and appliances

• Plumbing for sink, dishwasher, refrigerator ice maker

• Gas lines for ranges or cooktops

• HVAC adjustments if necessary

This phase requires inspections before walls can close up.

Phase 5: Installation (2-4 Weeks)

Your new kitchen comes together:

• Drywall repairs and painting

• Flooring installation

• Cabinet installation

• Countertop templating and installation

• Backsplash tile work

• Appliance installation

• Fixture mounting (sinks, faucets)

• Hardware installation

Phase 6: Finishing Touches (1 Week)

Final details complete your transformation:

• Final painting touch-ups

• Trim and molding

• Final electrical and plumbing connections

• Appliance testing

• Thorough cleaning

• Final walkthrough and inspection

Total Timeline: 8-14 Weeks from planning to completion for most full kitchen remodels. Minor updates may take 4-6 weeks, while extensive renovations with structural changes can extend to 16-20 weeks.

Budget Allocation: Where Your Money Goes

Understanding typical cost distribution helps you allocate your budget wisely. For a $50,000 mid-range kitchen remodel in Central Ohio:

Cabinets & Hardware (30-35% / $15,000-$17,500)

Cabinets consume the largest portion of kitchen budgets. Quality varies dramatically:

• Stock cabinets: $100-$300 per linear foot

• Semi-custom cabinets: $150-$650 per linear foot

• Custom cabinets: $500-$1,200+ per linear foot

Consider cabinet construction quality, door style, finish durability, and storage features when comparing options.

Labor & Installation (20-25% / $10,000-$12,500)

Professional installation ensures quality results and protects your investment. This includes:

• General contractor project management

• Demolition and disposal

• Carpentry work

• Electrical and plumbing labor

• Tile installation

• Painting

At Fresh Home, our licensed professionals handle every detail with precision craftsmanship.

Countertops (10-15% / $5,000-$7,500)

Countertop material dramatically impacts both cost and aesthetics:

• Laminate: $20-$50 per square foot

• Tile: $30-$85 per square foot

• Solid Surface (Corian): $50-$120 per square foot

• Quartz: $60-$150 per square foot

• Granite: $60-$120 per square foot

• Marble: $100-$200 per square foot

Quartz has become the most popular choice in Central Ohio for its durability, low maintenance, and style versatility.

Appliances (10-15% / $5,000-$7,500)

Appliances range from builder-grade to luxury professional-style options. Most homeowners choose mid-to-upper-tier brands offering reliability and features without ultra-premium pricing.

Flooring (7-10% / $3,500-$5,000)

Kitchen flooring must withstand heavy traffic and occasional spills:

• Luxury vinyl plank: $3-$7 per square foot

• Tile: $5-$15 per square foot

• Hardwood: $8-$18 per square foot

Lighting, Fixtures & Other (10-15% / $5,000-$7,500)

This category includes lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, hardware, backsplash, and miscellaneous items that complete your kitchen's functionality and style.

Common Kitchen Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the Work Triangle

The classic work triangle (sink, stove, refrigerator) should total 13-26 feet with no single leg shorter than 4 feet or longer than 9 feet. This centuries-old principle still creates efficient kitchens.

2. Insufficient Storage Planning

Walk through your daily routine mentally. Where do you need pot lids? Spices? Cutting boards? Plan storage for everything before finalizing cabinet layouts. Deep drawers, pull-out organizers, and corner solutions maximize every inch.

3. Poor Lighting Design

Kitchens need layered lighting:

• Ambient lighting: Overall illumination

• Task lighting: Under-cabinet lights for counter work

• Accent lighting: Highlights architectural features

Don't rely solely on one overhead fixture.

4. Choosing Trendy Over Timeless

Bold colors and ultra-trendy styles may look dated quickly. Instead, choose classic layouts and neutral foundations, adding personality through easily-changed elements like hardware, lighting, and accessories.

5. Inadequate Budgeting

Always add 15-20% contingency for unexpected issues. In Central Ohio's older homes, we often discover outdated wiring, plumbing repairs, or subfloor damage requiring attention.

6. Skipping Professional Help

DIY demolition may save money, but complex projects need licensed professionals. Electrical, plumbing, and structural work require expertise and proper permits. Fresh Home manages all trades, ensuring code compliance and quality workmanship.

Your Kitchen Remodel Checklist

Before You Start:

✓ Define your budget including contingency
✓ Gather inspiration but prioritize function over aesthetics
✓ Measure your space accurately
✓ List must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
✓ Interview at least 3 contractors and check references
✓ Secure financing if needed
✓ Plan your temporary kitchen setup
✓ Notify neighbors of upcoming construction

During Your Remodel:

✓ Maintain open communication with your contractor
✓ Make timely decisions on selections to avoid delays
✓ Protect surrounding areas from dust and damage
✓ Be flexible when unexpected issues arise
✓ Document progress with photos

After Completion:

✓ Complete final walkthrough with your contractor
✓ Understand appliance warranties and care instructions
✓ Keep all material samples for future repairs
✓ Save renovation documentation for future buyers

Why Choose Fresh Home for Your Kitchen Remodel

With years of experience transforming Central Ohio kitchens, Fresh Home brings expertise, reliability, and craftsmanship to every project. We handle everything from initial design through final cleanup, ensuring a smooth process and exceptional results.

Our comprehensive kitchen remodeling services include:

• Professional design consultation

• Detailed project planning and budgeting

• Licensed and insured trades

• Quality material sourcing

• Project management and coordination

• Clear communication throughout

• Final walkthrough and warranty

Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact Fresh Home today for a free consultation where we'll discuss your vision, assess your space, and provide a detailed estimate. Browse our portfolio of completed kitchens for inspiration, or request an estimate to get started.

Looking for more renovation guidance? Explore our articles on bathroom renovations, and budgeting your project,