How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take From Start to Finish?
How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take From Start to Finish?
If you are considering a kitchen renovation, one of the first questions you will ask is how long it will take.
And understandably so. A kitchen is not a spare room you can shut the door on. It is where mornings begin, where guests gather, and where daily life unfolds. The idea of disruption can feel daunting - but with the right planning and project management, it does not need to be.
At Exact, most kitchen renovations take between 8 and 16 weeks from initial consultation to completion. The time spent physically installing your kitchen is usually two to four weeks on site. The rest of the timeline is where the real groundwork happens - thoughtful design, detailed surveying, ordering and preparation.
Understanding that full journey makes all the difference.
The Early Stages - Laying the Foundations
Your journey with Exact begins in our showroom. Over tea or coffee, we talk through how you use your kitchen now and how you would like it to feel in the future. This consultation stage typically takes place over one to two weeks, depending on availability and how quickly you would like to move forward.
Following this, we carry out a detailed home survey, usually within a week of your showroom visit. This ensures measurements are precise and any structural considerations are identified early. In many UK homes - particularly older properties - this stage prevents delays later on.
From the outset, Exact’s approach is about planning properly so installation runs smoothly.
The Design Phase - Where Time Is Well Spent
The design process generally takes two to four weeks. This allows time to refine layouts, review materials and ensure every element feels considered.
When we present your design on our full-sized showroom screen, it becomes clear how small adjustments can dramatically improve the space. Sometimes that is about improving flow between sink and hob. Other times, it is about creating more usable storage or introducing seating that feels natural rather than squeezed in.
The Harvey project is a good example. The family did not require major structural work - their previous kitchen simply needed rethinking. Through careful design and a contemporary handleless scheme in grey, white and teal, we were able to transform the space efficiently without extending the timeline unnecessarily.
Spending time at this stage often saves weeks later.
Ordering and Lead Times - The Longest Stage
Once your design is finalised and your deposit is paid, your kitchen is commissioned.
Cabinetry and materials typically carry a four to eight week lead time, depending on the manufacturer and level of bespoke detailing. Stone or specialist worktops may require additional scheduling, particularly where templating is involved.
This is often the longest portion of the overall timeline - but it is also when Exact is coordinating everything behind the scenes. Installation dates are aligned with deliveries, appliance availability and worktop fitting, so the transition into the build phase feels seamless.
Because you are working with one project-managed team, you are not left managing multiple suppliers or trades yourself.
Building Work - If Your Layout Is Changing
If your renovation includes structural changes - such as creating new openings, adjusting layouts or integrating an extension - this stage typically adds one to three weeks before installation begins.
For example, the Bianga project formed part of a new extension. Working alongside the architect ensured that the contemporary Shaker design aligned perfectly with the wider build programme. Coordinated planning meant the kitchen installation could begin at exactly the right time.
When building work sits within your contract with Exact, timelines remain far more predictable.
Installation - The Visible Transformation
The installation phase is usually two to four weeks on site, depending on complexity.
During this period, cabinetry is installed, plumbing and electrics are completed, worktops are templated and fitted, and appliances are integrated. While this is the most visible stage, it is also the most dependent on the planning done beforehand.
Before work begins, we provide a clear indication of how long your individual project will take. A straightforward replacement with minimal layout change may sit closer to the two-week mark. Larger renovations with bespoke detailing or multiple trades may extend closer to four weeks.
Because Exact project-manages every element, trades arrive in sequence rather than overlapping inefficiently. That structure is what keeps projects moving steadily.
So, What Should You Expect Overall?
From your first showroom conversation to enjoying your finished kitchen, most projects sit comfortably within the 8 to 16 week window.
A simple refresh may fall closer to the lower end. A renovation involving structural change or bespoke elements may move towards the upper end. The key factor is not just the size of the kitchen - it is the level of preparation and clarity before installation begins.
At Exact, time is invested upfront so disruption is minimised later.
“Exact Kitchens made the experience of buying a
new kitchen stress-free. From their great selection to
the final installation, we couldn't have asked for a smoother service.”
– Bianga Kitchen Project
Planning Ahead
If you are hoping to have your kitchen ready for summer entertaining or autumn hosting, we recommend starting the process at least three to four months in advance. Spring is one of the busiest planning periods, and early consultation ensures flexibility around installation dates.
Why Homeowners Choose Exact
A kitchen renovation is a significant investment in your home and lifestyle. Clients choose Exact because we combine design-led thinking with full installation and dedicated project management.
From consultation through to completion, you deal with one experienced team. That continuity is what keeps timelines realistic, communication clear, and outcomes aligned with your expectations.
The result is not just a new kitchen delivered within a defined timeframe. It is a carefully managed transformation that feels considered from start to finish.
Visit our showroom in Barkham, Wokingham to explore a wide range of kitchen styles and finishes, or
get in touchto book a design consultation and start shaping a kitchen designed around you.
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WHY CHOOSE US?
Exact Kitchens is a local, independent kitchen company, designing and installing dream kitchens and luxury bathrooms for homes in Wokingham and surrounding areas. We take care of the entire project from design to completion, meaning you only have one contract that covers design, installation, plumbing, electrics and even any necessary building work, offering you full peace of mind from start to finish.