One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Limerick and Clare is: “How long will my kitchen renovation actually take?” The honest answer depends on the scope of the work, the condition of the existing kitchen, and whether any structural or services changes are needed. This guide gives you a realistic week-by-week overview of a typical kitchen renovation timeline based on the projects we complete at AR Construction.
Whether you are replacing like-for-like or carrying out a more involved refit, knowing the stages in advance helps you plan around family life and reduce stress. If you are also thinking about updating your bathroom at the same time, many clients choose to combine both projects — details are on our bathroom and kitchen renovations page for Limerick and Clare.
Typical Overall Timescale
For a standard full kitchen renovation in a Limerick home (complete strip-out, new units, worktops, appliances, basic plumbing and electrical adjustments), most projects take between 10 and 15 working days on site. More complex jobs involving layout changes, structural alterations, or high-spec finishes can run to 3 weeks.
Below is a realistic breakdown of how the work usually progresses.
Week 0 – Planning, Survey and Ordering (Before Work Starts)
This stage happens before any tools arrive in your home and is often the most important for keeping the project on schedule.
- Site survey and accurate measuring
- Finalising the layout and specification
- Confirming the quotation and deposit
- Ordering units, worktops and appliances (lead times can be 3–6 weeks depending on the supplier)
We always recommend finalising decisions early. Changes made after materials have been ordered are the most common reason timelines slip.
Days 1–2 – Strip-Out and Preparation
The existing kitchen is carefully removed. We protect floors and doorways, disconnect services, and take everything away for proper disposal. Once the room is empty we check the walls, floor and services.
It is quite common in older Limerick properties to discover that plaster needs attention or that electrics would benefit from upgrading while everything is accessible. These issues are dealt with at this stage so they do not cause delays later.
Days 3–5 – First Fix and Making Good
Any plumbing or electrical alterations are completed. Walls are prepared, and if needed, plastering or boarding is carried out. The room is left clean, level and ready for the new kitchen to go in.
If underfloor services or significant pipe runs are required, this stage can take a little longer.
Days 6–9 – Unit Installation
The base and wall units are installed, checked for level, and secured. This is the stage where the new kitchen starts to take shape. We work methodically, room by room, ensuring everything is square and solid before moving on.
Appliance housing and any tall units are fitted at this point so that final connections can be planned accurately.
Days 10–12 – Worktops, Sink and Appliances
Worktops are templated (if solid surface or stone) or cut and fitted. The sink, taps, hob and remaining appliances are installed and connected. Plumbing and electrical final connections are completed and tested.
This is often the most satisfying stage for clients — the kitchen suddenly becomes usable again.
Days 13–15 – Finishing, Snagging and Clean-Up
Cornice, plinths, end panels and decorative finishes go on. Any tiling, silicone work and final adjustments are completed. We carry out a full quality check, test every appliance and fitting, and then clean the kitchen thoroughly so it is ready for immediate use.
A short handover takes place where we explain any care requirements and answer remaining questions.
What Can Affect the Timeline?
Several practical factors regularly influence how long a kitchen renovation takes in Limerick homes:
- Condition of the existing space – Older properties sometimes need extra preparation work once the old kitchen is removed
- Layout changes – Moving plumbing or electrics adds time
- Material lead times – Specialty worktops or custom units can extend the pre-start period
- Access and working hours – We work efficiently but always respect the household
- Combined projects – When a bathroom is renovated at the same time, the overall programme is coordinated carefully
We provide a clear projected timescale with every quotation and keep you updated if anything changes.
Can You Stay in the House During the Work?
Yes, the vast majority of our clients remain living at home throughout a kitchen renovation. We create a temporary setup where possible (a basic work surface and access to water) and keep the rest of the house clean and accessible. Good communication and daily tidy-ups make a noticeable difference to how manageable the process feels.
How to Keep Your Kitchen Renovation on Schedule
From the projects we complete across Limerick, Castletroy, Dooradoyle, Raheen and into Clare, the kitchens that finish closest to the original timeline share a few common habits:
- Final decisions on units, worktops and appliances are locked in early
- The existing kitchen is cleared of personal items before we arrive
- One person in the household is available for quick decisions if needed
- Any additional work (tiling, flooring, decorating) is planned as part of the same programme
Ready to Plan Your Kitchen Renovation Timeline?
If you would like a realistic timescale for a kitchen renovation in your Limerick or Clare home, the best next step is a site survey. We will assess the space, discuss the scope of work, and give you a clear projected programme along with an itemised quotation.
Many of our kitchen projects form part of a wider home update. You can see the full range of options, including combined kitchen and bathroom renovations, on our main renovations page.
Call us on 061 550 132 or 083 835 7426
Email info@arconstruction.ie
Or visit arconstruction.ie
We look forward to helping you plan a kitchen renovation that runs smoothly from start to finish.