How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take in Surrey?
A kitchen renovation in Surrey typically takes between three and ten weeks from the start of work on site to completion. The exact timeline depends on the scope of the project, whether structural changes are involved, and how long it takes to source materials and appliances.
Many Surrey homeowners significantly underestimate how long a kitchen renovation takes. Getting the timeline right from the start allows you to plan around the disruption, make temporary arrangements for cooking, and avoid the frustration of an open kitchen dragging on longer than expected.
Kitchen Renovation Timeline at a Glance
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
| Design and planning | 2 to 6 weeks | Design meetings, drawings, material selection, appliance ordering |
| Planning permission (if required) | 8 weeks | Only needed if structural changes or extension involved |
| Building regulations (if required) | 2 to 4 weeks | Required for structural changes, new electrics, or gas work |
| Strip out | 1 to 3 days | Existing kitchen removed, floor and wall prep begins |
| First fix: structural, electrics, plumbing | 1 to 2 weeks | Structural changes, new electrics run, plumbing repositioned |
| Plastering and drying time | 4 to 7 days work, plus 1 to 2 weeks drying | Walls skimmed and allowed to fully dry before fitting |
| Flooring | 1 to 3 days | Laid before or after units depending on type |
| Kitchen unit installation | 2 to 5 days | Carcasses fitted, doors and drawers hung |
| Worktop fitting | 1 to 2 days | Templating, cutting, and installation |
| Appliance installation | 1 to 2 days | Oven, hob, extractor, dishwasher, fridge connected |
| Tiling | 2 to 4 days | Splashback and any tiled areas fitted and grouted |
| Second fix: final electrics and plumbing | 1 to 2 days | Sockets, switches, lighting, taps, and sink connected |
| Snagging and finishing | 1 to 2 days | Final checks, adjustments, and handover |
What Determines How Long Your Kitchen Takes?
Scope of the project
A straightforward like-for-like kitchen replacement where the layout stays the same, no walls move, and the plumbing and electrics stay roughly in the same positions is the quickest type of renovation. Three to five weeks on site is realistic for this type of project.
A full kitchen renovation involving an extension, removal of a wall, repositioned plumbing, a new boiler, or underfloor heating takes significantly longer. Projects of this complexity routinely take eight to twelve weeks on site, not including the design and planning phase.
The plastering drying time
One of the most commonly underestimated delays in a kitchen renovation is plaster drying time. Freshly plastered walls need at least two weeks to dry fully before they are suitable for tiling or fitting kitchen units. Fitting units against wet plaster causes staining, adhesion failures, and sometimes mould. Rushing this stage costs time and money later.
Lead times for appliances and worktops
Bespoke worktops, particularly stone or engineered quartz surfaces, typically have a lead time of two to four weeks from templating to delivery and installation. Built-in appliances from premium brands can have lead times of three to eight weeks. These items need to be ordered early in the design process to avoid holding up the installation.
| Grand Innovations approach
We coordinate all trades, material deliveries, and appliance installations as part of the project management. Worktops and appliances are ordered at the design sign-off stage to ensure they arrive when needed and do not delay the programme. |
Structural changes
If the kitchen renovation involves removing a wall, creating an opening, installing a steel beam, or adding a roof lantern above a knocked-through space, additional time is required for structural calculations, building regulations approval, and the structural work itself. Wall removal and steelwork typically add one to two weeks to the programme.
Week by Week: A Typical Surrey Kitchen Renovation
Weeks 1 to 2: Design and ordering
Initial design meeting, layout agreed, materials and appliances selected and ordered. Building regulations application submitted if required.
Week 3: Strip out and preparation
Existing kitchen removed. Structural work begins if walls are moving. Services (electrics, plumbing, gas) capped off safely.
Weeks 4 to 5: First fix
New stud walls built if required. First fix electrics run. Plumbing repositioned. Underfloor heating installed if specified. Walls prepared for plastering.
Week 6: Plastering and drying
Walls and ceiling skimmed. Begin two-week drying period. Flooring prep continues where possible.
Week 7: Flooring and prep
Floor laid where not dependent on kitchen units. Final checks on electrical and plumbing positions before units go in.
Week 8: Kitchen installation
Units fitted, doors and drawers hung. Worktop templated and ordered for final measurement (if stone). Appliances positioned but not yet connected.
Week 9: Worktops, tiling, and second fix
Worktops installed. Splashback tiling completed. Second fix electrics and plumbing connected. Appliances commissioned.
Week 10: Snagging and handover
Final adjustments, touch-up decoration, cleaning, and handover.
How to Minimise Disruption During a Kitchen Renovation
- Set up a temporary kitchen in another room with a microwave, kettle, and mini fridge
- Discuss daily working hours with your contractor so you know when tradespeople will be on site
- Store essential items you will need during the renovation before the strip-out begins
- If you have young children, consider whether staying elsewhere during the most disruptive phases makes sense
- Ask your contractor for a detailed programme before work starts so you can plan around key milestones
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a full kitchen renovation take in Surrey?
A full kitchen renovation in Surrey, including design, ordering, and on-site work, typically takes six to ten weeks from start to finish. A straightforward replacement without structural changes can complete in three to five weeks. A complex project involving an extension or wall removal can take twelve weeks or more.
How long does kitchen plastering take to dry?
Freshly plastered walls should be allowed to dry for a minimum of two weeks before tiling or fitting kitchen units. In a damp or poorly ventilated kitchen, drying can take longer. Rushing this stage is one of the most common causes of delays and quality problems in kitchen renovations.
How long does it take to fit a kitchen once the room is ready?
Fitting the kitchen units, worktops, and appliances in a room that is fully plastered, wired, and plumbed typically takes four to seven working days depending on the size and complexity of the kitchen. Large kitchens with island units or complex layouts take longer.
Do I need planning permission for a kitchen renovation?
In most cases, no. A like-for-like kitchen renovation within the existing room does not require planning permission. If the renovation involves removing a wall that affects the external appearance of the house, or if it is part of a larger extension project, planning permission may be required.
Can I live in my house during a kitchen renovation?
Yes, most Surrey homeowners live in their house throughout a kitchen renovation. It is worth setting up a temporary kitchen space and accepting that access to the kitchen will be limited during the build. Grand Innovations plans the programme to minimise the period when you are without any cooking facilities.
Ready to Transform Your Surrey Kitchen?
Grand Innovations designs and builds bespoke kitchens across Surrey. We manage the entire project from first design meeting to final handover, coordinating all trades and deliveries so you know exactly when your kitchen will be complete.
Free consultation, itemised proposal within 24 hours, no large deposits required.
Start your kitchen project today and we will walk through your timeline and budget at no cost.
