Can you really install a kitchen in a week? Here's how long it actually takes

The kitchen is one of the most complex rooms to renovate, and the number of trades, appliances and products involved means the process can drag on if it’s not managed effectively.

So with just a week to install the kitchens on The Block, it’s surprising that the contestants manage to get it done on time.

If you’re a real-life renovator watching at home, you may be wondering how quickly you could have a new kitchen installed in your home.

While it’s possible to install a new kitchen within a week, in most situations it will take much longer.

Planning pays off

Managing the timeline of a kitchen renovation is the key to a smooth reno, according to B.E. Architecture director and ILVE brand partner Andrew Piva. Certain tasks need to happen before others, which means trades need to be scheduled in the right order.

“A kitchen almost always involves all key trades and everyone needs to do their bit before the next part can start, which can result in pushed-back timelines if something is not organised well,” Mr Piva said.

It’s also important to allow enough time for each stage in the process to be completed to avoid having to reschedule trades if one step takes longer than expected.

Related: View the five Gatwick apartments for sale

• Kerrie and Spence: 1/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
• Hans and Courtney: 2/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
• Sara and Hayden: 3/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
• Norm and Jess: 4/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
• Bianca and Carla: 5/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Benchtops set the schedule

The type of benchtop has the biggest effect on how long a kitchen renovation takes, according to Mint Kitchens design director Frank Iaria.

“If you’ve got a kitchen with laminate benchtops, typically your benchtop gets delivered with the kitchen,” Mr Iaria said.

A laminate kitchen can be installed within a week, but it normally takes about 10 days, he said.

However, kitchens with stone benchtops will take longer because the benchtops can’t be made until the cabinets are installed and exact measurements taken.

“Four to five weeks is the average turnaround,” Mr Iaria said. “In the first week the old kitchen comes out and the new cabinets go in. Then the template is made for the new benchtops.

“It could take anywhere between two to three weeks for the benchtop to be made.”

The type of splashback also affects the timeline. Custom-made stone or glass splashbacks take longer to install, but tile splashbacks are quicker because tiles can be cut on site.

Bigger means slower

People often forget that bigger kitchens take longer to make, according to Mr Piva. “It may seem obvious, but most people discount just how much the size of the kitchen will determine your timeline,” he said.

“With a bigger kitchen the cabinetry takes a lot longer to make, then there are all the other trades that also come into play like a plumber and electrician which can blow out your timeline.”

The level of customisation required will affect how long the renovation takes. Flat-pack cabinetry will naturally be quicker to purchase and assemble than custom-made products.

“The complexity of your kitchen design will either make or break your timeline,” Mr Piva said. “If you are going for a bespoke kitchen with intricate cabinetry, appliances and features, it will take a longer time frame due to specific dimensions and features that won’t be readily available.”

Order early to avoid delays

One of the most common mistakes when planning a kitchen renovation is underestimating the lead time when ordering new appliances, according to Mr Piva.

“Appliances should also be ordered first as, depending on what you are wanting, they can take anywhere from one to two months to come into stock, which could leave you at the end of your reno without properly fitted appliances.”

If appliances and as many materials as possible are on site and ready to be installed, the risk of delays is minimised.

Take a look inside The Block apartments.