Holiday-Ready Kitchens: How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take by Christmas?

Hosting family in late December and wondering if your kitchen can be guest-ready in time? If you’re in London, Ontario or nearby communities, the answer depends on scope, lead times, and permits. With smart planning and a focused scope, Apeiro Construction can help you prioritize high-impact upgrades—like granite countertops, tile flooring accents, lighting, and custom cabinetry solutions—so your space looks polished for the holidays and sets the stage for a fuller renovation in the new year.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Timeline varies by scope and materials:

• Cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware, lighting, backsplash): 2–4 weeks
• Pull-and-replace (new cabinets in same layout, counters, tile flooring): 4–8 weeks
• Full gut and reconfiguration (structural, plumbing/electrical changes): 8–12+ weeks

Starting in November, a full gut is rarely feasible by Christmas. However, a targeted refresh or a strategic pull-and-replace—especially if you choose in-stock or semi-custom options—can still be holiday-ready.

What’s realistic by Christmas if you start in November?

Focus on upgrades with predictable lead times and faster installs:

• Countertops: Granite/quartz typically template-to-install in 7–14 business days with our local fabricator partners.
• Backsplash: Subway or large-format tile installs in 1–3 days; grout cure adds 24 hours.
• Lighting and hardware: 1–2 days; energy-efficient LED fixtures deliver instant impact.
• Paint and drywall touch-ups: 2–4 days, depending on prep.
• Appliances: If in-stock, 3–7 days for delivery and hook-up; order early due to holiday demand.

Tile flooring: Consider partial area updates or luxury vinyl planks to shorten downtime.

Custom cabinetry: Full custom is often 6–10 weeks. For December-ready results, leverage semi-custom or select custom elements like a new island or pantry unit.

Ontario-specific factors that affect your timeline

• Permits: Layout changes, new openings, or structural work typically require municipal permits. Straight replacements usually don’t. In London and surrounding municipalities, permits can take 2–4+ weeks. Apeiro’s permit and inspection coordination streamlines this step.
• Electrical inspections: The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) may be required for certain upgrades. We schedule inspections to avoid delays.
• Trades scheduling and holiday closures: Late November and December book quickly. Our advance scheduling and subcontractor coordination keep momentum.
• Weather and curing: Cold, damp conditions affect paint and thinset curing. We plan climate control and sequencing to maintain quality.

A smart two-phase plan for the holidays and beyond

If your dream includes layout changes or fully custom cabinetry, split the project:

• Phase 1 (Pre-Christmas): Countertop swap, backsplash, lighting, paint, and hardware for an immediate visual lift and functional boost.
• Phase 2 (January–February): Cabinetry replacement, tile flooring across full footprint, and any reconfiguration once permits and custom components are ready.

This approach delivers a magazine-worthy holiday setting now, then completes your long-term vision with precision in winter—often when lead times are shorter and promotions are available.

Fast-track sample schedule for London and nearby communities

• Week 1: On-site consultation, measurements, select materials (granite countertops, tile, fixtures). Order semi-custom cabinetry or any quick-ship elements.
• Week 2: Countertop templating; electrical plan and ESA scheduling; drywall/paint prep begins.
• Week 3: Countertop installation; plumbing reconnect; install new LED lighting, hardware, and faucet.
• Week 4: Backsplash tiling, paint finish, appliance delivery and hook-up, final clean and styling.

How Apeiro Construction keeps your project on time

Apeiro’s builder’s mindset and elite execution protect your schedule. We handle design consultation and planning, value engineering and procurement, permit and inspection coordination, and detailed scheduling with trusted local trades in London, Middlesex County, Guelph, Cambridge, and beyond. Our on-site supervision, dust control, and safety compliance minimize disruption, while clear communication keeps you informed. You get the right upgrades done right the first time—fast, precise, and holiday-ready.

Ready to host in style?

Let’s create a kitchen that shines for the season and performs for years. Book a consultation with Apeiro Construction to fast-track your kitchen remodeling plan, choose the ideal mix of granite countertops, tile flooring, and cabinetry, and secure your pre-holiday slot. Visit apeiroconstruction.com to get started today.