Most kitchen renovations run 4 to 8 weeks of active work. The stages move in order: design and permits, demolition, rough-in for plumbing and electrical, cabinets and counters, then finishes. Permits can take weeks to months and often run alongside the early work. A condo adds board approval and building logistics, which stretch the start date.

What Are the Stages of a Kitchen Renovation?

A kitchen comes apart and goes back together in a set order. Each stage depends on the one before it, so a delay early on pushes everything that follows.

• Design and permits. Drawings, material choices, and the paperwork the city needs before any wall comes down.
• Demolition. The old cabinets, counters, and finishes come out. This is usually the fastest stage, often a few days.
• Rough-in. Plumbing and electrical get moved or added inside the walls and floor. Inspections often happen here.
• Cabinets and counters. Boxes go in, then the counter is measured, cut, and set. Counters are usually templated after cabinets are installed, which adds a wait.
• Finishes. Backsplash, paint, hardware, fixtures, and the final cleanup.

How Long Do Permits Take?

Permits are the part most homeowners underestimate. They can take a few weeks or stretch into months, depending on the city’s queue and how much your plan changes the plumbing, wiring, or structure. The good news is that permit review can run in parallel with design choices and ordering materials, so the calendar does not sit idle the whole time. Plan for the permit, then build around it.

Why Do Condos Take Longer?

A condo kitchen follows the same stages, but two extra layers sit on top. First, the building’s board has to approve the work, and that can mean a written submission and a wait for the next meeting. Second, the building controls logistics: elevator booking for materials, set work hours, and rules about water shut-offs. None of this is hard. It just needs to be lined up before the first day of demolition.

What Can Push the Timeline?

A few things commonly add days or weeks. Knowing them ahead of time keeps surprises small.

• Back-ordered materials. Cabinets and stone counters have lead times. Order early.
• Hidden problems. Old plumbing or wiring behind a wall can need repair once it is exposed.
• Layout changes mid-project. Moving a sink or stove changes the rough-in and can trigger a fresh inspection.
• Inspection scheduling. Work pauses until the inspector signs off on the rough-in.

What Should You Do Next?

The clearest first step is a written, itemised quote that lists the stages and a realistic start date for your kitchen. That tells you what the work covers, where the permit sits in the schedule, and how a condo’s rules fit in. See our kitchen renovation in Toronto page for what the process looks like, or call (289) 260-3971 to talk through your kitchen and the timeline that fits it.