How long does a kitchen remodel take, and where do you live in the meantime?
A realistic phase-by-phase kitchen remodel timeline for Scottsdale and Cave Creek homes, what causes delays, how to set up a temporary kitchen, and what snowbirds should plan before leaving mid-project.
- Reading
- 3 minutes
The short answer
Design and ordering take longer than construction. The demolition week is the shortest part of the schedule.
- Phases: design, ordering, construction, finishing
- 4
- Cabinets, stone and appliances set the real schedule
- Lead time
- Temporary kitchen setup saves weeks of takeout
- 1
- Complete drawings before bids prevent most delays
- Drawings
Where does the time actually go?
Most of the calendar is spent before anyone picks up a hammer. Design decisions, permit review and material lead times take the longest. Custom cabinets and stone slabs can take weeks or months to arrive, and a missing appliance can hold up the whole job.
In Scottsdale, summer is a good time to plan, because many homeowners are away and trades have more availability. Cave Creek and Carefree homeowners who are full-time residents should plan for the long driveway logistics in the post on septic, well and propane considerations.
The four phases
| Phase | What happens | What can slow it down |
|---|---|---|
| Design and drawings | Layout, finishes, appliances, drawings | Late decisions, changing appliances |
| Permits and ordering | City review, orders placed | Review comments, long lead times |
| Construction | Demo, rough-in, cabinets, counters, finish | Hidden conditions, inspection scheduling |
| Finishing | Punch list, paint touch-up, cleaning | Damaged or missing items |
Durations vary widely by scope and lead times. Ask your designer and contractor for a written schedule.
Four ways to live through a remodel
Pick your setup before demolition day, not after.
- 01
Temporary kitchen in another room
Arizona fit: 5 out of 5- Best for
- Families staying home during the remodel
- Why it works
- A fridge, microwave, hot plate and a folding table in the dining room or garage covers most meals.
- Watch out
- Keep it away from dust. Seal the construction zone.
- 02
Outdoor kitchen as the temporary kitchen
Arizona fit: 3 out of 5- Best for
- Homes that already have a built-in grill
- Why it works
- Winter and spring evenings make an outdoor kitchen a workable solution.
- Watch out
- Not practical in July. Plan for the season.
- 03
Stay in a guest suite or casita
Arizona fit: 4 out of 5- Best for
- Properties with a second living space
- Why it works
- Separates you from dust and noise.
- Watch out
- Check that the casita has its own cooling and a place to cook.
- 04
Move out for the messy weeks
Arizona fit: 3 out of 5- Best for
- Full remodels with structural work
- Why it works
- Demolition and rough-in are the loudest phases, and some households choose to be away.
- Watch out
- Plan pet and mail arrangements. Keep a key and a contact.
Do it yourself
DIY: set up a temporary kitchen in one afternoon
A simple setup makes the whole project easier on the household.
- Time
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- $50–$150
You will need
- Folding table
- Mini fridge or your old fridge
- Microwave
- Hot plate or toaster oven
- Dish tub
- Plastic bins
Choose a room near water
A laundry room or bathroom sink works for washing up.
Set up the appliances
Use dedicated outlets and avoid overloading a circuit.
Pack the pantry into bins
Keep only the items you will use.
Seal off the work zone
Use plastic sheeting and tape at doorways, and cover vents.
Do you need drawings before bids?
Yes, for anything more than a refresh. Drawings let every contractor price the same job, and they surface problems on paper rather than on site. Our guide to residential drafting services explains what to expect. When opening a wall is part of the plan, our post on removing a wall in a Scottsdale home covers the questions to settle first.
What does it cost to remodel a kitchen and open the wall to the living room? It depends on scope, structure and finishes. We don’t quote a number here, because it would mislead. Ask for itemized bids built from the same drawings, and you’ll be able to compare them. See our kitchen and bath design services for how we scope projects.
Before you build
Check your own city's rules
Permits, zoning and setbacks are set by the city or town, and they change. Use these official pages to confirm what applies to your lot before you order materials or sign a contract.
Check paperwork you already have
Your parcel number (APN) is printed on your county property tax statement and usually on your deed or title documents.
Or search by address
The Maricopa County Assessor lets you search by street address or owner name and returns the parcel number.
Use it on the city tools
Scottsdale, Phoenix and Cave Creek map and permit tools accept an address, and many also accept a parcel number.
These are links to official government sites, not advice. Requirements depend on your lot, zoning and the scope of work, so confirm with the city or town and your designer before you start.
Where it matters
Scottsdale
Many Old Town and McCormick Ranch homeowners plan remodels for the summer months when trades have more availability.
Cave Creek
Long drives and rural utilities add steps to the schedule. Plan deliveries and utilities early.
Phoenix
Arcadia and Biltmore remodels often involve older homes where hidden conditions add time.
FAQ
Questions, answered
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Scottsdale?
Longer than most people expect, because design, permits and lead times come first. Ask your contractor for a written schedule that separates each phase.
Where should I live while the kitchen is being remodeled?
Most families set up a temporary kitchen in another room. If you have a casita or guest suite, that works well too.
Do I need drawings or a designer before I get contractor bids?
For anything beyond a refresh, yes. Drawings let every contractor price the same scope.
What should a snowbird plan for before leaving mid-remodel?
Agree in writing on access, approvals and progress updates, and arrange for dated photos.
What does it cost to remodel a kitchen and open the wall to the living room?
It depends on scope, structure and finishes. Get itemized bids built from the same drawings.
