What to Expect During a Houston Kitchen Remodel
Most Houston homeowners don’t know what a kitchen remodel actually looks like from the inside. They’re surprised by the dust, the sequence, the permitting process, and how long things take. Understanding the process before you start eliminates 90% of the frustration.
MAV Design & Build has remodeled hundreds of Houston kitchens. Here’s exactly how our process works — phase by phase.
Phase 1: Free Consultation (Week 0)
Every MAV project starts with a free in-home consultation. We visit your Houston home to:
- Measure the existing kitchen exactly
- Assess structural conditions (load-bearing walls, plumbing locations, electrical panel)
- Discuss your goals, timeline, and budget
- Identify any challenges (outdated wiring, poor ventilation, water damage)
This consultation takes 60–90 minutes. We won’t push you to sign anything on the first visit.
Phase 2: 3D Design & Material Selection (Weeks 1–3)
After the consultation, our design team creates a photorealistic 3D rendering of your new kitchen. This is where you make all the big decisions before any work starts:
- Cabinet layout, style, and finish
- Countertop material and edge profile
- Backsplash tile selection
- Flooring material
- Lighting layout and fixture styles
- Appliance specifications
- Paint colors
The 3D design phase is iterative — you’ll typically go through 2–4 rounds of revisions until everything looks exactly right. This is where decisions happen, not on a jobsite where changes cost money.
Phase 3: Final Bid & Contract (Week 3–4)
Once design is approved, we produce a fixed-price contract with an itemized scope of work. The contract includes:
- Complete materials list with specifications
- Labor costs by trade
- Permit fees
- Project timeline with milestone dates
- Payment schedule tied to milestones
- Change order process
We don’t use vague lump-sum contracts. You know exactly what you’re paying for, and the price doesn’t change without your written approval.
Phase 4: Permitting (Weeks 4–8)
Most Houston kitchen remodels require permits — especially those involving electrical, plumbing, gas, or layout changes. The City of Houston building department review typically takes 4–8 weeks.
While permits are processing, we:
- Order custom cabinets (lead time: 4–8 weeks)
- Order specialty materials with long lead times
- Schedule subcontractors (plumber, electrician)
- Finalize appliance orders
We never start construction without approved permits.
Phase 5: Demolition (Week 1 of Construction)
Demolition is the loudest and dustiest phase — but it’s fast. A full kitchen demo typically takes 1–2 days. We:
- Protect adjacent spaces with plastic barriers and tape
- Remove cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring
- Photograph all rough-in locations for reference
- Identify any hidden issues (water damage, mold, out-of-date wiring) — these are addressed immediately with your approval before proceeding
Phase 6: Rough-In Work (Weeks 2–3)
After demo, licensed trades handle all rough-in work before walls are closed:
- Plumbing rough-in: Moving supply and drain lines to new locations
- Electrical rough-in: New circuits for appliances, GFCI outlets, under-cabinet lighting wiring
- Gas rough-in: If switching to gas cooktop or adding pot filler
- HVAC: Adjusting ductwork for new layout
All rough-in work is inspected by the City of Houston before walls are closed.
Phase 7: Drywall & Prep (Week 3–4)
After rough-in inspection approval:
- New drywall hung and finished
- Ceiling repairs and skim coat if needed
- Subfloor preparation for new flooring
- Primer coat on walls
Phase 8: Cabinet Installation (Weeks 4–5)
Cabinet installation is precision work — every cabinet must be level, plumb, and properly anchored. Our certified cabinet installers spend 2–4 days on a typical Houston kitchen:
- Base cabinets first, then wall cabinets
- Island cabinet installation
- Cabinet hardware installation
- Crown molding on upper cabinets
Phase 9: Countertop Template & Installation (Weeks 5–6)
After cabinets are installed, the countertop fabricator comes out to template. Then:
- Countertop fabrication: 5–10 business days
- Countertop installation: 1 day
- Sink cutout and undermount installation
- Caulk and seal
Phase 10: Tile, Flooring & Finish Work (Weeks 6–8)
- Backsplash tile installation (1–2 days)
- Flooring installation (1–2 days)
- Paint (final coat on walls, touch-ups)
- Trim and baseboard installation
- Lighting installation
Phase 11: Appliance Installation & Final Punch List (Week 8–10)
- Appliance installation by certified technicians
- Under-cabinet lighting wiring completion
- Plumbing fixtures (faucet, disposal)
- Cabinet door adjustments and hardware final check
- Final paint touch-ups
- Deep clean of the kitchen
Phase 12: Final Inspection & Walkthrough
The City of Houston conducts a final inspection for all permitted work. After passing inspection, we do a formal walkthrough with you — checking every cabinet, drawer, outlet, fixture, and finish. We don’t consider the job done until you sign off.
Total Timeline: 8–14 Weeks
A full kitchen remodel from signed contract to move-back takes 8–14 weeks in Houston, including permitting. Smaller jobs (cosmetic updates, no layout changes) take 4–6 weeks.
What You Need to Do During a Kitchen Remodel
- Set up a temporary kitchen: Microwave, toaster oven, mini fridge in another room
- Make decisions quickly: Material selection delays are the #1 cause of timeline overruns
- Be available for questions: Your project manager may have 2–3 questions per week that need your input
- Keep your pets secured: Open doors, power tools, and materials are hazardous to pets
Ready to start your Houston kitchen remodel? Call (832) 532-6829 or schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in my house during a kitchen remodel in Houston?
Yes — the vast majority of Houston homeowners live in their homes during kitchen remodels. We maintain clean jobsite conditions and restore temporary functionality between phases where possible.
What’s the most common cause of kitchen remodel delays in Houston?
Cabinet lead times (4–8 weeks) and permit review times (4–8 weeks) are the biggest schedule drivers. Material selection delays by homeowners are the #1 controllable cause of delays.
How do you handle unexpected problems discovered during demo?
When we discover hidden issues (water damage, mold, outdated electrical), we stop, document, and contact you immediately with a written change order before proceeding. We never make decisions or add costs without your approval.