How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take in Calgary? (Realistic Timelines)

One of the most common questions Calgary homeowners ask before starting a remodel is, "How long does a kitchen renovation take?"

If you’ve seen answers online claiming “3–4 weeks,” that usually leaves out critical factors like permits, inspections, cabinet lead times, and trade coordination.

This guide breaks down realistic kitchen renovation timelines in Calgary so you know exactly what to expect—and how to plan your project without unnecessary stress.

Average Kitchen Renovation Timeline in Calgary

For a full kitchen renovation, most homeowners should expect:

👉 6 to 10 weeks from demolition to completion

This does not include:

• Design and planning

• Permit approval time

• Custom cabinetry manufacturing

Understanding the full timeline upfront helps avoid rushed decisions and mid-project delays.

Kitchen Renovation Timeline Breakdown (Step by Step)

1️⃣ Planning & Design (2–3 Weeks)

Before construction begins, planning sets the foundation for the entire project.

This stage includes:

• Layout finalization

• Cabinet and material selection

• Appliance planning

• Permit preparation

Rushing this phase often leads to delays later, especially if material selections aren’t finalized early.

2️⃣ Permits & Approvals (1–4 Weeks)

Many kitchen renovations in Calgary require permits when they involve:

• Plumbing changes

• Electrical upgrades

• Structural wall modifications

Permit timelines vary based on project scope and City of Calgary workloads. Starting the permit process early is one of the best ways to keep your renovation on schedule.

3️⃣ Demolition (3–5 Days)

Once permits are approved and materials are ordered, demolition moves quickly.

This phase typically includes:

• Removal of cabinets and countertops

• Flooring removal

• Wall removal (if applicable)

Unexpected issues such as outdated wiring or plumbing may be discovered during demolition, which can slightly extend timelines.

4️⃣ Rough-In Plumbing & Electrical (1–2 Weeks)

This phase includes:

• New plumbing lines for sinks and dishwashers

• Electrical upgrades for lighting, appliances, and outlets

• Inspection scheduling

Inspection availability is a common source of delays during this stage.

5️⃣ Cabinet Manufacturing & Installation (2–4 Weeks)

Cabinetry is often the longest lead-time item in a kitchen renovation.

Timeline factors include:

• Stock vs semi-custom vs custom cabinets

• Manufacturer production schedules

• Installation complexity

Delays here are usually related to ordering cabinets too late in the process.

6️⃣ Countertops, Flooring & Finishing (1–2 Weeks)

Final stages include:

• Countertop templating and installation

• Flooring installation

• Backsplash and finish work

• Appliance installation

Once complete, final inspections are scheduled, and the kitchen is ready for use.

Kitchen Renovation Timeline by Project Type

Small Kitchen Renovation

• 5–7 weeks

• Minimal layout changes

• Stock cabinetry

Medium Kitchen Renovation

• 7–9 weeks

• New cabinetry and finishes

• Moderate electrical and plumbing updates

Large or Open-Concept Kitchen Renovation

• 9–12+ weeks

• Structural changes

• Custom cabinetry

• Additional inspections

What Causes Kitchen Renovation Delays?

🔴 Permit Processing

Incomplete applications or scope changes can slow approvals.

🔴 Inspection Scheduling

City inspection availability doesn’t always align perfectly with construction schedules.

🔴 Cabinet & Material Backorders

Custom cabinets and specialty finishes often add weeks if not ordered early.

🔴 Mid-Project Design Changes

Changing layouts or finishes after demolition almost always adds time and cost.

Budget planning—covered in Kitchen Renovation Cost in Calgary—plays a major role in timeline reliability.

How to Keep Your Kitchen Renovation on Schedule

To minimize delays:

• Finalize layouts and materials early

• Start permits before demolition

• Order cabinetry as soon as designs are approved

• Avoid mid-project changes

Working with experienced Kitchen Renovations Calgary professionals helps coordinate trades, inspections, and scheduling efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a small kitchen renovation take in Calgary?

Most small kitchen renovations take 5–7 weeks, assuming no major plumbing or structural changes.

Do permits slow down kitchen renovations?

Permits add time upfront but prevent major issues later. Skipping permits often causes bigger delays.

Can a kitchen renovation be done faster?

Only cosmetic updates can be completed in shorter timelines. Full renovations should not be rushed.

Final Thoughts

Kitchen renovations involve more trades, permits, and coordination than most homeowners expect. Understanding realistic timelines helps you plan properly and avoid unnecessary stress.

This article works alongside our Kitchen Renovation Cost Calgary and professional Kitchen Renovations Calgary services to help homeowners prepare with confidence.