Weeks 1–2: Demo, framing and the surprise window
Week one is loud and fast: protection goes down, cabinets and counters come out, and the room drops to studs where the plan requires it. This is also when surprises surface — the subfloor rot under the dishwasher, the wiring nobody documented. A good contractor finds these in week one, prices them in writing, and keeps moving. If walls are opening up or moving, framing follows immediately, and structural work gets inspected before anything closes.
Weeks 3–4: Rough-in and inspections
Plumbers and electricians rough in new lines, cans and circuits; then the county inspects before drywall. To a homeowner this looks like the quiet weeks, but they are the skeleton of a kitchen remodel that will pass inspection, carry a warranty and not flicker when the microwave and kettle run together. In Montgomery and Howard counties especially, inspection scheduling can add days — we book ahead rather than wait.
Weeks 5–7: Drywall, floors, cabinets
Drywall, mud and paint transform the room in days. Flooring goes in (or hardwood gets refinished), and then the day everyone waits for: cabinets. Cabinet installation is precision work — level, plumb, anchored — and it sets up everything after it. Countertop templating happens once cabinets are set, which starts a fabrication clock of roughly two weeks; that gap is built into our schedule, not discovered by it.
Weeks 8–11: Counters, tile, appliances, punch list
Counters land, the tile backsplash goes up, appliances slide in, and plumbing and electrical trim-out finishes the room. Then we walk it with you, list in hand, and fix every paint nick and door adjustment before final payment. Where do schedules slip? Almost never in construction — it is late appliance deliveries and mid-project scope changes. We order against the plan before demo day, whether you are in Odenton, Arlington or Rockville. Want this timeline run on your kitchen? Start with a free in-home estimate: call (240) 266-8317.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live in my home during a kitchen remodel?
Yes — most of our clients do. We seal the work zone, keep a path through the house, and many families set up a temporary coffee-and-microwave station in the dining room. The kitchen itself is out of service for most of the project.
What is the longest part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinet lead times before construction and countertop fabrication during it. Both are managed by ordering early — cabinets are typically ordered weeks before demo so construction never waits on a truck.
Do kitchen remodels always need permits in Maryland?
If electrical, plumbing or walls move — which is most full remodels — yes. Cosmetic swaps in the exact same footprint sometimes do not. We confirm with your county during design and file everything for you.