THE REALISTIC TIMELINE: HOW LONG DOES A KITCHEN REMODEL TAKE IN CARLISLE, PA?
- Twijjukye Anan
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
A kitchen renovation is the most impactful change you can make to your home, but it’s also the most complex. Whether you are updating a mid-century home in North Middleton or a historic property in the Borough of Carlisle, the timeline depends on the level of "gutting" involved.
At Reif Design Build, I focus on a meticulous pre-construction phase so that once we start, your kitchen isn't a construction zone for a day longer than necessary.
The Short Answer: 6 to 12 Weeks
For a standard Cumberland County renovation, you can expect the active construction phase to last between 6 and 12 weeks. This does not include the 1–3 months of design and material ordering that happens before the first cabinet is removed.
Project Scope | Estimated Duration | Typical Work Included |
The "Refresh" | 2 – 4 Weeks | Cabinet painting/refacing, new backsplash, new appliances (same location), and hardware. |
The Mid-Range Remodel | 6 – 10 Weeks | New cabinets and counters in the same layout, new flooring, and updated lighting. |
The Full Design-Build | 12+ Weeks | Removing walls, relocating gas/water lines, structural changes, and custom cabinetry. |
The Kitchen Remodel Workflow
To help you plan your temporary "hot plate" kitchen, here is how the typical 8-week construction schedule breaks down:
Week 1: Demolition & Structural Prep. We clear the space and address any "surprises" behind the walls—common in older Carlisle homes.
Week 2-3: Rough-Ins & Inspections. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC venting are moved. In Carlisle Borough, we typically wait 7–10 days for the official inspection sign-off before we can close the walls.
Week 4: Drywall, Paint & Flooring. Walls are closed, primed, and the new floor is laid and protected.
Week 5-6: Cabinet Installation. This is where the kitchen takes shape. As a one-man shop, I personally set every box to ensure they are perfectly level—crucial for the stone counters coming next.
Week 7: Countertop Templating & Fabrication. Once cabinets are set, the fabricator measures. There is usually a 1–2 week wait for the stone to be cut.
Week 8: Final Install & Finishes. Countertops arrive, followed by the backsplash, appliance hookups, and final trim work.
Local Factors Unique to Carlisle & Cumberland County
1. The "Historic District" Factor (HARB)
If you live in the Carlisle Historic District, any work that affects the exterior—like a new range hood vent or a window change—requires approval from the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB). This can add 4–6 weeks to your pre-construction timeline, so we must plan this early.
2. Permit Timelines
Standard residential building permits in Cumberland County generally take 10 to 15 business days for review. I manage this entire process to ensure we aren't delayed by paperwork.
3. Material Lead Times
In Central PA, custom cabinetry lead times currently range from 8 to 14 weeks. At Reif Design Build, I do not begin demolition until your cabinets and appliances have arrived in our local warehouse. This prevents the "empty kitchen" syndrome where a project stalls for months waiting on a delivery.
Ready to Start Your Carlisle Kitchen Transformation?
A successful kitchen remodel starts with a realistic schedule. If you want a renovation that is managed with precision and personal care, let’s schedule a consultation.
