Kitchen Remodel Timeline in Boise
A realistic, phase-by-phase look at how long kitchen renovations take in Boise and the Treasure Valley. From planning through final walkthrough, know what to expect at every stage.
Not every kitchen remodel is the same scope. Here is how long each type of project typically takes from start of construction to completion in the Boise market.
Cosmetic Refresh
2 - 3 Weeks
Paint, new hardware, countertop replacement, backsplash, light fixtures, and faucet. No layout changes, no cabinet replacement, no structural work. The fastest path to a visually transformed kitchen. Ideal for homes being prepared for sale or homeowners on a tight budget and timeline.
Standard Remodel
6 - 8 Weeks
Complete cabinet and countertop replacement, new flooring, appliances, backsplash, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. Existing layout is maintained, so no structural work is needed. This is the most common kitchen remodel scope in Boise and represents the best balance of transformation and timeline.
Full Gut Renovation
8 - 12 Weeks
Everything stripped to the studs: new plumbing, electrical, insulation, drywall, and a completely reimagined layout within the existing kitchen footprint. May include relocating the sink, moving the range to a different wall, or adding an island. Common in older Boise homes where systems need full replacement.
Open-Concept Transformation
10 - 14 Weeks
Full renovation plus removal of one or more walls to create an open floor plan connecting kitchen, dining, and living areas. Requires structural engineering, beam installation, and extensive electrical and plumbing relocation. The most complex kitchen project but delivers the most dramatic transformation.
A standard to full kitchen remodel moves through distinct phases. Understanding each phase helps you plan around disruptions and track progress. Here is the sequence we follow at Iron Crest Remodel.
Planning & Design
2 - 4 WeeksThis pre-construction phase sets the foundation for your entire project. It begins with an in-home consultation where we measure your existing kitchen, discuss your goals and budget, and assess the home's existing conditions (plumbing locations, electrical panel capacity, wall structure).
- In-home consultation and measurements
- Design development and 3D renderings
- Material and finish selections
- Detailed scope of work and pricing
Permits & Material Ordering
2 - 4 WeeksOnce the design is finalized and the contract signed, we submit permit applications to the City of Boise or Ada County (depending on your location) and order all materials. Cabinets are ordered first since they have the longest lead time. This phase runs concurrently — permits are processing while materials are being manufactured and shipped.
- Permit application submission
- Cabinet ordering (8-12 week lead time)
- Countertop slab reservation
- Appliance and fixture procurement
Demolition
3 - 5 DaysExisting cabinets, countertops, flooring, backsplash, and fixtures are removed. Dust barriers are erected to protect the rest of the home. This is the most disruptive phase but also the shortest. All debris is loaded into a dumpster and hauled away. Any hidden conditions (water damage, outdated wiring, pest damage) are identified at this stage.
Structural & Framing
1 - 2 Weeks (if needed)Only required for projects involving wall removal or layout changes. Load-bearing wall removal requires temporary shoring, installation of engineered beams (LVL or steel), and new support posts. Any window or door changes, soffits, or chase construction happen here. A framing inspection by Ada County is required before proceeding.
Rough-In (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
1 - 2 WeeksLicensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians install new supply and drain lines, electrical circuits, dedicated appliance circuits (range, dishwasher, disposal, microwave), undercabinet lighting wiring, and any HVAC modifications. Gas lines for ranges or cooktops are run. All rough work must pass individual trade inspections before being covered with drywall.
Drywall & Paint
3 - 5 DaysNew or patched drywall is hung, taped, mudded, and sanded (typically three coats of joint compound). Walls and ceilings are primed and painted. This phase requires drying time between coats, which accounts for much of the duration. Any texture matching to existing walls is completed here. Final paint touch-ups happen later after all installations are complete.
Cabinet Installation
3 - 5 DaysUpper cabinets are installed first, followed by base cabinets. Each cabinet is leveled, shimmed, and secured to wall studs. Filler strips, crown molding, and decorative panels are added. Hardware (pulls, knobs) is installed. Cabinet installation is the milestone where the kitchen starts to take visual shape.
Countertop Templating & Installation
1 - 2 WeeksAfter cabinets are installed, a countertop fabricator comes to laser-template the exact dimensions. The stone or quartz is then fabricated off-site (typically 5 to 10 business days) and installed. This two-step process — template then install — is why countertops cannot be pre-made before cabinets are in place. Seaming, cutouts for sinks and cooktops, and edge profiling are completed during fabrication.
Backsplash & Tile
2 - 4 DaysBacksplash tile is installed after countertops are in place to ensure a clean, tight fit at the counter-to-wall junction. The tile is set, grouted, and sealed. Drying and curing time accounts for approximately one day of the schedule. Complex patterns, natural stone, or large-format tiles may extend this phase.
Flooring
2 - 4 DaysDepending on the material and installation method, flooring may be installed before or after cabinets (we determine the best sequence for each project). LVP and engineered hardwood are typically floated or click-locked. Porcelain or ceramic tile requires thinset, grout, and curing time. Transition strips are installed where the kitchen floor meets adjacent rooms.
Fixtures, Appliances & Trim
3 - 5 DaysThe finish phase: sink and faucet installation, dishwasher and disposal hookup, range or cooktop placement and connection (gas or electric), hood installation, light fixture mounting, switch and outlet covers, under-cabinet lighting activation, and trim carpentry (base molding, shoe molding, scribe molding). Final paint touch-ups address any marks from installation work.
Final Inspections & Walkthrough
2 - 3 DaysAda County inspectors conduct final inspections for all permitted work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, building). Once inspections pass, we schedule a detailed walkthrough with you to review every element of the completed kitchen. Any punch list items are addressed, appliance operation is demonstrated, and warranty information and care instructions are provided.
Several factors specific to the Boise market and your individual project can extend or shorten the timeline. Awareness of these factors helps set realistic expectations.
Custom Cabinet Lead Times
Custom and semi-custom cabinets are the longest lead-time item in any kitchen remodel. Expect 8 to 12 weeks from order placement to delivery. Stock cabinets ship in 1 to 3 weeks but offer fewer options. We order cabinets as early as possible — often before permits are even approved — to avoid this becoming the critical path delay.
Countertop Fabrication
Natural stone and quartz countertops require templating after cabinet installation followed by 5 to 10 business days of fabrication. This built-in delay cannot be eliminated but can be minimized by selecting slabs early and having the fabricator on standby. Some fabricators in the Boise area offer 2 to 3 week turnaround during peak season.
Ada County Permit Processing
The City of Boise and Ada County Development Services review permit applications for code compliance. Standard kitchen permits take 1 to 3 weeks. Structural modifications require a more detailed review and may take 2 to 4 weeks. Submitting complete, accurate plans with the initial application avoids revision requests that add additional time.
Appliance Backorders
Specific appliance models, particularly professional-grade units, can have lead times of 4 to 16 weeks. We check availability during the design phase and recommend in-stock alternatives when necessary. Confirming all appliances are available (or ordering them early) prevents a completed kitchen from sitting without a range or dishwasher.
Structural Engineering Reviews
If your kitchen remodel involves removing a load-bearing wall, a licensed structural engineer must design the replacement beam and connection details. Engineering drawings take 1 to 3 weeks and must be included with the permit application. In Boise, several structural engineering firms serve the residential market, but scheduling can be tight during busy seasons.
Unforeseen Conditions
Older Boise homes — particularly in the North End, Bench, and Vista neighborhoods — may reveal hidden issues during demolition: knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized pipes, asbestos in flooring or drywall compound, water damage, or pest damage. These must be addressed before new work proceeds and can add 3 to 10 days to the timeline depending on the scope of remediation required.
One of the most common concerns Boise homeowners have is how to manage daily life during a kitchen remodel. With proper planning, the disruption is manageable.
Setting Up a Temporary Kitchen
- Designate a space: garage, laundry room, dining room, or spare bedroom. A folding table, shelving unit, and some counter space is all you need.
- Essential appliances: microwave, toaster oven, electric kettle, slow cooker, portable induction burner, and a mini-fridge. Most can be powered from a single 20-amp circuit.
- Water access: set up near a bathroom or laundry sink for washing dishes. A plastic tub with a dish drying rack works well.
- Meal planning: prepare batch meals in advance, simplify menus, and take advantage of Boise's excellent restaurant and takeout options.
- Paper products: reduce dishwashing by using disposable plates and utensils during the remodel.
- Keep essentials accessible: coffee maker, cereal, snacks, and kids' favorite foods should be easy to reach.
Phased Approach Option
For homeowners who cannot live without a functional kitchen for extended periods, a phased approach may be appropriate. This strategy renovates the kitchen in stages, maintaining partial functionality throughout the project.
Phase 1: Upper Cabinets & Electrical
Replace upper cabinets and update lighting while keeping base cabinets, countertops, and appliances functional.
Phase 2: Base Cabinets & Countertops
Install new base cabinets, countertops, sink, and plumbing. This is the period of maximum disruption (typically 2 to 3 weeks).
Phase 3: Finishes & Flooring
Backsplash, flooring, and final fixtures. The kitchen is partially functional during this phase.
Note: A phased approach typically adds 2 to 4 weeks to the overall timeline and may increase costs by 10 to 15% due to repeated mobilization.
Common questions about kitchen remodel scheduling and timelines in the Boise area.
How long does a typical kitchen remodel take in Boise?
A standard kitchen remodel in Boise takes 6 to 8 weeks of active construction, plus 4 to 8 weeks of pre-construction planning, design, permitting, and material ordering. A cosmetic refresh can be completed in 2 to 3 weeks, while a full gut renovation with structural changes typically takes 10 to 14 weeks on-site.
What is the biggest cause of kitchen remodel delays in Boise?
Custom cabinet lead times are the most common cause of delays. Custom and semi-custom cabinets typically require 8 to 12 weeks from order to delivery. Ordering cabinets early in the design phase, before demolition begins, is critical to keeping the project on schedule. Appliance backorders and Ada County permit processing times can also extend timelines.
Can I live in my home during a kitchen remodel?
Yes, most Boise homeowners remain in their homes during a kitchen remodel. We recommend setting up a temporary kitchen in a nearby room (garage, laundry room, or dining room) with a microwave, toaster oven, mini-fridge, and portable cooktop. We contain dust with plastic barriers and maintain access to at least one bathroom throughout the project.
What time of year is best for a kitchen remodel in Boise?
Late fall and winter (October through February) are ideal for scheduling a kitchen remodel in Boise. Since kitchens are interior projects, weather has minimal impact on construction. Contractor availability is typically better during these months, material lead times may be shorter, and you may find more competitive pricing. Spring and summer are peak season for exterior work, which can impact scheduling.
How long does the permit process take for a kitchen remodel in Boise?
Permit review in Boise and Ada County typically takes 1 to 3 weeks for a standard kitchen remodel. Projects involving structural modifications (such as load-bearing wall removal) may require structural engineering review, which adds 1 to 2 weeks. Expedited review may be available for an additional fee. Iron Crest Remodel handles all permit applications on your behalf.
Explore our complete library of kitchen remodeling guides for Boise homeowners.
Kitchen Remodeling Service
Our full kitchen remodeling service overview
Kitchen Remodel Cost Guide
Detailed pricing from $25k to $150k+
Permits & Regulations
Boise & Ada County permit requirements
Materials Guide
Cabinets, countertops, flooring & more
Kitchen Design Ideas
Styles, layouts, and trending features
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