The Number One Question Miami Homeowners Ask Us
If you're planning a kitchen remodel in Miami, one of the first things you probably want to know is: how long is this going to take? It's a fair question. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and living without a fully functioning one — even temporarily — takes real planning.
At Fieldstone Construction Miami, we walk every homeowner through a clear, realistic timeline before we start swinging hammers. The truth is, every project is different. But understanding the general phases of a kitchen remodel can help you prepare, set expectations with your family, and avoid unnecessary stress along the way.
Here's a phase-by-phase breakdown of what a typical kitchen remodel looks like from planning to that final walkthrough.
Phase 1: Design and Planning (2–4 Weeks)
This is where everything begins, and it's arguably the most important phase. Rushing through planning is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. During this stage, you'll work with your contractor to finalize the layout, choose materials, select cabinetry styles, and establish a realistic budget.
For Miami homes — especially older properties in neighborhoods like Coral Gables and Coconut Grove — the planning phase may also include evaluating existing plumbing and electrical systems. Some homes built decades ago may need upgrades to meet current building codes, and it's far better to discover that now than after demolition.
- Finalize your kitchen layout and design
- Select cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures, and appliances
- Order materials (some custom items have lead times of 4–6 weeks)
- Pull necessary permits from the City of Miami or Miami-Dade County
Pro tip: Order your appliances and custom cabinetry as early as possible. Supply chain delays can add weeks to a project if you wait too long.
Phase 2: Demolition (2–5 Days)
Once permits are secured and materials are ordered, demolition day arrives. This is the exciting — and admittedly messy — part. Your old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and sometimes walls come out to make room for the new design.
Demolition in a standard-sized Miami kitchen usually takes just a few days. If your remodel involves removing a wall to create an open-concept layout, it may take slightly longer, especially if structural reinforcement is needed.
During this phase, we also inspect what's behind the walls. It's not uncommon in South Florida homes to discover outdated wiring, corroded pipes, or even signs of previous water damage. Addressing these issues now saves you headaches — and money — down the road.
Phase 3: Rough-In Work (1–2 Weeks)
This is the behind-the-scenes work that most people never see but that makes everything function properly. Rough-in work includes:
- Updating or rerouting plumbing lines
- Running new electrical wiring and adding circuits for modern appliances
- Installing recessed lighting or under-cabinet lighting wiring
- HVAC adjustments if the layout has changed significantly
In Miami, this stage requires inspections from the local building department before we can close up the walls. We coordinate all of that so you don't have to chase down inspectors yourself.
Phase 4: Installation (2–4 Weeks)
Now comes the transformation you've been waiting for. Installation is where your new kitchen starts to take shape, and it typically happens in a specific order:
- Drywall and painting: Walls are patched, primed, and painted before cabinets go in.
- Cabinetry: Custom or semi-custom cabinets are carefully installed and leveled.
- Countertops: After cabinets are set, countertops are templated and fabricated. This usually involves a separate visit for measuring and another for installation.
- Flooring: Depending on the material — tile, luxury vinyl, or hardwood — flooring is installed either before or after cabinetry, based on the project plan.
- Fixtures and appliances: Sinks, faucets, lighting, and appliances are connected and tested.
- Backsplash: Tile backsplash installation is typically one of the final steps.
This phase is where patience really pays off. Each trade needs to complete their work in sequence, and quality craftsmanship takes time. Cutting corners here leads to problems you'll notice every single day.
Phase 5: Final Details and Walkthrough (2–3 Days)
The last phase covers all the finishing touches: hardware installation, caulking, touch-up painting, final cleaning, and a thorough walkthrough with you. We go through every detail together — testing drawers, checking that outlets work, making sure doors close properly, and confirming everything matches what was agreed upon.
We don't consider a project complete until you're satisfied. That's not a slogan; it's how we operate.
So, How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take in Total?
For most kitchen remodels we handle across Miami, Pinecrest, Kendall, and South Miami, the total timeline from design to completion falls between 6 and 12 weeks. Smaller updates — like replacing cabinets and countertops without changing the layout — land on the shorter end. Full gut renovations with layout changes, custom cabinetry, and permit work tend to take closer to 10–12 weeks.
Here are a few factors that can extend your timeline:
- Permit delays: Miami-Dade County permitting can sometimes take longer than expected.
- Material lead times: Custom cabinets and specialty tiles may require extra weeks.
- Unexpected discoveries: Hidden water damage, mold, or outdated wiring behind walls.
- Scope changes: Deciding mid-project to add features or change materials.
How to Keep Your Remodel on Track
You have more control over the timeline than you might think. Here are a few things you can do to help your project stay on schedule:
- Make material selections early and commit to them
- Be available for quick decisions when questions come up
- Set up a temporary kitchen space with a microwave, coffee maker, and disposable plates
- Communicate openly with your contractor — no question is too small
At Fieldstone Construction Miami, we keep homeowners informed at every step. You'll always know what's happening, what's coming next, and whether anything has shifted. Straightforward communication isn't an extra — it's how we do business.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you're a homeowner in Miami thinking about a kitchen remodel, the best time to start planning is now — even if you're not ready to begin construction for a few months. Early planning gives you time to make thoughtful decisions, avoid rush fees on materials, and secure a spot on your contractor's schedule.
Reach out to Fieldstone Construction Miami for an honest conversation about your project. We'll give you a realistic timeline, a clear estimate, and the confidence that your kitchen remodel is in good hands.