How Long Does a Kitchen Installation Take?

A kitchen installation is one of the most disruptive home improvements you can undertake, so understanding the timescale matters. The honest answer is: it depends on the scope of work. A straightforward kitchen replacement might take 3–5 days, while a full refit involving plumbing, tiling and significant carpentry work might take 7–10 days. Aaron will give you a realistic timeframe when quoting.

Typical Timelines

While every job is different, here are the general timeframes for common types of kitchen fitting work that Aaron carries out across Worcester and Worcestershire:

• Worktop replacement only — 1 day. Removing old worktops, cutting and fitting new ones, installing upstands and finishing. No unit changes.
• Straightforward kitchen replacement — 3–5 days. Same layout, old units removed and new units fitted, worktops installed, sink reconnected, splashback tiling.
• Full kitchen refit with layout changes — 7–10 days. Old kitchen stripped out, plumbing and/or electrics repositioned, new units fitted, worktops, full tiling, finishing and snagging.
• Full kitchen refit with extensive preparation — 10+ days. As above, plus replastering, floor levelling, or addressing issues discovered during strip-out. Common in older Worcester properties.

What Happens During Each Stage

Understanding the stages helps you see why the timescale is what it is, and where delays can occur if things are not planned properly:

1. Strip-out and preparation (Day 1)

The existing kitchen is removed — units, worktops, old tiles, old appliances. The space is cleared and the walls and floor are assessed. If preparation work is needed (making good plaster, levelling floors), this is done now. The time this takes depends entirely on the condition of the room.

2. First fix — plumbing and electrics (Day 1–2)

If the sink, dishwasher or washing machine are moving position, pipework is rerouted at this stage. Any electrical work — new sockets, lighting, cooker circuit, extractor — is carried out or arranged. If an electrician is needed, Aaron can coordinate this or work alongside your own. Because Aaron handles the plumbing himself, there is no waiting for a separate plumber.

3. Unit fitting (Days 2–4)

Base and wall units are assembled (if flat-pack) or positioned (if pre-assembled), then levelled and fixed to the walls. This is the core of the job and the part where precision matters most. Units that are not level lead to problems later — doors that do not close properly, worktops that do not sit flush, gaps that should not be there. Aaron takes the time to get this right.

4. Worktops and cut-outs (Days 3–5)

Worktops are measured, cut and fitted. Sink and hob cut-outs are made on site. Joints are bonded and sealed. Depending on the material — laminate, solid wood, granite or quartz — this stage can take anywhere from half a day to a full day or more. Specialist stone worktops may need templating and off-site cutting, which adds lead time before installation day.

5. Plumbing connections (Days 4–5)

Sink, waste, dishwasher and washing machine connections are made. Taps are fitted and tested. Because Aaron handles the plumbing as part of the kitchen fitting service, this happens immediately after the worktops go in — no waiting for a separate plumber to become available.

6. Tiling (Days 5–7)

Splashback or full wall tiling, floor tiling, and any patterned work (herringbone, geometric). Grouting and sealing follows. The time depends on the area being tiled and the complexity of the pattern. See the plumbing and tiling page for more.

7. Finishing and snagging (Days 7–10)

Cornice, pelmet and plinths are fitted. Filler panels are cut and installed. Doors and drawers are aligned. Silicone sealing is completed. A full snagging walk-round identifies and resolves any small issues. The workspace is tidied and the kitchen is handed over.

What Can Slow Things Down

Most kitchen installations go to plan, but some things can extend the timescale:

• Hidden issues — Damp, damaged plaster, rotten flooring or outdated wiring discovered during strip-out. These are not visible until the old kitchen is removed and can add a day or more depending on severity.
• Specialist worktops — Granite and quartz worktops typically require templating after the units are fitted, then off-site cutting, then a return visit for installation. This adds lead time between fitting the units and fitting the worktops.
• Electrical work — If a new cooker circuit, consumer unit upgrade, or significant rewiring is needed, this may require a certified electrician and Building Control notification, which has its own timeline.
• Delivery issues — Missing or damaged items from the kitchen supplier can hold things up. Aaron will check deliveries on arrival and flag anything missing, but resolving it depends on the supplier.
• Wall or floor condition — Uneven walls in period properties (common in areas like Battenhall or Claines) mean more time spent on preparation and making good before the new kitchen can go in.

How Aaron Keeps Things on Track

Because Aaron carries out every stage of the work personally — fitting, plumbing, tiling and carpentry — there are no scheduling gaps between trades. The single biggest cause of kitchen delays in the industry is one trade waiting for another to finish. With Aaron, that does not happen. He works on your job each day until it is complete, communicates what is happening each day, and does not juggle multiple jobs simultaneously.

When you request a quote, Aaron will assess the scope of work and give you a realistic, honest timeframe based on the specifics of your kitchen. He will also flag anything that could potentially add time, such as specialist worktops or the likely condition of walls in an older property.

Frequently Asked Questions

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