How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take in Virginia Beach?
Timeline, permits, and what to expect from start to finish
One of the first questions we hear from homeowners is simple:
How long will my kitchen remodel actually take?
The answer depends on the size of the project, material selections, and permitting requirements — but most kitchen remodels in Virginia Beach take 6 to 12 weeks once construction begins.
The key is understanding what happens during each phase, and where delays can occur.
Here’s a realistic timeline from a licensed Virginia Beach remodeling contractor.
Phase 1: Planning & Design (2–4 weeks)
Before demo starts, the layout, materials, and scope must be finalized.
This includes:
Cabinet selection
Appliance specifications
Layout adjustments
Electrical and plumbing planning
Ordering materials with long lead times
Cabinets are often the longest lead item. Depending on the manufacturer, lead times can range from 3 to 8 weeks, especially with custom options.
Planning properly prevents delays later.
Phase 2: Permits & Scheduling (1–3 weeks)
Most kitchen remodels in Virginia Beach require permits, especially if electrical, plumbing, or structural work is involved.
This ensures the work meets local building codes and safety standards.
Working with an experienced contractor helps streamline the approval process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Phase 3: Demolition (2–5 days)
This is when the visible transformation begins.
During demolition, we remove:
Cabinets
Countertops
Flooring
Fixtures
Drywall if needed
This phase moves quickly, but it sets the stage for everything that follows.
Phase 4: Rough-In Work (1–2 weeks)
This includes:
Electrical updates
Plumbing adjustments
Structural framing if needed
HVAC modifications
After rough-in work, required inspections must be completed before moving forward.
This ensures everything is safe, compliant, and built to last.
Phase 5: Installation (2–4 weeks)
This phase includes:
Cabinet installation
Countertops
Flooring
Tile backsplash
Lighting fixtures
Trim and finishing details
Cabinet installation is one of the most important milestones because everything else builds off of it.
Phase 6: Final Inspections & Completion (1 week)
Final inspections ensure all work meets Virginia Beach code requirements.
Once approved, final touch-ups and cleaning complete the project.
Your kitchen is ready to use.
What Can Affect Your Kitchen Remodel Timeline?
Several factors can influence how long your renovation takes:
Permit approval timelines
Custom cabinet lead times
Inspection scheduling
Coastal supply chain availability
Change orders during construction
In coastal areas like Virginia Beach, material delivery timelines can vary, especially during busy construction seasons.
Working with an experienced local contractor helps minimize these delays.
How Communication Keeps Projects on Track
One of the biggest causes of delays in kitchen remodels is lack of communication.
That’s why we use Buildertrend project management software to keep clients informed with:
Real-time updates
Daily progress logs
Scheduling visibility
Photo documentation
This ensures homeowners always know what’s happening — and what’s next.
No guessing. No surprises.
The Bottom Line
Most kitchen remodels in Virginia Beach take 6 to 12 weeks during construction, plus planning and permitting time beforehand.
The best way to ensure a smooth, efficient renovation is working with an experienced Virginia Beach remodeling contractor who understands local codes, scheduling, and material timelines.
At Tidewater Structures, we focus on clear communication, strong planning, and quality craftsmanship to deliver kitchens built to last.
