Kitchen Renovation Timeline
After the big question, “How much is the kitchen renovation going to cost?” the next most common questions are, “How long will it take?” and “What’s the order of events?” Let’s walk through the timeline of a typical kitchen renovation and how we manage it at European Kitchens.
1. Initial Meeting & Rough Estimate
Our process of installing your IKEA kitchen begins with an initial meeting at your home. We discuss your vision for the new kitchen, including layout preferences and cabinet styles. Based on this conversation, we provide a rough estimate for both materials and labor.
2. Measuring & Planning
If the initial estimate aligns with your expectations, we move on to the next phase: measuring the kitchen space and creating a detailed kitchen plan using the IKEA’s 3D planning tool.
3. Budget Finalization & Contract Signing
Once you approve the kitchen plan, we update the budget according to the finalized design. At this point, we sign the contract, set a start date for the project, and a deposit is due. You will receive a list of IKEA parts to order, which will be delivered directly to your home.
4. Demo Day
On the agreed start date, a.k.a. Demo Day, our team begins by removing old cabinets, countertops, flooring, light fixtures, trim pieces, and any other items that need replacing.
5. Electrical & Plumbing
Next, we tackle the electrical and plumbing work. This includes replacing old receptacles and switches, installing new recessed LED lights, wiring for under-cabinet lighting, and updating plumbing valves.
6. Drywall & Wall Textures
After the electrical and plumbing work, we patch the drywall. If your home has textured walls, like sand finish or knockdown (orange peel), we match the existing texture. For outdated popcorn ceilings, we can help with matching or removing them as needed.
7. Painting
Once the drywall is patched, it’s time to paint. Typically, ceilings are painted flat white, though some clients prefer an eggshell or semi-gloss finish. For kitchen walls, we recommend semi-gloss or gloss for easy cleaning. Trims are generally painted with a glossy sheen for a polished look. Once the cabinets are installed, there isn’t much visible wall space, especially if you opt for a tile backsplash, which further reduces the exposed area.
8. Electrical Trimming
After painting, we install lighting fixtures and cover plates on switches and receptacles, getting the space ready for cabinet installation. By this time, the IKEA parts should have arrived at your home.
9. Cabinet Installation
We begin the kitchen cabinets installation by hanging IKEA rails, assembling the cabinet frames, and installing the tall and wall cabinets. Careful planning ensures proper spacing for appliances and filler pieces.
10. Base Cabinets & Finishing Touches
Next, we install the IKEA kitchen base cabinets, followed by shelves, doors, and drawers. The kitchen really starts taking shape at this stage.
11. Lighting & Interior Fittings
As we install the kitchen cabinets, we also install LED lights under the wall cabinets and task lights. We program the remote control that comes with the IKEA LED lights. We also assemble and install interior fittings such as Lazy Susan carousel and pull-outs.
12. Island Installation
The island cabinets are the last to be installed, completing the cabinetry portion of the renovation.
13. Hardware & Adjustments
Once the cabinets are in place, we install hardware (handles, knobs, or pulls) and add top moldings like crown or scribe molding. We also make final adjustments to ensure all doors and drawers are perfectly aligned.
14. Flooring Installation
For floating floors, such as Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP), LVT or laminate, we install them after the cabinets but before the appliances. For nailed-down or glued-down floors like hardwood or tile, installation should occur before the cabinets.
15. Finishing Touches & Appliance Installation
After the flooring is complete, we install cover panels, toe kicks, baseboards, and quarter-round trims. Then, we install appliances like the refrigerator, range, and dishwasher. We also do small drywall and paint touch-ups at this stage, if needed.
16. Countertop Measurement & Installation
With the kitchen almost complete, we schedule the countertop measurement (templating). About two weeks later, the countertops are installed, followed by the sink, faucet, and plumbing connections.
17. Backsplash Installation
The final step is installing the backsplash tiles, which completes the kitchen renovation!
If you’re looking for help with your kitchen renovation, give us a call, and our experienced team will take care of everything.
Your Professional IKEA kitchen installer in Hampton Roads – European Kitchens
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