How Long Does a Full Kitchen Remodel Take in Dallas, Texas?
If you are planning kitchen remodeling in Dallas, Texas, one of the first questions you will ask is how long the process takes from the first design meeting to the last punch list item. The short answer is that a typical full kitchen remodel in Dallas ranges from about 8 to 14 weeks of on site construction once all materials are in hand, with total project timelines often running 3 to 6 months when you include design, permitting, and product lead times. Your specific schedule depends on scope, selections, permitting, and coordination among trades. Here is a detailed, Dallas focused timeline so you can plan with confidence.
Phase 1: Discovery, budgeting, and design planning: 2 to 6 weeks
- Initial goals and scope: 1 to 2 weeks. Gather inspiration, define must haves, set a realistic budget tied to Dallas market pricing, and choose whether you will work with a general contractor, a design build firm, or a designer plus separate trades.
- Concept design: 1 to 3 weeks. Layout options, measurements, and rough elevations. If you are changing the footprint, moving walls, or adding windows or doors, this step can involve structural considerations and may require an engineer.
- Preliminary pricing: 1 week. Your contractor or designer will create a ballpark estimate based on concept drawings and allowances.
Phase 2: Selections, drawings, and permits: 2 to 8 weeks
- Product selections: 2 to 4 weeks. In Dallas, cabinet decisions influence the schedule more than any other choice. Stock cabinets may be available quickly, semi custom often require 4 to 8 weeks, and fully custom can take 8 to 14 weeks. Countertops, appliances, flooring, plumbing fixtures, tile, and lighting should be chosen early to avoid delays.
- Construction drawings: 1 to 3 weeks. Detailed plans for layout, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical. If structural changes are involved, an engineer may be needed to produce calculations for beams and headers.
- Permitting with the City of Dallas: 2 to 6 weeks in typical scenarios. A straight cosmetic remodel may not require a building permit, but moving walls, altering load bearing elements, significant electrical changes, and plumbing relocations typically trigger permits and inspections. Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the plans and the current workload at the permit office. Always verify permit requirements with your contractor.
Phase 3: Ordering and lead times: 3 to 12 weeks (often overlaps with permitting)
- Cabinets: the key driver. Stock: 0 to 2 weeks if available locally. Semi custom: 4 to 8 weeks. Custom: 8 to 14 weeks. Order cabinets as soon as final measurements and drawings are approved to anchor the schedule.
- Appliances: 1 to 8 weeks. Popular models can sell out; confirm availability early. Some high demand items may require longer lead times, so secure your order as soon as selections are final.
- Windows and doors, if applicable: 3 to 10 weeks depending on brand and configuration.
- Tile, plumbing, and lighting: usually 1 to 4 weeks, but special orders can take longer.
Phase 4: On site construction: 8 to 14 weeks on average
- Demolition and site prep: 3 to 7 days. Protect adjacent rooms, set dust containment, and tear out cabinets, countertops, flooring, and soffits. In older Dallas homes, demo can uncover surprises such as ungrounded wiring, outdated plumbing, or hidden damage that may add time but should be addressed for safety.
- Rough in work: 1 to 3 weeks. Framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC adjustments. Moving a sink, gas line, or major appliances will extend this step. In Dallas, code compliance requires licensed trades and inspections for rough electrical and plumbing.
- Inspections: 2 to 7 days per round. The City of Dallas typically inspects rough electrical and plumbing before walls are closed. Scheduling flexibility helps avoid bottlenecks.
- Drywall, texture, and paint prime: 1 to 2 weeks. Texas humidity can affect drying times, especially during rainy periods. Crews will plan for adequate curing.
- Flooring: 2 to 7 days. Tile and hardwood need proper acclimation. Floating floors install faster; site finished hardwood adds finishing time.
- Cabinets installation: 3 to 7 days depending on complexity and number of cabinets.
- Countertop templating and fabrication: 1 to 3 weeks after cabinets are installed. Stone shops typically template within a few days, then fabricate and install quartz, granite, or porcelain. If you choose a waterfall edge or complex mitered details, plan for the longer end of the range.
- Backsplash and finish tile: 2 to 5 days after countertops are installed.
- Trim carpentry, paint, and finish electrical and plumbing: 1 to 2 weeks. This includes installing lighting, outlets, appliances, sinks, faucets, hardware, and final paint.
- Final inspections and punch list: 3 to 10 days. Your contractor will walk the space with you, note touch ups, and schedule final inspections as needed.
Factors that speed up or slow down Dallas kitchen remodeling
- Scope complexity: A like for like update with minimal relocation runs faster than a full gut that moves walls and utilities. Expect the upper end of the timeline for major structural changes.
- Cabinet choice: The single biggest timeline lever. If you want a quicker turn, consider in stock or quick ship semi custom options. For a luxury, fully custom look, allocate the extra weeks.
- Permit needs: Projects that do not require building permits finish faster. That said, unpermitted work can cause issues on resale, so discuss the proper path with your contractor.
- Trade availability: Dallas is a busy market. Choose a contractor with a stable team and confirmed start dates, and approve selections quickly so they can lock in schedules.
- Seasonal considerations: Extreme heat does not stop interior work, but storms or supply chain hiccups can delay certain deliveries. Plan contingencies.
Realistic timelines by project type in Dallas, Texas
- Cosmetic refresh with minimal layout changes: 4 to 8 weeks of construction, 8 to 12 weeks total if you need to order cabinets.
- Standard full remodel with semi custom cabinets: 8 to 12 weeks of construction, 12 to 18 weeks total including design and ordering.
- Major renovation with structural changes or additions: 12 to 20 weeks of construction, 4 to 7 months total from design through completion.
Tips to keep your timeline on track
- Finalize selections early and approve shop drawings quickly.
- Order cabinets and long lead items as soon as plans are locked.
- Keep change orders to a minimum; even small changes can add days or weeks.
- Ensure access to the home and clear decision making to prevent idle time.
- Work with a Dallas based contractor who is comfortable with local permitting and inspections.
Bottom line: kitchen remodeling in Dallas, Texas typically takes several months from first meeting to final clean. With clear scope, early decisions, and a well organized team, you can complete a beautiful, code compliant kitchen on a predictable schedule and get back to cooking sooner.