home additions, kitchen remodeling

Are you thinking about a full kitchen remodel? You’re not alone. Many homeowners planning a kitchen remodel are realizing that a few new cabinets and a backsplash won’t cut it. Sometimes, it takes a complete kitchen overhaul, a full gut kitchen remodel, to truly transform your space. But what does that really mean?

At Colony Home Improvement, we specialize in kitchen remodeling services that go beyond surface-level fixes. This post will walk you through what happens during a full gut kitchen remodel, the kitchen remodel process, and how to successfully navigate the entire journey.

What Is a Full Gut Kitchen Remodel?

A full gut kitchen remodel is just what it sounds like: stripping everything down to the studs. Unlike a cosmetic upgrade, a kitchen gut renovation removes old cabinetry, flooring, appliances, and sometimes even walls, giving you a clean slate to reimagine the space completely.

Homeowners typically choose a complete kitchen overhaul when:

• The layout no longer works.
• Plumbing or wiring is outdated.
• Major structural kitchen changes are needed.

While it’s more intensive than a surface update, the benefits of a full gut kitchen renovation include better flow, improved safety, higher home value, and a kitchen tailored to your exact needs.

Planning & Design: The Foundation of Success

Before you even lift a hammer, you’ll want to plan your full kitchen remodel thoroughly.

Here’s what this stage involves:

• Hiring a contractor for a kitchen gut job. A reputable company like Colony Home Improvement brings experience, reliability, and coordination.
• Consulting with interior designers and kitchen renovation specialists to define the look, feel, and function of your new kitchen.
• Creating a comprehensive kitchen design process that maps out:
  • Layout changes
  • Appliance placement
  • Storage solutions
  • Material selections

Don’t forget about budgeting for your kitchen renovation. The cost breakdown for a full kitchen gut can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to set aside 10–20% for unexpected issues uncovered during demolition.

Permits and Approvals: Necessary, Not Optional

Depending on where you live and how much you’re changing, you may need permits. This is especially true if you’re:

• Moving walls
• Updating electrical or plumbing systems
• Changing structural supports

Understanding the permits needed for a full kitchen remodel is crucial to staying on schedule. When working with professional home renovation companies like ours, we typically handle this for you.

Demolition: Tearing It Down to Build It Up

Kitchen demolition is often the most dramatic part of the process. Dust, noise, and surprises are common, especially in older homes. This is where hidden issues uncovered during kitchen demolition, like mold, poor insulation, or ancient wiring, may rear their heads.

To prepare:

• Clear out all contents from the kitchen.
• Create a temporary kitchen setup during remodel (microwave, mini fridge, etc.).
• Hire a kitchen demolition crew that uses dust protection, floor covers, and debris removal to minimize disruption.

Pro tip: Don’t attempt a DIY kitchen remodel when it requires demolition unless you really know what you’re doing. Structural issues and safety hazards are common in full gut jobs.

Behind the Walls: Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC

Once everything’s stripped back, it’s time to rebuild from the inside out.

This stage focuses on:

• Running new electrical lines and outlets
• Upgrading plumbing to modern codes
• Rerouting HVAC ducts, if needed

This is a crucial step where plumbing and electrical work in a kitchen remodel must pass inspection. A trusted kitchen remodeling contractor will coordinate licensed specialists to ensure everything is safe and up to code.

Putting It All Back Together: Structure, Storage, Style

Once the behind-the-scenes work is done, the rebuild begins. This is the longest stage in the kitchen renovation timeline, but it’s also the most rewarding.

Key elements include:

• Drywall and insulation: Sealing everything back up.
• Flooring: Installed before or after cabinets, depending on the material.
• Cabinetry: Custom, semi-custom, or stock options, ordered early due to long lead times.
• Countertops: Measured and fabricated after cabinets are installed.
• Tile work: Backsplashes and accent walls.

This is also when you’ll choose materials for a gut remodel, from cabinet hardware to faucets and light fixtures.

Appliances, Fixtures, & Final Touches

By this point, your kitchen starts to resemble your vision. Here’s what happens next:

• Appliances are delivered and installed.
• Light fixtures and plumbing fixtures are hooked up.
• Paint touch-ups and trim are completed.
• Smart home integrations (lighting, ventilation, appliances) are tested.

If you’ve followed a well-managed plan, this stage runs smoothly. That’s why it’s critical to manage your kitchen remodel project every step of the way or hire someone who does.

Inspections & Final Walkthrough

Before the space is yours again, a final inspection may be required depending on the scope of work. Once passed, you and your contractor will do a walkthrough to create a “punch list” of any small items that still need addressing.

This is your chance to ensure everything meets your expectations and fix anything that doesn’t.

How Long Does a Gut Kitchen Remodel Take?

Every home is different, but here’s a rough idea of the stages of a complete kitchen renovation and how long each may last:

• Design & planning: 2–6 weeks
• Permits & ordering materials: 2–4 weeks
• Demolition: 1–2 weeks
• Plumbing/electrical/HVAC: 1–2 weeks
• Rebuilding and finishing: 4–8 weeks
• Final inspections: 1 week

In total, expect 8–12 weeks, not counting pre-construction planning.

A Kitchen Worth the Wait

A full gut kitchen remodel is no small feat. It takes time, planning, and expert coordination, but the result is a kitchen that works for you. Whether you’re looking for improved flow, more storage, or a complete style overhaul, a kitchen gut renovation offers the flexibility to create exactly what you want.

At Colony Home Improvement, we help homeowners planning kitchen remodels make informed decisions and avoid costly missteps. As trusted kitchen remodeling contractors, we manage every aspect of the kitchen remodel process, from design to permits, demolition to finish.

Are you ready to transform your space? Let’s schedule your consultation today and start your journey toward a better kitchen.