A kitchen remodel is one of the most rewarding home upgrades you can take on, but it’s also one of the most complex. The timeline depends on factors like your project’s scope, design process, permitting, subcontractor schedules, and even the age of your home.
Wade Caldwell Construction has been helping people remodel their kitchens in San Antonio for years. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical phases, what can speed things up (or slow them down), and how to plan for a smooth, stress-free renovation in San Antonio.
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For most homeowners in San Antonio, the average kitchen remodel timeline is around 3 to 5 months once design plans are complete and materials are ordered. That range reflects everything from demolition to the final punch list.
While the actual construction period may be shorter, the overall project schedule includes several key steps before anyone swings a hammer:
These pre-construction steps often surprise homeowners, but they’re a major reason why most kitchen remodel schedules in San Antonio run closer to three to five months than just a few weeks.
Not all kitchen remodels are created equal. The scope of work has a major impact on your kitchen remodel timeline in San Antonio.
A pull-and-replace kitchen remodel keeps your existing layout but updates the key surfaces and fixtures. This approach might include:
How long does a kitchen remodel like this take in San Antonio? Because no walls are moving and plumbing and electrical stay in place, this type of project moves quickly once materials arrive. The timeline to remodel a small kitchen in San Antonio is often 6 to 8 weeks after the design is finalized.
It’s an efficient choice if you want a major style upgrade without the cost and disruption of a full renovation.
A full gut kitchen remodel involves stripping the space down to the studs, reworking the layout, and installing all-new finishes. This type of project often includes:
How long does a high-end kitchen remodel take? Because of the complexity, a luxury kitchen remodel timeline in San Antonio is typically 4 to 5 months from demolition to final walk-through. This longer schedule allows for the extended lead times on custom cabinetry, intricate finish work, and the coordination of multiple subcontractors.
Wade Caldwell Construction knows kitchen remodels of all types. Download our Cost Guide today for more information to help you in your kitchen remodel journey.
While scope, design, and permitting are the biggest drivers of your kitchen remodel timeline in San Antonio, a few other elements can influence how quickly your project moves from concept to completion.
Older homes, especially those in historic San Antonio neighborhoods like Alamo Heights or Terrell Hills, may have outdated wiring, plumbing, or framing that needs updating to meet current code. Uncovering these issues during demolition can extend the average kitchen remodel timeline.
Choosing custom cabinetry, handmade tile, or imported stone adds a unique, high-end touch, but also increases lead times. Stock or semi-custom products can often be delivered within weeks, while custom orders may take 8–16 weeks.
Although much of a kitchen remodel happens indoors, certain phases like material deliveries, large appliance installs, or exterior wall work can be delayed by heavy rain or extreme heat, the latter of which is common in San Antonio.
Quick decision-making keeps the phases of a kitchen remodel moving forward. Delays in approving plans, finishes, or change orders can push the schedule back days or even weeks.
In some cases, overlapping trades (such as having painters work while cabinets are being installed) can shorten timelines. However, this requires careful coordination to avoid mistakes or rework.
By understanding these additional variables and working with a contractor who anticipates and plans for them you can better protect your kitchen renovation timeline in San Antonio and reduce stress throughout the process. Take a look at our portfolio to see that Wade Caldwell Construction knows how to guide you every step of the way.
Every remodel follows a series of steps, whether it’s a small update or a luxury overhaul. Knowing these phases helps you plan around the work and understand where time is spent.
Below is a step-by-step kitchen remodel phases timeline for a typical San Antonio project, so you know in what order a kitchen remodel is done.
|
Phase |
Description |
Estimated Duration |
|
Design and Planning |
Meet with one of our trusted referral designers or yours, create a layout, and make material selections. If you don’t already have a design, allow 1 to 3 months for plans before construction starts. |
2 to 12 weeks |
|
Permitting |
Submit plans to the City of San Antonio for approval. |
1 to 3 weeks |
|
Demolition |
Remove existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures. |
1 to 2 weeks |
|
Rough-In Work |
Update plumbing, electrical, and HVAC as needed. |
1 to 3 weeks |
|
Drywall and Flooring |
Install or repair walls, add new flooring. |
1 to 3 weeks |
|
Cabinetry and Countertops |
Install cabinets, template for countertops, fabrication, and installation. |
4 to 6 weeks for fabrication; 1 week for install |
|
Final Fixtures and Finishes |
Install appliances, lighting, backsplash, and paint. |
1 to 2 weeks |
|
Punch List and Walk-Through |
Complete final touch-ups and client approval. |
1 week |
Can you live in your house during all of these phases of a kitchen remodel? Yes, you can live in your home during a remodel, but expect dust, noise, and limited kitchen access. Many homeowners set up a temporary kitchen in another room with a microwave, small refrigerator, and portable cooktop to make day-to-day life easier.
One of the most important factors in keeping a kitchen remodel schedule in San Antonio on track is the team behind the work. Wade Caldwell Construction partners with a trusted network of subcontractors who understand our standards for craftsmanship, communication, and professionalism.
We collaborate with multiple types of designers to meet each client’s needs:
If you’re already working with your own designer, we’re happy to integrate them into the process. Having completed plans before our first construction meeting can save 1 to 3 months in the overall kitchen renovation timeline in San Antonio.
Because San Antonio’s best subcontractors book out weeks or even months in advance, we lock in their schedules early. This prevents the bottlenecks that can stall a remodel, such as waiting for an electrician after cabinets are installed.
Coordinating multiple trades in the right order is one of the most challenging parts of a remodel, and it’s where an experienced general contractor like Wade Caldwell Construction can make all the difference. When the right trades are lined up from the start, every phase of your kitchen remodel timeline moves more smoothly, saving you time, money, and frustration.
Even with the most organized kitchen remodel schedule in San Antonio, unexpected delays can happen. Understanding the most common causes and how to plan around them can help keep your project within the estimated average kitchen remodel timeline.
Changing your mind after construction begins can add weeks to your kitchen remodel timeline in San Antonio. Finalize your plans, finishes, and appliance selections before demolition starts to avoid costly schedule shifts.
Custom cabinets, specialty tile, and imported stone can take 8 to 12 weeks or more to arrive. We recommend ordering long-lead items early so they’re ready when needed.
How long does it take to get permits for a kitchen remodel in San Antonio? The kitchen remodel permitting timeline in San Antonio can vary from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on complexity, holidays, and workload at the city office. Submitting complete, accurate plans the first time greatly reduces the chance of delays.
High-demand trades like plumbers and electricians can book up quickly, especially during peak building seasons. We pre-schedule trusted trades to keep your step-by-step kitchen remodel timeline moving forward.
Adding a wall removal, built-in bar, or other upgrades mid-project can be exciting, but it often means re-engineering plans, updating permits, and rescheduling trades.
By anticipating these issues and making proactive choices, you can protect your luxury kitchen remodel timeline and enjoy your new space on schedule. Our job is to manage the moving parts so you don’t have to.
Understanding your kitchen remodel schedule in San Antonio helps you set realistic expectations, budget wisely, and enjoy a smoother process. With the right planning, design team, and subcontractor coordination, you can avoid common delays and keep your project moving toward the finish line.
Wade Caldwell Construction specializes in guiding homeowners through every phase from the first design meeting to the final walk-through. We always maintain clear communication and the elevated craftsmanship our clients expect.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams.