How long does a typical kitchen renovation take in New Brunswick?

A typical mid-range kitchen renovation in New Brunswick takes 4–8 weeks from the first day of demolition to final walkthrough, though the planning and lead time before work begins often adds another 6–16 weeks. The total timeline from the day you decide to renovate to the day you cook your first meal in the finished kitchen is commonly 4–6 months when you factor in contractor scheduling, cabinet lead times, and permit processing.

The planning phase is where most of the calendar disappears. Getting 3+ quotes, finalizing your design, choosing cabinets and countertops, ordering materials, and receiving permit approval all takes time — and in a market where good renovation contractors are busy, you may wait 8–16 weeks just to get your project on a contractor's schedule. Cabinet lead times are one of the biggest scheduling variables right now. Stock cabinets from suppliers like IKEA or local cabinet dealers can be available in 1–3 weeks. Semi-custom cabinets from Canadian suppliers typically run 6–10 weeks. Custom cabinetry from a local NB millwork shop can take 10–16 weeks. Knowing your cabinet lead time determines almost everything else about your project schedule.

Once work begins, the typical sequence for a NB kitchen renovation runs roughly like this: Week 1 covers demolition, removal of old cabinets, flooring, and any walls coming down. Weeks 2–3 handle rough-in work — any structural changes, electrical rough-in for new circuits and the panel upgrade if needed, plumbing rough-in for relocated sink or added fixtures, and HVAC modifications. This rough-in phase is also when TSANB inspections happen for electrical and plumbing work, which typically takes 2–5 business days to schedule. Weeks 3–4 bring cabinet installation, which is often the most satisfying week of the project. Week 4–5 involves countertop templating and fabrication — after cabinets are installed and level, the countertop fabricator templates the exact dimensions. Quartz and granite fabrication then takes 1–2 weeks. Week 5–6 sees countertop installation, backsplash tile work, flooring installation if not done in demo week, fixture connections, and appliance installation. Week 7–8 is for trim, touch-ups, cabinet hardware, lighting fixture installation, and final electrical and plumbing connections.

The biggest timeline killers in NB kitchen renovations are hidden discoveries during demo and scheduling delays at the rough-in phase. Opening walls in a 1960s or 1970s Fredericton or Saint John home may reveal knob-and-tube wiring that must be remediated before the renovation can proceed, or cast iron drain stack issues that add days of plumbing work. Asbestos in floor tiles or ceiling texture — common in NB homes built before 1980 — requires professional abatement that adds 1–2 weeks and $2,000–$6,000 to the project before your contractor can even begin demolition.

NB's seasons can also affect timing indirectly. If your renovation involves any structural work opening exterior walls — removing a window to add a pass-through, for example — scheduling that work during NB's shoulder seasons (October–April) means cold and moisture management become active concerns. Interior kitchen renovations proceed year-round without issue, but material deliveries in deep winter require that products are conditioned to room temperature before installation, particularly for flooring and cabinet materials.

Build buffer into your timeline from day one. If your contractor estimates 6 weeks, communicate with your family about planning for 8 weeks without a functional kitchen. A temporary kitchen setup — a folding table with a microwave, toaster oven, and kettle in another room — makes the disruption far more manageable. Most NB homeowners find the 4–8 week renovation window manageable with a bit of pre-planning, and the result is worth every week of the process.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Thirty Four Renovations
• Gionetterenovations