How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?

Curious how long your kitchen remodel project will last? It’s probably longer than you think. Renovating a kitchen is a complicated project and it’s important to get the best results. In this article we will explore your renovation calendar including design process, lead times, and construction timelines. We will also review tips that the project managers at Airy Kitchens use to minimize delays and deliver beautiful projects on time. At Airy Kitchens, we focus on larger kitchen renovations that most call a ‘gut reno’ with new layouts, new appliances, and often changing walls, windows, and HVAC. This article focuses on that type of a kitchen renovation.

Sean Lewis, our Creative Director leads the design department.

DESIGN (3-8 weeks)

The most important step is the first. Designing your kitchen will lay the groundwork for your whole project. During the design phase you will decide on the scope of your project and choose your hardware, materials, and appliances. All of these items will affect the next phase, lead times, so be clear about your timeframe expectations from the beginning. Your designer can consider lead times while they are designing the project and choose items that are available quickly. Depending on our schedule, Airy Kitchens can typically complete and present kitchen designs in three to eight weeks.

LEAD TIMES AND BIDDING (10-24 weeks)

Between design and construction is a phase where lots of people are working on your project, but you don’t see much happening at your home. After your design is finished, Airy kitchens will begin building cabinets, ordering appliances, and managing all materials based on their lead times. While we are waiting on materials, we create construction documents and have contractors bid on your project. Ultimately there are two items that will dictate your start date: Lead times on your materials and the schedule of the contractor you choose. Specialty products may have long lead times and it doesn't always make sense to start the project without important items. You may also love a contractor who is booked out for six months. When it comes to your dream kitchen, we think working with the best people and ordering the products you love is worth the wait!

CONSTRUCTION (8-14 weeks)

All of the planning and waiting is over and construction has begun! How long will you be living with a temporary kitchen or residing in a rental apartment? Construction timelines vary depending on the project scope, but even for simple renovations expect to be without a working kitchen for eight weeks. Twelve weeks is average. What does the construction timeline look like? Below is a Gantt calendar from a project we just completed in Bucks County.

Our project managers track schedules with an online app so clients can easily see updates and changes.

While there is some overlap, you can see that there is an order that tasks are completed in and many tasks depend on others being completed first. Below is the typical order of tasks for kitchen construction. Timeframes are quoted based on a simple kitchen project with no unexpected delays.

Demo (< 1 week) Most clients are surprised how fast the old kitchen can be removed.

Framing (1 week) Your project may not need new framing if you’re not moving walls. If you plan to add insulation to an old house, plan on new framing on exterior walls. New framing and insulation may need city inspections.

Rough electric + plumbing (2-3 weeks) Working with tradsespeople takes more time and the work will need to be inspected before closing up the walls.

Drywall (1 week) Drywall is often subcontracted. Overall the process is fast, and your project starts to take shape here!

Flooring (1 week+) Tile is typical in kitchens and involves a multi-step process. Wood floors might go in faster.

Cabinetry (1 week) If the framing and drywall were done well, the cabinets should go in fast. This is when the counters get templated.

Trim and Painting (1 week) Complicated trim details may add to this timeframe. Painting is usually done in a few days.

Counters and Backsplash (1 week) Counters are typically installed 10-14 days after templating. Backsplash has to go up after they are installed.

Finished Electric, Plumbing, and appliance instal (1 week) This is the last step to substantial completion. After everything is installed and hooked up, the contractor will deliver the project for clients to move in and start using.

Punchlist (< 1 week) After homeowners have had a chance to move back in and use the kitchen, we create a punchlist of work that needs to be completed to consider the project finished. Contractors and tradespeople will return to complete the list as fast as possible.

Once counters go in, the remodel typically wraps up quickly. See more of this Lower Merion Kitchen Remodel

Wow! That’s eleven weeks, and with no delays. Large and complicated projects take even longer. So, how do the Airy Kitchens project managers work to minimize delays and deliver beautiful projects?

POJECT MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR KITCHENS

1) Use the design phase to explore changes

During design, everything is just an idea and it’s easy to explore changes. Homeowners should really dig into the details and ask all the questions then. Once materials have been ordered and construction has begun, changes to the design get expensive and cause major delays. It’s easy to second guess decisions when you’re standing in an unfinished project, home renovation is stressful! If you spend the time and effort during the design phase and you’ll be more relaxed during construction.

2) Order early and inspect every package

Ordering for projects is tricky. Order too early and you may pass your return window before you instal the product. Order too late and your item may be backordered or cause your whole project to be delayed. We prefer to order early and do a detailed inspection of everything that arrives (including taking photos). This way you can breath easy knowing you are prepared for the project start and you won’t discover broken or mis-ordered items during your project.

3) Communication is key / Everyone likes brownies

Communication is the most important part of keeping a project on track. We call contractors a week or two before starting to remind them of our start date and make sure they’re on track. Regular meetings and phone calls make sure that details aren’t missed and contractors know what our expectations are. Contractors are busy and don’t always love oversight, so we make sure to respect their time, offer to help with tasks when we can, and if all else fails, everyone likes brownies.

4) Document and protect everything

An easy way for homeowners to protect themselves is to photograph their home before work begins. Anywhere contractors may venture including adjacent rooms, bathrooms, garages, and basements should all be documented. If your home gets damaged, these photos are an easy way to prove that. A good contractor will protect floors and walls thoroughly, but homeowners can protect their belongings by removing art and furnishings from hallways and adjacent rooms, avoid parking near dumpsters or contractor vehicles, and keep kids and pets away from work areas.

5) Choose a flexible timeframe

If homeowners put too much focus on a fast timeframe, then contractors won’t take the time to get every detail perfect. Most contractors truly care about the look and quality of their builds, but if they feel more pressure to work fast than to get details perfect then they will comply. Is that what you really want? Avoid scheduling a holiday gathering or a guest visit right at the end of your project. Delays do happen, and you don’t want to sacrifice quality to get the project done faster.

Now that you understand the timeframe, are you ready to start your design? Click below to schedule a consultation and learn more about our pricing.

How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Philadelphia?

Everyone wants to get the best deal on a quality bathroom, but most people don’t know where to start when it comes to budgeting for their bathroom remodel. In this post we will look at some national cost studies, share our own pricing guide, and discuss renovation financing options.

The National Numbers

Let’s start by noting that this post is focusing on major renovations, meaning replacing cabinets, counters, fixtures, and using a contractor to do the work. Most of the sources we found also listed ‘mid range’ and ‘upscale’ in different categories, but it’s not just your taste for tile that will drive your project into ‘upscale’ pricing. Older houses often have difficult to remove tile, no insulation, and leaky lead pipes that need replacing. This will drive cost too. Lets look at some national sources:

The 2023 Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling Magazine has the average cost in the Mid Atlantic region for a bathroom remodel at $25,468 for ‘mid range’ and $78,935 for an ‘upscale’ bathroom.

Architectural Digest has the average full bath remodel running $30,000 - $40,000 and the average primary bathroom remodel ranging from $60,000 to $80,000

This bathroom cost guide by Kitchens Baths Unlimited recommends homeowners spend between 5% - 10% of their homes value on a bathroom renovation. This takes into consideration the resale value in your local area. So, on a $500,000 home, you should expect to spend between $25,000 - $50,000.

Airy Kitchens Guide to Pricing

At Airy Kitchens, we design and manage a mix of mid-range and high-end bathrooms in Philadelphia and the Main Line. Our pricing more closely reflects local labor prices in the mid to high bathroom remodel sector. Our average bathroom project total cost in 2023 was $64,739.

After hearing all of these big numbers, you’re probably ready for more detail about how they add up. Understanding the smaller expenses is a great way to budget and save for your project. Here is a handy cost guide we share with our clients:

For our guide we divide our bathrooms into basic, mid range, high end, and deluxe groups. We expect a basic bathroom to include low price hardware and materials. Our mid-range pricing includes higher quality materials and lighting. High end bathrooms include detailed custom cabinetry, luxury lighting, and the best counters. Deluxe bathrooms are larger rooms that have additional cabinetry, furniture, window coverings, and separate tub and shower enclosures. Note that the total costs don’t take into account changing your plumbing layout, replacing windows, or upgrading your homes’ plumbing. Many clients who are completing a renovation choose to add these items.

Financing Your Remodel

Okay, you’ve heard about the cost and (of course) it’s way more than you expected. So what are your options? Let’s look at five options:

Home Equity Loan (second mortgage)

Typically banks loan up to 80% of your homes value, but can loan up to 90% for a higher rate. Typically banks only consider the homes current value, not the value after the renovation. Loan term can be a full 30 years like a standard mortgage, but home owners typically choose a shorter term which gets them a better rate . Unlike a refinance, there are no considerable closing costs.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

This loan has similar rates to a home equity loan, it can also be up to 80-90% of your total home value, and has no considerable closing costs. What makes this choice different is more flexibility. Your bank gives you an amount that you can take out, but you take the money as you need it and you don’t pay interest on the amount you haven’t drawn yet. This is a great option for projects that have a long timeframe and projects that may need additional funds. Consider taking out a larger amount loan to get a better rate even if you don’t need to use all the funds.

Home Improvement Loan or Construction Loan:

Many banks base the loan on ‘as completed value’, (value after the renovation is complete) for this type of loan, which means you may be able to borrow more. However, the bank is more involved in the whole process. They usually put the money in an escrow account and have a consultant monitor completion points and payments. This might slow the construction process down. If you are looking to purchase a fixer upper and take out a mortgage and renovation loan together, this may be the loan for you. The bank will package the mortgage and renovation loans together. Banks can also package this as a line of credit, but in the end it converts to one loan with one payment.

FHA 203K

Similar to a construction loan, the FHA 203K is geared toward the purchase of a fixer upper (often uninhabitable) and the bank is involved in the process. But now the government is involved too. Sounds fun, right? This type of loan is not really supposed to be a luxury renovation as much as a functional or livable project. More hoops to jump through will get you a better rate and the ability to borrow up to 96.5% of the ‘as completed value’. This is not available to an investor, only to homeowners and non profits.

Refinance

Home owners may want to refinance their mortgage to fund their renovation. This is a good option if your current loan has a high rate or if you want to change the length. Unlike a home equity loan, refinancing comes with closing costs. All financial information in this article is not financial advice from Airy Kitchens. Homeowners should check with a qualified loan officer to make the best decisions for their home projects.

Consider mixing luxury materials with ready-made cabinets for a high end look without breaking the bank.

If you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen or bathroom and would like to contact an Airy Kitchens designer, please visit our contact page.

Tech in the Kitchen: Designing the Future of Culinary Spaces

Technology has permeated every aspect of our lives, transforming the way we communicate, work, and even cook. The once humble kitchen has evolved into a playground for innovation and creativity, where cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing the way we prepare and enjoy our meals. From smart appliances to advanced cooking techniques, the marriage of technology and culinary artistry has unlocked a whole new world of possibilities. In this blog post, we will consider "Technology in the Kitchen" and explore how it is reshaping the way we approach cooking, communication, and interior design.

Smart Appliances for Smarter Cooking

Gone are the days when a stove and a refrigerator were the primary tools of a kitchen. Today, we are witnessing the rise of intelligent appliances that not only simplify our culinary endeavors but also enhance our cooking experience. From smart refrigerators that keep track of our inventory and suggest recipes based on available ingredients to Wi-Fi-enabled ovens that can be controlled remotely, technology has taken kitchen appliances to the next level. Imagine preheating your oven while still at work or receiving alerts when your food is cooked to perfection—all thanks to the power of connectivity and smart technology. Here are the five most popular tech features in appliances:

Precision Cooking: Elevating everyday chefs

In the pursuit of culinary excellence, precision cooking techniques have taken center stage, aided by the advancements in technology. From induction cooktops that offer precise temperature control to convection ovens with advanced airflow systems for even baking, the modern kitchen is equipped with an arsenal of tools that enable home cooks to achieve remarkable results. Furthermore, innovative devices like combination ovens, which combine the functionalities of steam, microwave, and convection cooking, have become more accessible, allowing culinary enthusiasts to effortlessly create dishes with unparalleled textures and flavors. With technology as their ally, aspiring chefs can explore a myriad of cooking techniques, including low-temperature cooking, pressure cooking, sous vide, and air frying, all of which elevate the art of cooking to astonishing new heights.

Click here to see more of this colorful kitchen.

The rise of smart kitchen gadgets

In addition to smart appliances, an array of innovative gadgets has emerged, transforming the traditional kitchen into a high-tech haven. From smart scales that accurately measure ingredients to intelligent coffee makers that can be programmed to have your brew ready when you wake up, these gadgets bring convenience and efficiency to the culinary process. Furthermore, voice-controlled digital assistants have found their way into the kitchen, allowing us to access recipes, set timers, and even order groceries with a simple voice command. These advancements not only streamline our cooking routines but also inspire creativity and experimentation in the kitchen.

Enhanced connectivity and recipe sharing

Technology has also fostered a sense of community and collaboration within the culinary world. Online platforms and recipe-sharing apps have become a treasure trove of culinary inspiration, enabling home cooks to discover and explore a multitude of recipes from around the globe. With just a few taps, you can access detailed cooking instructions, helpful videos, and user reviews, empowering even the most novice cooks to expand their culinary repertoire. Additionally, social media platforms have become hubs for food enthusiasts, encouraging the exchange of ideas, techniques, and beautiful food photography.

Blending Technology with Classic Design

Technology has become a driving force in kitchen design, transforming both the aesthetics and functionality of modern culinary spaces. Although modern appliances have mastered looking sleek, it’s still easy to find classic and vintage style fixtures and appliances that boast modern tech features. Advanced materials and finishes, such as brushed metals and matte textures offer a new contemporary look that’s also fingerprint free. Touch-sensitive faucets provide effortless control for messy chefs. LED lighting systems offer sleek and efficient lighting details. Furthermore, innovative storage solutions with charging stations, lighting, and smart organization systems maximize space and efficiency. So, what’s our favorite kitchen tech?

At Airy Kitchens, our interior designers and project managers stay educated on all the latest kitchen technological advances. We regularly host product representatives, visit trade shows, and pursue continuing education so our entire staff can understand how to design, purchase, instal, and maintain new products for our clients. We believe that tech advances that keep you and your family safe, healthy, and happy are worth the cost and time to engineer. Thinking of building a tech-savvy kitchen? Visit our Contact Page to start your design.

9 of the Best Kitchen Cabinet Organizers, According to Pros

Planning a kitchen remodel and considering cabinetry organizers? We interviewed professional organizer Jasmine Pruitt to find out which organizers are the most useful, where to locate them in the kitchen, and how to keep your organizers organized for years to come.

Jasmine enjoyed speaking with Philadelphia interior designer Sean Lewis about his take on organizers too. Sean leads the design team at Airy Kitchens, so he understands the pricing of organizers, which products are popular with homeowners, and the value organizers will bring to any kitchen renovation. Lets start with the basics:

Utensil Divider

Sure, this is a given for your silverware. Maybe add a second one for fine silver. What else can be done with these?

JP: Think of other small things in your kitchen that could fit there. Maybe your wine opener or baking supplies. This could even be helpful for a crafting drawer or cleaning up a junk drawer.

SL: Utensil dividers are inexpensive and removable. If you think you may find other uses for them, get a few. Standard dividers are 2.5” wide. With custom cabinets we offer dividers in custom sizes and configurations. We even offer luxury wood species and felt lined for the real silver.

Tray Dividers

These are great for keeping baking sheets and cutting boards divided. They can also be used for separating platters. Any other ideas for tray dividers?

JP: Think of these as a framework for anything unruly. I use these to organize water bottles! They won’t fall over and you can quick grab and go. Tray dividers can keep tote bags, mail, even your laptop safe and out of the way.

SL: Tray dividers are inexpensive, but typically a permanent decision. We always try to locate some near the oven for cookie trays, but they can go almost anywhere. Above wall ovens and refrigerators are popular spots.

Spice Storage

The options here are diverse and people seem divided. So consider your preference before you commit to a placement. Spice drawer, spice shelves, lazy Susan, and pull out shelves (below) are all good options. What is your favorite?

JP: I love a good pullout drawer organizer. They’re streamlined and look cohesive. Some cooks have so many spices that they’re not going to be easily organized in one place though. Consider keeping some in a drawer close to the prep area and put the less utilized spices in the pantry on a lazy Susan.

SL: Spice drawers and shelves are inexpensive. We love the look of keeping spices out and visible, but most of our clients want them hidden away. The spice drawer is the most popular option, but people like the adjustable pull out shelves too.

Pull-out Organizers

These are a newer creation rarely seen in vintage kitchens. They utilize narrow spaces and offer adjustability to offer flexible storage. How do we keep them organized for everyday use?

JP: The utensil organizer, this is my party place. People who entertain can keep disposable utensils, paper plates, napkins and straws organized and easy to access. You can even pull out the whole metal bin and put supplies out when they’re needed. For the adjustable shelf organizer, it’s a great spot for a kids area. Kid cups, utensils, plates, or even baby bottles could live in these.

SL: These pull outs are mid-range in price, but offer a lot of storage for otherwise underused areas. I would say that makes them valuable. If you have a small kitchen that’s short on drawer space, the utensil organizer is a great place to fit your cooking utensils.

Pull-out Trash Drawers

No one likes looking at a dirty, stinky trash can. Should everyone include a trash pull-out? Where should you locate a trash drawer?

JP: This is a staple that every kitchen should have. Hide the mess and hide the smell! I think keeping these near the sink makes sense because that’s where people automatically go looking for it.

SL: Trash drawers are mid price range, but I agree that they’re a necessity. All of our kitchens include them. People like to hide the trash and it’s a great way to keep pets out of the garbage. Speaking of pets, we’ve seen clients instal multiple trash pull-outs and store dog food or kitty litter in them, so there are other uses.

Peg Drawer

Homeowners have embraced deep drawers, and these pegs can keep them organized. What do you like to use these for?

JP: These are extremely useful for pots and pans, also for dishes, but another favorite use is Tupperware. Pegs can help you sort lids and separate different sizes of food containers.

SL: Peg drawers are inexpensive and removable. They work really well for holding large stacked sets in place. Think mixing bowls, colanders, or other bakeware. The flexibility here is nice if you buy new stuff or decide to rearrange.

Appliance Garage

A great way to hide away the small appliances you use daily. An open bottom allows you to pull out the toaster or blender with ease. Electrical connections mean never having to fumble with plugs. But how do we keep this garage clean?

JP: Aesthetically I love these and I understand the draw, but in the field I find that they can attract clutter. I recommend picking one or two uses for the cabinet. It’s not a catch all. It’s coffee or it’s baking. Also, consider adding some decorative art or family photos. If you are spending time here every day, make it beautiful.

SL: This is a higher cost organizer because you’re buying a specialty cabinet, not an insert. These are extremely popular, but they won’t fit in every kitchen. The payoff is large though. Everyone uses small appliances and most people don’t want to look at them. I love the idea of keeping the inside beautiful and uncluttered. That’s very on-brand for us.

Pantry Pull-outs

A big pantry is great, but deep pantry shelves can get cluttered, dark, and disorganized. Are pull outs always necessary?

JP: Yes. I swear by pull out drawers in a deep pantry. They keep your storage more organized, more accessible, and the food mess more contained. Pull out pantry drawers make it easy for kids to grab stuff and not make a mess.

SL: Pull out drawers and tall pull out organizers are mid to high price range. These options offer a lot of storage and functionality to your cabinets so they are valuable. Both options are popular and useful. Our standard cabinets offer xx” between drawers. Our custom cabinetry offers adjustability in height.

Paper Towel Organizer

Most families keep a roll of paper towel in the kitchen. Where does yours go?

JP: These I don’t mind keeping out. A holder under the cabinet or a pull-out near the sink are both great options.

SL: Paper towel pull-outs are typically a pricier organizer. There are a lot of moving parts here. A stationary holder mounted below a cabinet is very budget friendly though. I think a lot of people keep the paper towels in the pantry or under the sink. We don’t get a lot of requests for this organizer.

Any other tips on organizing your kitchen?

JP: Yes! I want to share a few of my favorite products to organize your kitchen. Keeping food in these stackable containers will fit more food in your pantry and make everything easy to find.

I love these nesting containers for leftovers. They are easy to clean and small to store.

For oils, food storage, and spices in the pantry I use these small lazy Susans. They make food easy to see and grab.

And for broom and mop storage I recommend this hanging broom organizer. It’s a great way to store these tall items in a basement stairwell or mudroom.

Thank you Jasmine for your insightful advice. Jasmine’s company, Organized by Jasmine offers organization services in Philadelphia, New York, Washington D.C. and everywhere in between. She works on all sized projects and specializes in creating systems that are easy and beautiful.

If you are interested in working with an Airy kitchens interior designer to create an organized kitchen for your family, fill out our contact form.