What happens first during a kitchen renovation?

The first stage is usually removing the existing kitchen and carrying out first fix plumbing and electrical work. This prepares the room for plastering, floor preparation and the new kitchen installation.

Does plastering happen before a new kitchen is fitted?

Yes, in many kitchen renovations plastering is completed before the new kitchen is fitted. This helps create a clean, smooth finish once old units and tiles have been removed and any plumbing or electrical changes have been made.

When is flooring installed during a kitchen renovation?

Flooring is often installed towards the end of the project, once the main kitchen installation and decorating have been completed. This helps protect the floor from damage during earlier stages of the renovation.

Can a kitchen renovation take longer than two weeks?

Yes, some kitchen renovations can take longer than two weeks, especially if they involve structural changes, additional building work, custom materials or delivery delays. The exact timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project.

How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take in Cardiff?

Q: How long does a kitchen renovation take in Cardiff?

Most kitchen renovations in Cardiff take around 10 to 14 days, depending on the level of work involved. This usually includes removing the existing kitchen, first fix plumbing and electrics, plastering, installation, decorating and flooring.

Apr 8
3 min read

One of the most common questions we get is: how long will a kitchen renovation actually take?

For most projects across Cardiff and South Wales, a typical kitchen renovation takes around 10–14 days, depending on the level of work involved. Some kitchens can be completed quicker, while others, especially those involving structural changes, may take a little longer.

Having completed hundreds of kitchen renovations, we follow a clear, structured process that keeps everything running smoothly and avoids unnecessary delays.

Below is a realistic breakdown of what you can expect during a kitchen renovation.

Typical Kitchen Renovation Timeline

Every kitchen is different, but most follow a similar sequence of work.

Day 1–2: Removing the Existing Kitchen & First Fix Plumbing and Electrics

We start by removing the old kitchen and preparing the space for the new installation.

This includes:

Removing cabinets, worktops and appliances
Disconnecting existing plumbing and electrics
Clearing the room ready for new work

At the same time, we carry out first fix plumbing and electrical work, adjusting pipework and wiring to suit the new kitchen layout.

Getting this stage right early on helps avoid issues later in the project.

Day 3–4: Plastering and Floor Preparation

Once the old kitchen has been removed and first fix work completed, the room is prepared ready for installation.

Many kitchens require plastering at this stage, particularly where tiles or units have been removed. This creates a clean, smooth finish for the new cabinetry.

This stage may include:

Plastering walls
Reboarding walls
Overboarding or replacing ceilings
Preparing the floor, including latex where required

Allowing proper drying time here is important to ensure a high-quality finish.

Day 5–9: Kitchen Delivery and Installation

Once the space is ready, the new kitchen is delivered and installation begins.

This is where everything starts to come together. During this stage we install:

Base and wall units
Cabinetry and internal components
Appliance housings

Because we’ve installed hundreds of kitchens across Cardiff and South Wales, including systems from Wren Kitchens and Nobilia, we’re very familiar with different layouts and specifications, which helps keep installation efficient and accurate.

Day 9: Plumbing and Electrical Connections

Once the main installation is complete, we return to complete second fix plumbing and electrics.

This includes:

Connecting sinks and taps
Installing and connecting appliances
Finalising sockets, switches and lighting

At this stage, the kitchen becomes fully functional.

Day 10: Painting and Decorating

With the main installation complete, decorating can begin.

This may include:

Painting walls and ceilings
Finishing around units and edges
Final touch-ups

These finishing details help bring the whole space together.

Day 11: Flooring Installation

Flooring is typically installed towards the end of the project to avoid damage during earlier stages.

This could include:

LVT flooring
Tiling
Laminate or engineered wood

Once the flooring is down, the kitchen is essentially complete.

What Can Affect the Timeline?

While most kitchen renovations follow this timeline, a few factors can extend the duration slightly:

Structural changes (such as removing walls)
Additional building work
Custom worktops or specialist materials
Delays in deliveries

We always aim to plan ahead and minimise disruption wherever possible.

Planning Before the Work Begins

It’s important to remember that the renovation timeline above refers to the installation phase only.

Before this, there is usually a planning stage which includes:

Finalising your kitchen design
Ordering materials and appliances
Scheduling the work

Once everything is ready on site, we can begin the installation and keep the project moving.

Kitchen Renovations in Cardiff & South Wales

We’re based in Cardiff and carry out kitchen renovations across South Wales, working with a range of kitchen suppliers and designs.

Whether you’ve chosen a kitchen from Wren, Nobilia or another supplier, we manage the full installation process to make sure everything runs smoothly and is completed to a high standard.

Thinking About Renovating Your Kitchen

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Cardiff or South Wales and want a clear idea of timings for your project, we’re always happy to talk things through.

With the right planning and an experienced team, most kitchen renovations are far more straightforward, and quicker than people expect.

Get in touch to start planning your new kitchen