A kitchen remodel Lakeland FL homeowners actually enjoy needs two things: a clear plan and a realistic timeline. Online before and after photos rarely show the weeks of design, permitting, rough work, and detail finishing that go into a Central Florida kitchen. Evangelisto Construction has been remodeling kitchens in Lakeland for more than two decades, and they follow a structured process that keeps you informed from demo to final walkthrough.
Below is what a typical full kitchen remodel looks like, step by step, so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Initial consultation and site visit
Every project starts with a conversation in your existing kitchen. Evangelisto’s team:
Listens to how you use the space now and what frustrates you
Reviews your must haves, wish list, and general budget level
Looks at walls, plumbing, electrical, and structure to see what is possible
This is when you start talking about layout changes, opening walls, island size, and storage needs. The goal is to align design ideas with what your home can support and what makes sense for your investment.
Step 2: Design, layout, and selections
After the initial visit, the design phase begins. In this stage Evangelisto develops:
A detailed layout with cabinet placement and appliance locations
Plans for lighting, outlets, and any structural changes
A selections list for cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, fixtures, and hardware
You will spend time choosing finishes at showrooms or from curated samples. Expect this phase to take several weeks, depending on how quickly you make decisions and how custom your materials are. Clear communication here helps prevent delays later.
Step 3: Permits and scheduling
In Lakeland and Polk County, most substantial kitchen remodels that move walls, relocate plumbing, or upgrade electrical require permits and inspections.
As a state certified, insured contractor, Evangelisto Construction prepares permit ready plans, submits them to the appropriate building department, and coordinates the schedule around approvals. While permits are in review, cabinets and other long lead time items are ordered so they are ready when the job starts.
Step 4: Demo and prep
Once permits are approved and materials are lined up, work on site begins with demolition. This stage includes:
Protecting adjacent areas with plastic and floor protection
Removing old cabinets, countertops, appliances, and sometimes flooring
Safely capping and labeling plumbing and electrical
The goal here is a clean, open shell to rebuild from. For many Lakeland homes with older framing or surprise issues inside walls, this is also when hidden problems like outdated wiring or water damage are discovered and addressed.
Step 5: Rough in work
With the space opened up, licensed trades perform rough in work:
Moving or adding plumbing lines for sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators
Adding or upgrading electrical circuits, outlets, and lighting
Framing any new walls, soffits, or structural supports
These rough in steps are inspected by city or county inspectors before walls are closed, which protects you and documents that the work meets current code.
Step 6: Drywall, flooring, and painting
After rough inspections pass:
New drywall is hung, taped, and finished
Walls and ceilings are primed and painted
Flooring is installed if it runs under cabinets in your design
This is when the space starts to look like a room again instead of a construction zone. Evangelisto’s team keeps you updated on each phase so you understand what is happening and what is next.
Step 7: Cabinet installation
Cabinet installation is a major milestone. Precise layout and level installation here set up everything else, including countertops and tile.
During this stage the crew:
Sets base and wall cabinets according to the plan
Confirms appliance openings and clearances
Installs trim pieces, panels, and filler strips for a built in look
If custom cabinets are part of your design, they are built to the exact measurements gathered earlier, which helps avoid on site surprises.
Step 8: Countertops, backsplash, and fixtures
Once cabinets are set:
Countertops are templated, fabricated, and installed
Sinks are set and plumbing connections are made
Backsplash tile is installed and grouted
Light fixtures, switches, and outlets are installed and tested
This is when your material choices really show. Quartz, stone, or solid surface tops, paired with tile and lighting, turn the functional shell into a finished kitchen.
Step 9: Final details and punch list
The last phase focuses on details:
Touch up paint and caulk
Adjusting cabinet doors and drawers
Installing hardware and accessories
Cleaning the job site thoroughly
Evangelisto walks the kitchen with you to create a punch list of any small items that need adjustment. They complete this list, then perform a final walkthrough so you understand how to care for your new finishes and what is covered by their workmanship warranty.
How long does a kitchen remodel really take in Lakeland
Every home and scope is different, but a full kitchen remodel in a Central Florida home usually spans several weeks from the start of demo to final walkthrough. The overall timeline includes:
Design and selections
Permitting and approvals
On site construction, inspections, and finishing
Because Evangelisto Construction has over 20 years of experience and a state certified license, they set expectations early, build a realistic schedule, and keep you updated with clear communication as the project moves forward.
Choosing the right partner for your kitchen remodel in Lakeland FL
A kitchen remodel is a major investment in how your home feels and functions. Working with a family owned, state certified, insured contractor gives you added confidence that the work will be done safely, to code, and with respect for your home and schedule.
Evangelisto Construction plans, designs, and installs complete kitchen renovations in Lakeland FL, from layout and cabinets to countertops, lighting, and flooring, so you can work with one accountable team from start to finish.
