What to Expect During a Kitchen Renovation (and How to Survive It Like a Pro)
Thinking of giving your kitchen a glow-up? Whether you’re dreaming of a modern farmhouse look or sleek contemporary cabin
🔨 The Kitchen Renovation Journey: Step-by-Step
1. Planning + Design (1–3 weeks)
This is the dreaming and scheming phase. Work with an interior designer to nail down your layout, materials, finishes, and budget. At Sabz Interiors we will help you stay realistic while still honoring your vision.
🎯 Tip: Start a Pinterest board or save Instagram inspo. This helps your designer understand your style right away.
2. Demo Day (1–3 days)
Say goodbye to your old kitchen. The crew will tear out the cabinets, counters, flooring, and maybe even walls- We make sure save any salvageable Materials that can be donated to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and of course schedule the pick up. It’s loud, dusty, and surprisingly emotional, so be mindful of your furry friends and small children.
Image: Real kitchen in the demo phase — cabinets removed, flooring lifted, dreams in progress!
🧹 Prep Tip: Seal off nearby rooms with plastic sheeting and invest in a HEPA air purifier. The dust gets everywhere.
3. Rough-In (1–2 weeks)
This is when the behind-the-scenes magic happens. Electrical wires, plumbing, and HVAC elements get moved or upgraded. Think of it as the kitchen’s new skeleton being installed. This is when we make sure that everything behind the wall is up to code as well as in a safe condition.
🔧 Expect: Some downtime here while inspections are done before anything is covered up.
4. Cabinetry, Flooring & Paint (2–4 weeks)
Once the bones are in place, the new layers come in: floors, cabinets, backsplash, and finally, paint. This is when it starts looking like a real kitchen again. The space is not as dusty and you start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
🎨 Designer Bonus: Your interior designer will help you coordinate the final details: colors, textures, and finishes for a cohesive look—not an accidental design disaster.
5. Counters, Lighting & Finishing Touches (1–2 weeks)
Your countertops are templated and installed, lighting is hung, hardware is attached, and appliances are hooked up.
🍾 Celebrate: This is when your space starts feeling like home again.
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🛠️ How to Prepare (Without Losing Your Mind)
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen with the essentials
Use a folding table, microwave, slow cooker, and fridge in another room. Stock up on disposable utensils and paper plates.Plan Meals Ahead
Batch cook, freeze meals, or schedule takeout nights. You’ll thank yourself.Clear Out Cabinets Early
Don’t wait until demo day. Start purging what you no longer use and pack up the rest in labeled bins.Budget a Buffer
Renovations come with surprises. Build in a 10–20% financial cushion for those just-in-case moments.Communicate Often
Your contractor and designer should be in sync, but don’t be afraid to ask questions or request updates.
Why You Need an Interior Designer on Your Team
You might be wondering: Can’t I just figure this out on my own? You could—but why go it alone when you could have a design expert guiding you every step of the way?
Here’s what a good interior designer brings to your renovation:
✅ Layout Optimization – They’ll find the most functional flow, even in small or awkward kitchens.
✅ Material Selection – From countertops to cabinet pulls, they help you choose items that work together and reflect your style.
✅ Project Coordination – Designers often work directly with contractors to ensure your vision is executed accurately.
✅ Visual Clarity – With 3D renderings or mood boards, you’ll see the final product before spending a dime.
💡 Think of your designer as both your creative director and your renovation therapist. Our eyes are trained to catch and deal with any loose ends in time.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen renovations can feel like a roller coaster—but with smart planning, a solid team, and a clear vision, it’ll all be worth it when you’re sipping coffee in your brand-new kitchen.
If you’re ready to renovate, don’t do it alone. Reach out to us at Sabz Interiors so we can bring your ideas to life, guide you through the unknowns, and make sure no detail gets missed.
