Wondering how long a kitchen remodel really takes? With Medford Design-Build’s proven process, you’ll have a clear timeline, expert guidance, and zero guesswork from start to finish.

This blog breaks down each stage of a Fort Worth kitchen remodel, from the initial consultation to design development, selections, construction, and warranty support, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how long each phase typically takes.

Here's a peek at the trends shaping kitchens in 2026:

1. Initial Design Consultation (1–2 Hours)

Your kitchen remodel starts with a conversation in your home. During this first meeting, one of our experienced designers will walk through your kitchen, ask questions about how you use the space, and start to explore layout and style ideas that reflect your goals.

We’ll also talk about realistic budget ranges, timeline expectations, and how our design-build process works from start to finish.

How to Prepare for Your Consultation

To make the most of your design consultation, we recommend spending a few minutes thinking about:

• What’s not working in your current kitchen (layout, storage, traffic flow, etc.)

• Any features you’ve always wanted, like more prep space, better lighting, optimal storage, etc.

• Design inspiration you’ve saved (Pinterest, Houzz, magazines)

• Whether you want to keep the current layout or explore a full reconfiguration

• Your initial thoughts on budget, priorities, and must-haves

• Review Custom Design Package

2. Measurements & Design Development (3–4 Weeks)

Once you’ve decided to move forward with us, we schedule a second site visit to take detailed measurements and begin the design development phase. This is where your kitchen remodel starts to come to life on paper first, then in 3D.

We take everything we learned during your consultation and begin translating it into a customized kitchen layout that fits your home, your daily routine, and your personal style. 

What Happens During This Phase:

• Site Measurement Visit:
  Our team returns to your home to collect precise dimensions, verify existing conditions, and take photos for reference. This ensures the new design integrates seamlessly with your home’s structure.

• Design Development:

  • Floorplans that define traffic flow and appliance placement

  • Elevations that show cabinetry heights and wall details

  • 3D renderings so you can visualize the space before it’s built

• Kitchen-Specific Focus Areas:

  • Cabinetry Layout: Optimized for prep, cooking, and storage

  • Appliance Locations: Based on workflow, spacing, and manufacturer specs

  • Lighting Strategy: Placement for task lighting, accent lights, and ambient layers

  • Storage Planning: Pantries, drawer inserts, appliance garages, and more

  • Aesthetic Direction: Initial guidance on finishes, materials, and style

3. Design Presentation

Once your design is developed, it’s time for the fun part: seeing your future kitchen in full color and 3D.

We’ll walk you through your custom layout, renderings, and proposed selections, all tailored to your style, space, and goals. This is where things start to feel real and where many of our clients say, “Now I can finally picture it.”

We’ll review every detail together, answer questions, and get your feedback before moving into revisions and final pricing.

4. Revisions & Final Proposal (2–3 Weeks)

After your design presentation, we take your feedback and fine-tune every detail from layout changes to materials, finishes, and overall scope. This is your opportunity to make the design truly yours, whether that means adjusting cabinet styles, reworking the island size, or exploring alternate appliance options.

Once all revisions are finalized, we prepare your official scope of work and detailed pricing proposal.

Advice From the Medford Team:

• Take your time reviewing the design. It’s okay to ask questions or request changes. That’s what this phase is for.

• Consider how you live in the space. Are you cooking for a crowd? Do you need more pantry storage? Would a prep sink make life easier? Now is the time to bring those ideas up.

• Understand how customization affects timing.
  Custom cabinetry, specialty appliances, and personalized design details can extend this phase slightly, but they’re also what make your kitchen one of a kind.

5. Proposal Approval

Once you’ve approved the final design and proposal, we officially reserve your spot on our production schedule. From here, we begin prepping for construction: ordering materials, finalizing selections, and getting everything in place for a smooth build.

6. Design Selections & Permits (4–5 Weeks)

With your kitchen design and proposal approved, it’s time to select the finishes and fixtures that bring your space to life. This is one of the most exciting phases for many of our clients, and our designers are here to guide you through every choice with confidence.

At the same time, we begin preparing and submitting any required permits so your project can move forward without delays.

Kitchen Selections You’ll Make During This Phase:

• Cabinetry: Style, color, construction, and custom features like pull-outs or appliance garages

• Countertops: Material selection (quartz, granite, quartzite, etc.) and edge profiles

• Backsplash Tile: Shape, pattern, grout color, and layout style

• Plumbing Fixtures: Sink, faucet, and pot-filler selections

• Appliances: Finalize models, specs, and any custom paneling or built-ins

• Lighting: Recessed lights, pendants, under-cabinet lighting, and more

• Hardware: Knobs, pulls, and finishes that complete the look

Permitting in Fort Worth: What to Expect

Not every kitchen remodel requires a permit, but many do, especially if:

• Walls are being moved or removed

• Electrical or plumbing systems are being reconfigured

• A new layout changes the mechanical or structural footprint

We handle the permitting process for you, coordinating with local municipalities and ensuring that everything meets code. This step is built into our timeline so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or delays.

7. Demolition to Completion (6–10 Weeks)

This is when the real transformation begins. When your old kitchen comes out, and your new space takes shape. The length of this phase depends on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the layout, and how customized your design is.

How We Protect Your Home During Construction:

• Dust Barriers: Plastic sheeting with zipper access to contain debris

• Floor Protection: Drop cloths, runners, and protective boards

• Air Scrubbers: HEPA filtration units to keep your indoor air clean

• Daily Clean-Up: Our team tidies up the work area at the end of each day

Tips for Living Through a Kitchen Remodel:

1. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen Zone

During construction, you won’t have access to your usual appliances, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck eating out every night. Consider creating a makeshift kitchen in another part of the house with:

• A microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer

• A coffee maker or electric kettle

• A mini fridge or cooler

• Paper goods or a small dishwashing station (like a bathroom sink or utility tub)

2. Meal Prep Ahead (or Treat Yourself!)

Before demo starts, prepare and freeze a few of your family’s favorite meals for easy reheating. You might also want to explore local takeout options or meal delivery kits to simplify dinners during the construction phase.

3. Expect Some Noise and Activity

Remodeling is inherently a little disruptive, but we do everything we can to minimize the impact. If you work from home, let us know your schedule so we can plan around high-noise activities like demolition or flooring installation.

4. Create a Safe Space for Kids and Pets

We recommend setting boundaries for children and pets to keep them safe and away from the work zone. Baby gates, closed doors, and pet boarding (if needed) can help reduce stress for everyone.

5. Keep the End Goal in Mind

There may be a few dusty days or some shifting routines, but it’s all part of the process, and the result is a kitchen designed specifically for your family, your style, and your future.

8. Post-Project Support & Warranty

Just because construction is complete doesn’t mean our job is done. After your kitchen remodel wraps up, we schedule a final walk-through to ensure everything meets our high standards and yours.

You’ll also receive warranty information and know exactly who to contact if questions come up. Our team is always here for you, long after the dust has settled.

The Timeline’s Clear, Now Let’s Get Started!

A kitchen remodel is a big investment, not just financially, but in time, energy, and trust. That’s why Medford’s step-by-step process is designed to keep everything on track and stress-free. With clear timelines, open communication, and decades of experience in Fort Worth homes, you’ll always know what’s next.

Ready to start designing the kitchen you’ve been waiting for? Let’s make it happen. Reach out to us and let's schedule a consultation.