Kitchen Renovation Planning Guide Palm Beach County 2026

When to start planning

For a spring 2026 kitchen finish, planning should begin in the previous fall. That window covers design, material selection, HOA submission, permit pull, and the six to ten weeks of custom cabinet fabrication. Homeowners who plan late almost always compress construction rather than lead time — a trade that costs quality.

How to set a realistic scope

Scope is the single most important decision. A cosmetic refresh keeps the layout and swaps finishes. A full renovation replaces cabinets, counters, and appliances in the existing footprint. A gut renovation moves walls and reworks utilities. Each has its own timeline and permitting requirements — pick before ordering anything.

Layout decisions before demo

Every layout change is settled before the first cabinet is torn out. Sink and range placement drive plumbing and gas rough-in. Island size drives electrical circuits and floor structure. A layout finalized on paper — not on demo day — is the single best predictor of a smooth project.

Working with a licensed GC

A licensed general contractor coordinates every trade — electrician, plumber, cabinet installer, stone fabricator, appliance installer, painter — inside one master schedule. Homeowners who self-general almost always run over on both time and budget. As a veteran-owned licensed GC, we own the whole schedule.

HOA submission timeline

Submit the HOA package the moment scope is settled. Approval windows in Palm Beach County range from two weeks to a monthly board meeting — the window is calendar time, not billable time, so it costs nothing to start early and everything to start late.

Permit timeline in Palm Beach County

Municipal permit review runs one to three weeks in most Palm Beach County jurisdictions. Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens are typically fast; Boca Raton and coastal municipalities can be longer. We submit permits in parallel with cabinet fabrication.

Material lead times in 2026

Custom cabinets: six to ten weeks. Quartzite and rare stone: two to six weeks including yard viewing. Luxury appliances: four to sixteen weeks depending on brand and model. Custom glass shower enclosures: two to three weeks after templating. Ordering these in the right sequence is a project management decision, not a design decision.

How to stage the project

Set up a temporary kitchen — coffee maker, microwave, mini-fridge, a small prep area in the dining room or garage. Move fragile décor from adjacent rooms. Confirm parking for the dumpster. Discuss daily site protection with your GC before day one.

What to do during renovation

Stay in touch, but stay out of the crew's way. Weekly check-in meetings are the sweet spot. Save questions for the meeting rather than interrupting workflow. Approve change orders quickly — pending decisions stall the whole schedule.

Final walkthrough checklist

Walk the kitchen with your GC. Check every drawer glide, every door alignment, every hardware placement. Run the sink, dishwasher, disposal, and each appliance. Confirm every permit is closed. Sign off on the punch list — and only then release final payment.

Get a free consultation from a veteran-owned, licensed general contractor

When should I start planning a 2026 kitchen renovation?

For a spring finish, start the previous fall. That covers design, HOA submission, permitting, and the six- to ten-week cabinet fabrication window.

How long is HOA approval in Palm Beach County?

Two weeks to a monthly board meeting, depending on community. Submit early — approval time is calendar time and does not depend on project readiness.

What are 2026 material lead times?

Custom cabinets six to ten weeks; quartzite two to six weeks; luxury appliances four to sixteen weeks; custom shower glass two to three weeks after template.

Can I live in the home during the renovation?

Yes. A temporary kitchen in the dining room or garage makes the full ten to twelve weeks manageable.

Do you handle planning as well as construction?

Yes. We handle design, material selection, HOA submission, permitting, and construction under one roof. Call 561-913-2023 for a free consultation.

Get your free consultation

Serving Wellington, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Manalapan, and all of Palm Beach County. Call 561-913-2023 or send us your project details below.

Request an Estimate