Kitchen Renovation Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take in Melbourne?

When you're planning a kitchen renovation, one of the most common—and crucial—questions is: “How long is this going to take?”

It’s a fair question. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and being without it, even temporarily, requires adjustment. The truth is, the timeline for a kitchen renovation can vary greatly depending on the scope, complexity, and how well everything is planned.

As experienced kitchen renovation specialists in Melbourne, here’s what you can realistically expect.

General Kitchen Renovation Timeframes

Minor Renovations: 2–4 Weeks

If your project is mainly cosmetic—new splashbacks, appliances, paint, lighting or benchtop upgrades—you’re looking at a relatively fast turnaround. With proper scheduling, minor works can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks.

Medium Renovations: 4–8 Weeks

For updates involving partial demolition, new cabinetry, some plumbing and electrical adjustments, but keeping the existing layout, a 4–8 week timeframe is typical. This is the most common type of kitchen renovation in Melbourne homes.

Full-Scale Renovations: 6–12+ Weeks

If you’re planning to change the entire layout, install custom cabinetry, relocate plumbing and electrical points, and completely redesign the space—expect anywhere between 6 to 12 weeks. Larger homes or more bespoke finishes can even push this further.

Typical Kitchen Renovation Timeline Breakdown

Every step is important. Even with excellent planning, delays can occur due to material lead times, hidden structural issues, or trade availability.

Factors That Affect Renovation Timelines

1. Scope of Work

The more structural and layout changes you make, the more time the project will take. Moving plumbing or knocking down walls adds layers of complexity.

2. Custom vs Ready-Made

Custom cabinetry and stone benchtops often take longer to manufacture. If you’re after a truly bespoke look, expect to wait several weeks for delivery and installation.

3. Permit Requirements

Structural work or major plumbing changes may require council permits. While not always necessary, if permits are involved, they can add a few weeks depending on approval times.

4. Trade Scheduling

Coordinating multiple trades—plumbers, electricians, cabinetmakers, tilers, painters—is a bit like conducting an orchestra. Delays in one area can affect everything that follows.

5. Material Availability

Certain finishes and fittings can be delayed if they’re not in stock. That’s why finalising your selections early is critical to avoiding holdups.

How to Keep Your Renovation On Track

• Plan Early: The earlier you start the planning and design process, the smoother the rest of the renovation will be.
  
• Lock in Selections Upfront: Choose your cabinetry, tiles, fixtures, and appliances before any work begins.
  
• Avoid Last-Minute Changes: Changing your mind mid-renovation can cause major setbacks and additional costs.
  
• Trust an Experienced Team: A professional renovation team will schedule trades effectively and communicate clearly throughout the project.
  
• Allow for Contingencies: Always plan a buffer of 1–2 extra weeks. Life happens—unexpected issues like hidden water damage or supplier delays can occur even in the best-run projects.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I begin planning my renovation?

You should begin the design and planning process at least 2–3 months before your desired start date. This allows time for design finalisation, quoting, ordering materials, and organising trades.

Can I stay in my home during the renovation?

In most cases, yes—but you’ll need a temporary kitchen setup elsewhere in your home. If you're doing a full gut renovation, some homeowners choose to move out temporarily to avoid disruption.

What’s the fastest way to complete a kitchen renovation?

Stick to the existing layout, choose in-stock materials, and work with a renovation team that offers full project management. This allows for tighter scheduling and minimal waiting.

What’s the most common cause of delays?

Late changes to design or material selection, permit approvals, and delays in custom cabinetry or stone benchtop manufacturing are the most common causes.

Do I need permits for kitchen renovations in Melbourne?

Not always. For cosmetic changes, permits aren’t required. However, structural changes, moving plumbing, or major electrical work may need permits, which your renovation partner can organise.

Let Apadana Design Guide You

At Apadana Design, we don’t just renovate—we manage your project end-to-end with a proven process and honest communication. Whether you’re planning a small refresh or a full transformation, we’ll give you a clear, realistic timeline so you know exactly what to expect.

We understand Melbourne homes, and more importantly, Melbourne homeowners—your schedule, your standards, and your lifestyle.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a tailored renovation timeline for your dream kitchen.