Planning and Process
Kitchen Remodel Timeline in Scottsdale: What Happens Week by Week
Most owners ask how long the kitchen will be out of use. Here is the sequence we follow, in plain order, so you know what each stretch of the job involves.
By Avi Saslow, DYS Construction AZ · Published · Last updated
A kitchen remodel has two stages. The first is planning: design, selections and ordering, all finished before demolition. The second is construction on site, which typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Scope, existing conditions and approvals affect that window, so treat it as a planning estimate rather than a promise.
If you want to see how we organize a project from first visit to final day, our remodeling process page covers it. For the services themselves, see kitchen remodeling, or the local view on Scottsdale kitchen remodeling.
Phase 1: before demolition, design, selections, ordering and cabinets
This stage feels invisible, yet it decides how smoothly construction goes. We walk the room, talk through how you cook, and settle the layout. Then comes the list of choices: cabinet style, counter material, tile, fixtures, lighting and appliances.
A site visit also tells us what the existing kitchen may hide. We look at where the sink, range and walls sit today, note any wall you hope to change, and talk through what that could mean for plumbing, electrical and permits. Surprises are easier to handle on paper than in the middle of demolition.
Custom cabinets are the usual bottleneck and can take up to about a month to arrive. That is why they are ordered before demolition. Your existing kitchen stays usable while you wait, rather than sitting torn out with nothing to install.
Decisions made in this stage are the cheapest to change. Moving an island on paper takes minutes, while moving it after the plumbing is roughed in means reopening finished work. We ask owners to review the full plan, including appliance dimensions and lighting locations, before anything is ordered.
Our advice is simple. Make the big selections first, confirm delivery expectations in writing, and do not start demolition before the main materials are secured.
Permits in Scottsdale, if needed
Whether you need a permit from the City of Scottsdale depends on what changes. Swapping cabinet fronts or surfaces generally differs from relocating a sink, adding appliance circuits, moving gas or opening a wall. When one is needed, we handle the application and schedule the inspections. If you belong to an HOA, check with it separately, since its approval is a different process from the city.
The construction walkthrough: typically 2 to 4 weeks on site
Below is the order in which a typical kitchen proceeds once demolition begins. Week numbers describe the usual sequence on site, not a guarantee for every home. Some steps can overlap, and your scope decides how it plays out in your home.
Week 1: demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, inspections
Floors and doorways get covered, the kitchen is emptied, and old cabinets, counters and flooring come out. Once the room is open, plumbers and electricians move supply lines, drains, gas and circuits to match the new layout. When a permit applies, the City of Scottsdale inspects the rough work before anything is closed up. Inspection timing is one part of the schedule we do not control.
Week 2: drywall, repairs and cabinets
Walls are patched or framed, drywall goes up, and surfaces are finished and primed. Then the cabinets you ordered ahead of demolition are set level and fastened, with trim and hardware fitted. Because the cabinets are already on hand, the room moves from bare walls to a recognizable kitchen quickly.
Week 3: countertop template, installation and backsplash
With cabinets in place, the fabricator measures a precise template for your counters, and the surface is installed afterward. Sink and cooktop connections follow, and the tile backsplash goes on the wall. Your selections matter most here, since a changed material can pause this stage.
Week 4, if needed: finishes, punch list and final walkthrough
Some kitchens need a fourth week for paint, lighting, fixtures, appliances and hardware to be completed. Others finish earlier. We then review the room with you, list anything that needs adjusting, and correct it. DYS provides a 2 year workmanship warranty; ask us how coverage works and how to request help.
What can slow a kitchen remodel down
Delays can come from late deliveries, especially cabinets and special order appliances. Changes made after work begins also add time, since a new idea midway often means new materials and rework.
The best defense is a clear written scope. When you know what is included and who decides what, a surprise becomes a short conversation instead of a standoff, and the work keeps moving.
Hidden conditions matter too. Older homes may hide outdated wiring, damaged plumbing or a wall that carries more than expected. Inspection scheduling and HOA review can also shift dates. We cannot remove those variables, but we plan around them and tell you promptly when one appears. For the money side of the same decisions, read our kitchen remodel cost guide.
How to live without a kitchen for 2 to 4 weeks
Arrange a temporary station away from construction dust before demolition. Choose a stable surface and safe electrical connections for small appliances, following their instructions and avoiding overloaded outlets. A spare refrigerator can help with cold storage, and you will want access to water for handwashing.
Plan the meals too. Grilling outside works well in our climate for much of the year, and a slow cooker or an electric skillet handles the rest. Many families order more takeout than usual, so decide ahead how much that will be. Disposable ware or a bathroom sink keeps dishes simple.
Think about the household too. Children, pets and anyone working from home may need a quieter corner during the loudest days. Telling us about those routines during planning lets us schedule noisy work thoughtfully and keep walkways clear.
Expect noise and dust at the start, then calmer days. We contain dust, protect floors and keep you updated so the schedule never feels like a mystery.
Frequently asked questions
How long is my kitchen torn out?
Construction on site is typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on scope and approvals. The planning that comes before it, including design and ordering, happens while your existing kitchen is still in use.
Why order cabinets before demolition?
Custom cabinets can take up to about a month to arrive. We order them before demolition so the kitchen is not torn out while you wait for them.
Does the permit add time?
It can. When a permit is required, we prepare the submission and arrange the inspections. Ask us during planning how approvals may affect your start date.
What can make the work run into week four?
A larger scope, hidden conditions found once walls are open, a changed selection, or a late delivery can use the extra week. We tell you promptly when something changes.
Can I use the kitchen during construction?
Not the main kitchen. After demolition the space is a work zone, so set up a temporary station elsewhere in the house for the length of the work.