What to Expect During a Kitchen Remodel: the 9 Steps, Explained
Where the money actually goes, why the countertop wait exists, and how long each phase really takes — from a crew that has remodeled 400+ Northern Virginia homes.
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The 9 steps of a kitchen remodel
Design & decisions
Layout (U-shape, L-shape, island), cabinet plan, appliance locations. This is where the make-or-break call happens: moving gas, plumbing, or the electrical panel is decided here — and it's the #1 price lever of the whole project.
Permits
Needed whenever plumbing, electrical, or walls move. A Fairfax County full-remodel package typically runs $800–1,500; we produce the drawings, file, and schedule inspections.
Demolition (1–2 days)
Floors and pathways protected, then cabinets, countertops, appliances, and old flooring come out.
Rough-in: plumbing & electrical (1–3 days)
Moving the sink along the same wall runs about $500–1,200; across the room $1,000–3,000. New circuits and code upgrades happen now, followed by the first county inspection.
Walls & flooring
Drywall repairs, paint, and new flooring (see our flooring guide for materials and prices).
Cabinet installation (1–2 days)
The biggest single budget item at 25–35% of the total: stock cabinets run about $100–500 per linear foot, semi-custom $400–800, custom $500–1,500+. Refacing existing boxes ($4K–9K) is the budget shortcut when the layout works.
Countertop template & fabrication (5–10 day wait)
Counters are measured only after cabinets are in, then cut at the fabricator — laminate $20–50/sq ft, granite $50–100, quartz $65–120. We schedule backsplash prep and other finish work during the wait so no days are wasted.
Backsplash, appliances & hardware
The visual finish layer: tile backsplash, appliance hookups, handles and pulls.
Final walkthrough
Punch-list check together, then a 2-year workmanship warranty on our work.
Realistic timelines (2026)
| Scope | On-site work | Full project incl. permits & fabrication |
|---|---|---|
| Same layout, new finishes | 2–3 weeks | 3–4 weeks |
| Layout or plumbing/electric changes | 3–4 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
For full price tiers (refresh → luxury, turnkey and labor-only), see our kitchen remodeling price page. Every project is quoted individually in writing.
Turnkey or labor-only — your choice
Turnkey means we supply everything. Labor-only means you buy the cabinets, counters, and appliances you love, and we handle demolition, installation, and all the trades — it typically costs a fraction of turnkey and keeps material choices fully in your hands.
Recent NoVA kitchens by our crew
All photos are NWP projects, published with client permission. See the full project gallery →
Kitchen process FAQ
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Same-layout remodels: 2–3 weeks on site. Layout or plumbing/electric changes: 4–6 weeks for the full project, including permits and the 5–10 day countertop fabrication wait.
Do I need a permit in Fairfax County?
Not for cosmetic swaps in the same layout. Yes for moving plumbing, gas, electrical, or walls — typically $800–1,500 for a full package, which we handle end to end.
What's the biggest cost driver?
Whether the layout moves, then cabinet grade (25–35% of budget). Keeping the sink and stove in place is the single biggest saver.
Can I live at home during the remodel?
Almost everyone does — we contain dust and keep a walkway clear. Set up a microwave-and-coffee station in another room for the stretch between demo and cabinets.
Planning a kitchen project?
Chat with us 24/7 (English · 中文 · Español), send a short video of your kitchen, and get a ballpark on the spot.
💬 Chat now at nwp2015.com 📞 703-485-6378