Planning guide · Kitchen & bath · Updated November 2026
How long does a kitchen or bathroom remodel take?
Most kitchen remodels take about 6 to 12 weeks of construction and a full bathroom about 2 to 8 weeks, according to the major cost guides [1][2][3][4][6]. Planning, ordering and permits add weeks before the first hammer swings, and that's where most delays start.
Typical timelines by project
In a This Old House survey of 1,000 homeowners, nearly two-thirds said their bathroom remodel took 1 to 4 weeks, and about 1 in 5 said it ran past a month, usually because of contractor availability, backorders or surprises behind the walls [8].
| Project | Typical duration | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen, cosmetic update | 1 – 2 weeks | Angi, Fixr [1][2] |
| Kitchen, midrange (new cabinets, counters, appliances) | 4 – 8 weeks | Angi [1] |
| Kitchen, full remodel | 6 – 12 weeks (Angi: most take 6–10) | Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide [1][2][3] |
| Kitchen with structural changes or custom work | 3 – 8 months start to finish | Fixr, HomeGuide [2][3] |
| Small bathroom | 2 – 4 weeks (avg. 23 days) | Angi, HomeGuide [5][7] |
| Full bathroom | 2 – 8 weeks of work; 2–3 months including planning | Fixr, HomeGuide, Angi [4][6][5] |
| Bathroom with layout changes | 6 – 12+ weeks | HomeGuide [6] |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | 2 – 7 days; custom tile 1–2+ weeks | HomeAdvisor, This Old House, Fixr [11][12][13] |
A kitchen remodel, phase by phase
- Planning and design: two weeks to a few months, depending on how many decisions are still open [1].
- Ordering: the long pole. Stock cabinets ship in 1 to 5 weeks, semi-custom in about 4 to 8, and custom in 2 to 6 months [2][9]. Order before demolition.
- Permits: one to four weeks [1][2]; see local review times below.
- Demolition: 1 to 3 weeks for a full kitchen [1][2].
- Rough-in and inspection: plumbing and electrical take a few days, and must pass inspection before cabinets and countertops go in [1][2].
- Install: cabinets 2 to 3 days, flooring 1 to 3 days [2]. Countertops are templated after cabinets are in, then fabricated: about a week for quartz and 2 to 3 weeks for granite, installed in a day [10][14].
- Finishes and final inspection: 1 to 3 weeks for backsplash, lighting, appliances and punch list [2].
A bathroom remodel, phase by phase
Angi's sample schedule for a full bathroom: demolition 1–2 days, plumbing 2–3 days, electrical 2 days, a rough-in inspection, drywall 3 days, tile and floors about 2 days each, then fixtures, paint and a final inspection [5]. Plan on at least 3 to 4 weeks of planning and a week or two for permits before that starts [5].
How long permits take in metro Atlanta
Permit review is the part your contractor controls least. Published review times from the cities in our 2026 Atlanta Remodel Cost & Permit Report [15]:
| Jurisdiction | Published review time |
|---|---|
| Peachtree City | Residential permits usually 3–5 business days [15] |
| City of Stonecrest | Staff reviews up to 10 business days; resubmittals up to 5 [15] |
| City of Atlanta | Expect about 10 days to 2 weeks for initial review [15] |
| City of McDonough | Same day for simple residential work, up to four weeks for complex projects [15] |
| DeKalb County (unincorporated) | Not published; varies by project and completeness [15] |
How to keep your remodel on schedule
- Make every selection (cabinets, counters, tile, fixtures) before demolition, and confirm lead times in writing.
- Have the contractor submit a complete permit application; DeKalb County, for one, says review time depends on how complete the submittal is [15].
- Put start and completion dates in the contract [16].
- Expect surprises behind walls in older homes; leave a week of slack in the plan.
Common questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A full kitchen remodel usually takes 6 to 12 weeks of work, and 3 to 8 months start to finish if it involves structural changes or custom cabinets [1][2][3].
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
Most full bathroom remodels take 2 to 8 weeks of work, or 2 to 3 months including planning; a small bathroom averages about 23 days [4][5][6][7].
How long does it take to get a remodeling permit in Atlanta?
The City of Atlanta says to expect about 10 days to 2 weeks for initial review; Peachtree City usually issues residential permits in 3 to 5 business days [15].
Related
- Permits by city
- Kitchen remodel cost
- Bathroom remodel cost
- Hiring a contractor in Georgia
- Bathroom water damage
- Quartz vs. granite
Sources
- Angi, How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? (updated July 8, 2026)
- Fixr, How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? (January 13, 2025)
- HomeGuide, Kitchen Remodel Cost (2026) (December 31, 2025)
- Fixr, Bathroom Remodeling cost guide (updated January 27, 2026)
- Angi, How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take? (updated July 9, 2026)
- HomeGuide, Bathroom Remodel Cost (June 20, 2025)
- HomeGuide, Small Bathroom Remodel Cost (October 25, 2025)
- This Old House, Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026 (homeowner survey) (updated July 2, 2026)
- This Old House, All About Kitchen Cabinets (updated June 8, 2026)
- This Old House, Quartz Countertops buying guide (updated April 10, 2026)
- HomeAdvisor, Tub to Shower Conversion Cost (updated June 17, 2026)
- This Old House, Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost (updated March 4, 2026)
- Fixr, Bathtub to Shower Conversion (January 23, 2025)
- Fixr, Granite Countertops Cost (updated January 31, 2025)
- Kitchen & Bath ATL, 2026 Atlanta Remodel Cost & Permit Report (each city's review time linked to its official page) (November 2026)
- Georgia Department of Law, Consumer Protection Division: Home Repair & Improvements (accessed November 2026)
This guide is general information, not legal, insurance or financial advice. How we research.
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