📋 Table of Contents
Phase 1: Consultation, Design, and Permit Applications (Weeks 1–3)
Every Boston kitchen remodel begins with a free in-home consultation. Our lead designer visits your kitchen, takes measurements, discusses your goals and budget, and conducts a preliminary structural and systems assessment. This typically takes 45–60 minutes and gives you a clear picture of what's possible before any commitment is made.
Following the consultation, we develop a design proposal — layout plans, cabinet configurations, countertop and material recommendations, and a detailed line-item written quote. You review the design, ask questions, and request revisions until the proposal reflects exactly what you want. This process typically takes 5–10 business days.
Once the contract is signed, permit applications are submitted to Boston's ISD (or the relevant municipal permit office if your project is in Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, etc.). Standard kitchen permits take 2–4 weeks to process. Structural permits (for wall removal or beam installation) take longer — 4–8 weeks in Boston is realistic. Material orders, including custom or semi-custom cabinets, are placed at contract signing to maximize lead time.
Phase 2: Demolition (Day 1–3)
Demolition day is when the transformation becomes real. Before demo begins, we protect floors throughout the access path with surface protection. Appliances are disconnected and removed. Upper cabinets come down first, then base cabinets. Countertops are removed. The backsplash tile is removed.
During demolition, we conduct a thorough inspection of what's now visible: the condition of the subfloor, the state of the plumbing and electrical rough-in, the structural conditions of the walls. This is the stage where hidden conditions — old plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring, minor rot — are most likely to be discovered. We document everything and present any findings to you with clear cost implications before proceeding.
Phase 3: Rough Work — Plumbing, Electrical, and Drywall (Days 3–10)
With the walls open, our licensed plumbers and electricians perform the rough-in work: new circuit runs for appliances, GFCI outlet installation, under-cabinet lighting rough-in, any plumbing relocations or new supply/drain lines. This work must be inspected by the city inspector before walls are closed — the inspection is scheduled by our team.
After rough inspection approval, new drywall is installed and finished (taped, mudded, and sanded). Any subfloor issues discovered during demolition are addressed before new flooring installation. Primer coat on new walls before cabinet installation begins.
Phase 4: Cabinet Installation (Days 10–14)
Cabinet installation is the most visible transformation in the project. Upper cabinets are installed first (before base cabinets, to allow proper positioning without the base cabinets in the way), then base cabinets, then any filler panels, crown molding, and trim.
In Boston's older homes, floor and wall levelness is rarely perfect. Our carpenters use shimming and scribing techniques to achieve a level, plumb installation regardless of the building's imperfections. Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are installed and adjusted for consistent reveal and gap tolerances.
Hardware (handles, knobs, hinges) is installed at the end of the carpentry phase. Soft-close hinges and drawer glides are adjusted for proper operation.
Phase 5: Countertop Template and Installation (Days 14–21)
With cabinets fully installed, the countertop fabricator comes to template — taking precise measurements of the counter layout, including all sink cutouts, appliance openings, and corner configurations. The template is used to cut the countertop material to exact dimensions at the fabrication shop.
Countertop fabrication typically takes 7–10 business days for quartz and 10–14 days for natural stone. On installation day, the countertops are transported to your home and installed — including sink cutout, seaming where required, and edge profile application. Our plumber reconnects the sink on the same day.
Phase 6: Flooring, Backsplash, Lighting, and Appliances (Days 21–35)
New flooring is installed after countertops. Backsplash tile installation follows flooring, allowing tile to be cut cleanly at the floor line. Grouting and sealing complete the backsplash work.
Lighting installation — under-cabinet LEDs, recessed can adjustments, pendant light fixtures — is performed by our electricians after the tile work is complete. Appliance delivery and installation is coordinated with the schedule; appliances are typically installed in the final days of the project.
The final phase is the punch list walkthrough. We walk through the completed kitchen with you, noting any items that need adjustment, touch-up, or correction. All punch list items are completed before final payment is made. When you're satisfied, the project is formally closed. Congratulations — you have a new kitchen.
Ready to start your Boston kitchen remodel? Contact us to schedule your free consultation.
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