Renovating your kitchen is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home – but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Between design decisions, cabinetry production, plumbing, electrical work, installation, and finishing touches, there are many moving parts that need to come together smoothly.
The good news? With the right planning and the right team, your kitchen renovation can follow a clear, predictable timeline. This guide breaks down every step in the process so you know exactly what happens when, how long each phase typically takes, and how to prepare for a stress-free renovation experience.
Whether you’re transforming a compact apartment kitchen or crafting a luxurious open-plan space, this step-by-step timeline will help you plan your renovation with confidence – and avoid the common delays that catch homeowners off guard.
Phase 1: Planning & Consultation (1–2 Weeks)
Every successful kitchen renovation starts with a thorough planning phase. This is where you and your designer create the foundation for the entire project.
What happens during this phase:
- An in-home or showroom consultation
- Full site measurement and assessment
- Discussing your lifestyle, cooking habits, storage needs, and preferred style
- Reviewing inspiration photos or Pinterest boards
- High-level budget guidance
- Identifying plumbing and electrical limitations
- Talking through layout options
This stage is all about clarity. The more detailed the conversation, the more accurate the design – and the smoother the renovation.
At Totally Custom Designs, this is where we get to know how you live and what you need to create a kitchen that truly works for you.
Phase 2: Design & 3D Concept Development (1–3 Weeks)
Once the planning is complete, the design process begins. This is where your ideas transform into a visual, functional kitchen.
Key steps:
- Creating professional 3D renders
- Mapping out the floor plan
- Selecting cabinets, finishes, countertops, hardware, and colours
- Reviewing appliance placement and workflow
- Making layout refinements
- Final design approval
You’ll be able to visualise your kitchen from multiple angles, ensuring that every detail – from storage solutions to appliance position – fits your lifestyle.
Custom design takes care and precision, so this step can involve a few revisions. But it’s worth it: a well-designed kitchen saves thousands of rands in changes later.
Phase 3: Manufacturing & Material Sourcing (3–6 Weeks)
Once your design is signed off, production begins. This is often the longest phase, especially for custom cabinetry.
What’s happening behind the scenes:
- Cabinet components are cut, assembled, edged, and finished
- Stone countertops are sourced and reserved
- Hardware (hinges, handles, rails) arrives
- Quality control checks for all parts
- Protective coatings, spray painting, or specialised finishes are completed
Lead times depend on:
- Material availability
- Custom finishes
- Supplier schedules
- Unique design elements
In Cape Town, high-quality materials and hardware often require strategic sourcing – but pairing with the right suppliers ensures the process stays efficient.
Totally Custom Designs uses trusted local manufacturers, helping maintain consistent quality and faster turnaround times.
Phase 4: Site Preparation & Demolition (2–5 Days)
As production progresses, the site can be prepared.
This phase includes:
- Removing old cupboards and countertops
- Disconnecting appliances
- Isolating plumbing and electrics
- Stripping out flooring or tiles if needed
- Cleaning and preparing the space
Renovation dust is unavoidable, but a reputable team will protect floors, seal off work areas, and keep the home as clean as possible.
Phase 5: Plumbing, Electrical & Building Preparation (3–7 Days)
Before new cabinets and appliances go in, the infrastructure must be correctly positioned.
Key work during this stage:
- Moving plumbing points (sink, dishwasher, fridge waterline)
- Installing additional electrical points for appliances or LED lighting
- Adding or shifting plug points
- Preparing walls and ceilings
- Ensuring compliance with SANS building regulations
Load shedding can sometimes affect installation schedules in Cape Town – but good planning minimises downtime.
Phase 6: Cabinet Installation & Fit-Out (3–7 Days)
This is the moment homeowners love most: the new kitchen starts taking shape.
This step includes:
- Installing base units and wall units
- Aligning and levelling cabinets
- Fitting soft-close hinges and runners
- Creating appliance housings
- Adjusting doors, drawers, and edges
- Adding finishing trims and panels
By the end of this phase, the whole structure of your kitchen is usually complete.
Phase 7: Countertop Template & Installation (3–7 Days)
For stone countertops, a digital template is created after cabinets are fully installed to ensure precision.
Timeline breakdown:
- Day 1: Template is measured
- Days 2–5: Cutting, polishing, and shaping the stone
- Day 5–7: Installation and sealing (if required)
Countertops often create a short delay – this is completely normal and ensures the perfect fit.
Phase 8: Backsplash, Tiling & Finishing Touches (2–5 Days)
After countertops are installed, final finishes can be completed.
This includes:
- Installing the backsplash
- Tiling and grouting
- Painting touch-ups
- Installing lighting fixtures
- Fitting plumbing fixtures (taps and sinks)
- Installing appliances
Your kitchen is almost ready at this stage – just a few final steps to go.
Phase 9: Final Snagging & Quality Checks (1–3 Days)
The last part of the renovation is ensuring everything is perfect.
Snagging includes:
- Checking cabinet alignment
- Ensuring doors and drawers open smoothly
- Adjusting hinges
- Testing plumbing and electrical connections
- Inspecting finishes and correcting flaws
- Final cleaning
No kitchen renovation is complete without a detailed snag list. With a specialist team, snags are usually minimal and quickly resolved.
Total Time Breakdown: What to Expect
While each project is unique, typical timelines in Cape Town are:
Small Kitchen:
3–5 weeks
(Perfect for apartments or compact layouts)
Medium Kitchen:
5–7 weeks
(The most common renovation size)
Large / High-End Kitchen:
7–10+ weeks
(Including custom finishes, high-end hardware, and premium countertops)
Renovations can extend if structural changes or compliance certificates are needed – but with proper planning, most projects stay on schedule.
How Totally Custom Designs Ensures a Smooth Renovation Timeline
Working with an experienced, dedicated team makes all the difference. At Totally Custom Designs, clients benefit from:
⭐ In-house 3D design and expert planning
Clear communication from the start.
⭐ Trusted local suppliers for materials
Ensures efficient manufacturing and consistent quality.
⭐ Skilled installers & project coordination
Reduces downtime and delays between phases.
⭐ Premium craftsmanship and attention to detail
Your kitchen is built to last – not rushed.
⭐ Transparent timelines & updates
You’ll always know what’s happening and what comes next.
Final Thoughts
A kitchen renovation may feel like a big undertaking, but when each phase is clearly planned, the process becomes smooth, exciting, and predictable. With a clear timeline, a trusted team, and open communication, you’ll enjoy watching your new kitchen come to life – one step at a time.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream kitchen in Cape Town, Totally Custom Designs is here to bring your vision to life with custom cabinetry, thoughtful design, and professional installation.
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward the kitchen you’ve always wanted.