Most homeowners start a kitchen remodel with the same two questions: what will this actually cost, and how long will we be without a working kitchen? Both are fair questions, and the honest answers depend on scope. A refresh with new counters, paint, and a backsplash is a very different project than moving a wall, relocating plumbing, and reworking the whole layout.
The good news is that kitchen remodels are predictable when they're planned well. Here's what we tell homeowners across Warren and Hamilton counties to expect before the first cabinet comes down.
Cabinets are almost always the biggest line item, often 25 to 35 percent of the total budget. Countertops, appliances, and flooring follow close behind. The layout matters just as much: keeping the sink, range, and refrigerator where they are keeps plumbing and electrical work minimal, while moving any of them adds labor and material costs quickly.
A cosmetic update — new counters, cabinet refacing, updated fixtures — sits at the lower end. A full remodel with semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, and new appliances lands in the middle. Removing walls, changing the layout, or upgrading to custom cabinetry moves you higher. Whatever the scope, we recommend holding 10 to 15 percent as a contingency. Older homes in Cincinnati often hide surprises behind the drywall, and a contingency keeps those surprises from derailing the project.
Plan on the design and selection phase taking four to eight weeks before construction begins. Custom cabinets can carry lead times of six to ten weeks, so ordering early matters. Permits through your local building department — whether you're in Warren or Hamilton county — typically add a few weeks, and inspections are scheduled at key points during the work.
Once demolition starts, a full kitchen remodel usually takes six to ten weeks. Setting up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator in another room makes the process far easier on your family.
At Scheffer Construction, we've spent more than 30 years remodeling kitchens across Greater Cincinnati, and every project is overseen by Matt Scheffer from the first walkthrough to the final punch list. With over 465 renovations behind us and a 15-year warranty on our work, we're glad to sit down, talk through your budget honestly, and help you plan a kitchen that fits how you actually live. When you're ready to start the conversation, reach out to our team.
