How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take in Northwest Indiana?

If you’re starting to explore a kitchen remodel in Northwest Indiana, you’ve probably asked yourself, "How long is this really going to take?" It’s one of the most common and important questions we get from homeowners in Lake and Porter Counties and greater Northwest Indiana. 

The truth is, every kitchen is different. But with the right contractor and a solid plan, your remodel doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Let’s break down what you can expect, what might affect your timeline, and how to keep the process moving as smoothly as possible.

What Is a Realistic Timeline for a Kitchen Remodel?

A typical kitchen remodel in Northwest Indiana takes between 3 and 6 months from start to finish. The full timeline encompasses planning, design, permitting, material ordering, construction, and the final walk-through. While it’s absolutely possible to complete a kitchen remodel in as little as 10 to 12 weeks, delays in permitting approvals, decision-making, or material availability can extend that timeline to 6 months.

If you're working on a straightforward project with readily available materials and fast design approvals, the timeline could fall on the shorter end. On the other hand, if you’re ordering custom cabinetry, making structural changes, or waiting on permits from a backlogged municipality, it’s realistic to expect things to take longer.

How Long Will It Really Take?

In most homes across Lake County and Porter County, the construction portion of a kitchen remodel lasts 3 to 10 weeks. However, once you account for design meetings, material selection, ordering lead times, and permitting, the full project typically spans 3 to 6 months.

If all materials are in stock, permits are expedited, and decisions are made upfront, your project may be completed much sooner. But if you're waiting on custom cabinetry, selecting stone countertops with longer fabrication timelines, or experiencing permitting delays from your town, the extra weeks can add up. That’s why we build a flexible timeline from the beginning and keep you updated every step of the way.

What Causes Kitchen Remodel Delays?

Even with the most organized approach, delays can occasionally happen. That's why your timeline often has a range before we can really nail down the details. Here are a few ways your kitchen remodel timeline may be lengthened. 

Material Availability

One of the biggest factors is material availability. If a particular cabinet style or backsplash tile is on backorder, we may have to wait several weeks before construction begins. To prevent any delays, we ensure that all materials are on-site before we begin the construction phase of your project. That’s why we always encourage clients to make selections early and consider availability as part of the decision-making process.

Permit Issues

Permitting delays are another common issue. While some towns in Northwest Indiana issue permits quickly, others have more thorough review processes, and approval can take several weeks. We take care of all the paperwork, but we also build in time for this step to prevent last-minute surprises.

Change Orders

Changes made during construction, often called “change orders,” can also add time. Whether it’s switching fixtures, adjusting the layout, or upgrading finishes after construction starts, these decisions often require schedule adjustments, new materials, or additional labor. Lastly, in old homes, we occasionally find plumbing or electrical work that needs updating before proceeding.

Do You Need Permits to Remodel a Kitchen in Indiana?

Yes, in most cases, you do. Permits are typically required for any kitchen remodel that involves electrical, plumbing, or structural modifications. Towns like Saint John and individual counties all have their own permitting processes and turnaround times. At Clear Contractors, we handle all permitting on your behalf and keep you informed about what’s required and how long it might take. Having permits in place ensures the work is safe, up to code, and ready to pass inspection. 

The Kitchen Remodeling Process

When you work with a general contractor in Northwest Indiana like Clear Contractors, we guide you through a step-by-step process designed to keep things moving and eliminate surprises. We also offer a remodeling cost guide to help you plan for the potential costs of your project.

Consultation

The process begins with a consultation where we discuss your vision, budget, goals, and timeline. This initial phase depends on the speed of decision-making and your readiness to move forward. When you reach out to us, we get back to you as quickly as possible.

Design and Selection

Next comes the design and material selection phase. This includes choosing cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting, appliances, and any custom features. Most clients take between 2 and 4 weeks during this step, especially if they’re weighing options or coordinating with a designer.

Permits

While selections are being finalized, we handle all necessary permitting. Depending on your town or city, permits can be approved quickly or may take several weeks to be reviewed and processed. We manage this for you, but we always factor in an extra buffer just in case your municipality is backed up or requires revisions.

Construction

With permits approved and materials ordered, we move into the construction phase. This is typically the most straightforward part of the process and usually takes 3 to 10 weeks. The timeline depends on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the work, and whether any hidden issues arise once demolition begins.

Throughout each phase, we stay in constant communication. You’ll know what’s happening, what’s coming next, and if anything could potentially affect your timeline. We believe the more informed you are, the smoother the experience will be from start to finish.

Things to Expect When Under Construction 

Remodeling your kitchen means temporarily adjusting your routine, but with some planning, it doesn’t have to feel disruptive. Many homeowners set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, small fridge, or coffee maker in another part of the house. Prepping meals in advance or leaning on frozen options helps during the transition. While construction does bring some noise and dust, we take extra care to keep your home as clean and organized as possible.

Our team respects your time, your space, and your schedule. We communicate consistently and work efficiently, so you always know what to expect.

What Are the Most Expensive Parts of a Kitchen Remodel?

The most significant costs often arise from custom cabinetry, stone countertops, appliances, and skilled labor, such as electrical and plumbing work. Cabinets alone can take up a good chunk of the total budget, especially if you’re adding features like soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, or a walk-in pantry. Countertops, particularly quartz or natural stone, also represent a substantial line item. How much a kitchen remodel costs varies depending on a few factors, including the choices you make.

If you're relocating electrical or plumbing lines, the labor and inspection requirements can also increase costs. And, of course, upgrading to built-in appliances or adding under-cabinet lighting contributes to both cost and complexity. Our team walks you through each option so you know where your money is going and why it matters.

Northwest Indiana's Trusted Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

Clear Contractors brings over a decade of hands-on experience to every kitchen remodel, blending practical expertise with honest, client-first communication. Our portfolio includes everything from modern farmhouse updates to full custom builds across Lake and Porter Counties. We follow a clear, organized process that keeps clients informed, involved, and confident from consultation to completion.

Our team works closely with you to align vision, budget, and timeline without overpromising. We anticipate delays before they happen, manage trades efficiently, and stay flexible when needed. At every step, we work hard to deliver beautifully finished kitchens on time and without the runaround. All of our remodeling services are designed to make your life better.

Contact Clear Contractors 

Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more. Your freshly remodeled kitchen is waiting for you.