Los Angeles kitchen remodels take longer than most homeowners expect — primarily because LADBS (or the local city permit office) adds weeks to the project before a single nail is pulled. This guide gives you an honest, accurate breakdown of how long a kitchen remodel takes in LA in 2026 by project type, phase by phase. APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) manages kitchen remodels throughout Los Angeles and regularly provides timeline estimates to homeowners planning projects.
These timelines run from signed contract to final walk-through. They include permit processing time, which is the most variable and least controllable factor in LA kitchen remodel timelines.
Before permits can be applied for, the project must be fully designed. This phase includes:
Can APLA accelerate this? Yes — APLA’s design process is efficient for homeowners who come to the consultation with direction. Having 3–5 kitchen images you like on Pinterest or Houzz significantly compresses design time.
This is the most variable phase. LADBS (City of LA projects) and independent city building departments have different timelines:
During permit review, APLA responds to plan check corrections and can request recheck appointments to avoid delays. A complete, well-prepared permit package reduces plan check corrections and shortens the approval window.
Long lead-time items are ordered during permit review so they arrive when construction starts:
APLA orders cabinets and long-lead items concurrent with permit submission — this is one of the most effective ways to compress the total timeline.
Once the permit is issued, demo begins within 1–2 weeks (after scheduling the demolition crew and confirming cabinet delivery dates). Demo includes:
Drywall installation, taping, and texture to match the rest of the home.
Cabinet delivery and installation. Most kitchen cabinet sets are installed in 2–4 days by a professional installation crew.
After cabinets are installed, the countertop fabricator takes a template. Fabrication takes 7–14 days. Installation is 1 day. This phase adds 2–4 weeks to the schedule.
Backsplash tile, flooring installation (or extension into adjacent rooms), and painting run in a coordinated sequence.
Appliance installation, plumbing fixture connections, electrical trim work, hardware installation, and final punch list items.
LADBS or city inspector final sign-off. APLA schedules final inspection and addresses any punch list items from the inspection.
A basic kitchen refresh with no layout changes (new cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances, lighting) takes 8–13 weeks in Los Angeles. This includes 3–5 weeks for LADBS or city permit review and 4–6 weeks for construction after the permit is issued.
An open-concept kitchen remodel with load-bearing wall removal takes 13–19 weeks in Los Angeles. The additional time vs. a basic refresh comes from: structural engineering (2–3 weeks), longer LADBS plan check for structural work (5–8 weeks), and the additional rough framing and structural inspection phases during construction.
Yes, with planning. Most homeowners set up a temporary kitchen in the garage or dining room: a portable induction cooktop, a countertop microwave, and a mini-fridge can handle most meal needs. The most disruptive phases are demo (3–7 days of significant dust and noise) and the period without a working sink (typically 3–6 weeks during rough plumbing through countertop installation). APLA provides a temporary sink connection where possible to reduce inconvenience.
The three most effective ways: (1) Commit to design decisions quickly — cabinet selection is the longest design lead item; (2) Use LADBS expedited plan check for qualified projects; (3) Order cabinets immediately when the permit application is submitted, so they arrive when the permit does. APLA coordinates all three proactively.
Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359
Kitchen Remodel Contractor Los Angeles | LA Building Permit Guide | Home Remodeling Los Angeles