"How long will this take?" It's the first question every homeowner asks before starting a kitchen remodel and the honest answer depends on scope, material lead times, and how decisions get made along the way. At Dona Design & Build, we've found that the projects that go smoothest are the ones where homeowners know what to expect before work begins. Here's a realistic timeline breakdown.
Weeks 1–2: Consultation, Design & Material Selection
This is where everything starts. We meet at our Northvale, NJ showroom, walk through your goals, assess the existing space, and begin developing the design concept. Cabinet styles, countertop materials, hardware, tile, and appliances are all selected during this phase ideally before any construction begins, so there are no delays mid-project.
The decisions you make before demolition begins determine how smoothly everything else goes.
Once design is approved and materials are ordered, we coordinate the full trade schedule. Cabinetry typically has a 3–6 week lead time depending on the manufacturer, so ordering early is critical. During this waiting period, we finalize the subcontractor schedule demolition crew, plumbers, electricians, tile setters, and painters so everyone is lined up and ready when materials arrive.
Weeks 5–10: Construction & Installation
Demolition comes first existing cabinets, countertops, and flooring are removed. Rough plumbing and electrical follow, then cabinetry installation, countertop templating and fabrication, tile work, and finally appliances and hardware. Each trade follows the previous one in sequence, which is why trade coordination matters so much. At Dona Design & Build, we manage this entire sequence so you have one point of contact throughout not five contractors calling you with questions.
Week 10–12: Final Touches & Walkthrough
Paint touch-ups, hardware installation, final appliance hookups, and a detailed walkthrough with you to make sure every detail is right. We don't consider the project finished until you do.
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DONA DESIGN TEAM