One of the most common questions we hear at Gordon’s Makeovers is: “How long will it actually take?” It’s a fair concern. Your kitchen isn’t just where you prepare meals—it’s where you make your morning brew, where the kids grab their breakfast before school, and where you unwind with a glass of wine after a long day. The thought of being without it can feel daunting.
After nearly three decades transforming kitchens across the North West, we thought it was time to pull back the curtain and show you exactly what happens during a typical kitchen makeover, and more importantly, how we minimise disruption to your daily life.
The Pre-Project Phase: Planning Makes Perfect
Before we even pick up a tool, there’s crucial groundwork to be done. This phase typically takes 2-3 weeks from your initial consultation to the start date, though we can work faster if needed.
Week 1-2: Design and Decision Making
After your initial consultation, you’ll receive detailed proposals with various door styles, colour options, and worktop choices. This is your time to really think about what you want. Browse our showroom, take samples home, see how they look in your lighting at different times of day. There’s no rush—getting this right matters more than getting it done quickly.
We’ll also conduct a thorough site survey, measuring everything precisely and identifying any potential challenges. Got an awkward corner? A boiler that needs working around? We’ll spot it now, not on installation day.
Week 3: Final Preparations
Once you’ve signed off on everything, we order your materials and schedule your installation. We’ll also talk you through exactly what to expect and how to prepare. Pro tip: now’s the time to set up that temporary kitchen area in your dining room or utility room!
The Makeover Itself: Faster Than You Think
Here’s the good news: unlike a full kitchen renovation that can take 4-6 weeks, a Gordon’s Makeovers transformation typically takes just 3-7 working days, depending on the scope. Here’s what happens:
Day 1: Out with the Old
Our team arrives bright and early (we’re talking proper Northern working hours—none of this 10am start business). We’ll protect your floors and adjacent rooms with dust sheets, then carefully remove your old doors, drawer fronts, and any elements being replaced.
If you’re having new worktops, we’ll remove the old ones too. Most of this happens in the morning, and we’ll clear all rubbish away the same day. Your kitchen will look bare, but you’ll still have a functioning sink and hob for basic tasks.
Days 2-3: The Transformation Begins
This is where the magic happens. New doors go on, handles are fitted, and if you’re having them, new worktops are templated and fitted. We work methodically, section by section, so parts of your kitchen become usable again as we go.
If you’re having any internal storage solutions installed—pull-out drawers, carousel units, or those clever corner solutions—this is when they go in. It’s oddly satisfying watching your storage capacity multiply before your eyes.
Day 4-5: The Finishing Touches
New worktops are sealed and polished. Any painting or touch-ups are completed. Plinths are fitted, silicone is applied, and everything is checked and double-checked. We’re meticulous about the details because we know you’ll be living with this kitchen for years to come.
Day 6-7: Final Polish (If Needed)
For larger projects or those with additional elements like new splashbacks or lighting, we might need an extra day or two. We always prefer to take the time to get everything absolutely right rather than rush the finish.
Living Through It: Practical Survival Tips
Let’s be honest—even a relatively short makeover requires some adjustment. Here’s what we recommend:
Set Up a Temporary Station: Kettle, toaster, microwave, and a washing-up bowl in another room work wonders. You’d be amazed how much you can manage with just these basics.
Plan Your Meals: The week before we start, do a big shop and prep some easy meals. Think pasta salads, sandwiches, and yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to rely on the local chippy once or twice.
Protect Your Sanity: If you work from home, consider whether you might want to work elsewhere during the noisier phases. Libraries and coffee shops can be lifesavers.
Keep Communication Open: Got concerns mid-project? Tell us immediately. We’d much rather address something on day two than discover you’ve been quietly worrying all week.
The Aftermath: Settling Into Your New Kitchen
Once we’ve packed up and left (taking all rubbish with us, naturally), you’ll have a kitchen that looks completely transformed but is immediately usable. That said, give yourself a few days to truly settle in.
You might find yourself opening the wrong cupboard for a while—muscle memory takes time to adjust. Enjoy the process of reorganising your space and making it truly yours. Many clients tell us they use their makeover as an opportunity for a proper clear-out, and who are we to argue with that?
Why Speed Matters (But Quality Matters More)
We’ve honed our process over 29 years to be as efficient as possible without ever compromising on quality. Every member of our team is highly experienced, which means we work quickly and accurately. We know exactly how long each task should take, and we plan meticulously to avoid delays.
That said, if we encounter an unexpected issue—perhaps some water damage behind an old unit or a wall that’s not quite as straight as it should be—we’ll always prioritise doing the job properly over sticking rigidly to the timeline. You’re investing in a kitchen that needs to look good and function perfectly for years to come.
Is Now the Right Time?
If you’ve been putting off your kitchen makeover because you’re worried about the disruption, hopefully this has reassured you. Yes, there’ll be a few days of mild chaos, but it’s manageable, short-lived, and—according to our clients—absolutely worth it.
Autumn is actually an ideal time for a makeover. The weather’s cooling down (so you won’t be desperate for cold drinks from the fridge constantly), but it’s not yet the mad rush towards Christmas. Plus, imagine hosting Christmas dinner in your beautiful new kitchen. Now there’s motivation.
Ready to transform your kitchen without the lengthy disruption of a full renovation? Contact Gordon’s Makeovers to discuss your project and get a realistic timeline tailored to your specific needs. With nearly three decades of experience, we know how to deliver stunning results efficiently and professionally.