Planning a Fall Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines? Why Summer Is the Time to Start
Picture this: it's Thanksgiving morning, the whole family is gathered in your kitchen, and everything just works. There's room to prep, room to visit, and a space you're genuinely proud to show off. For a lot of Des Moines and Urbandale homeowners, that's the dream — and if you want it to be a reality this year, summer is the time to start planning.
At Dunlap Remodeling, we've guided homeowners across the Des Moines metro through the remodeling process since 2013, and one thing we've learned is that the best projects are never rushed. A beautiful kitchen starts months before the first cabinet is installed. Here's why the middle of summer is actually the perfect moment to begin — and how to make the whole process simple and stress-free.
Great Kitchens Are Planned, Not Rushed
A full kitchen remodel typically takes several weeks of construction — but the design and preparation phase that comes first is just as important. Between the initial consultation, thoughtful design work, selecting custom cabinets, countertops, and appliances, and pulling the proper permits, there's real work to do before demolition day ever arrives.
When you start the conversation in July or August, you give yourself the breathing room to make decisions you'll love for years to come — not choices made under pressure because the holidays are closing in. You'll have time to compare wood types and finishes, hold material samples in your hand, and think through how your family actually uses the space every day.
Custom Materials Take Time (and That's a Good Thing)
The materials that define a kitchen's style and longevity — custom cabinetry, natural stone countertops like quartz and granite, quality flooring — aren't sitting on a shelf waiting. Custom cabinets are built to order, and stone countertops are templated and fabricated after your cabinets are set. Ordering early means your materials arrive when your project needs them, keeping everything on schedule and minimizing disruption to your home life.
Starting in summer also gives you first pick. By early fall, remodeling calendars across Central Iowa fill up fast as everyone races to finish before winter. Homeowners who plan ahead get the timeline they want instead of the timeline that's left over.
Fall Is a Sweet Spot for Interior Projects in Iowa
Here in Iowa, we plan around the weather — it's just part of life. Fall is one of the best seasons for interior remodeling. The summer humidity has eased, which is friendlier to wood cabinetry and trim work, and the deep freeze hasn't arrived yet, so material deliveries and any exterior-adjacent work (like venting a new range hood or updating a window over the sink) go smoothly.
And there's a practical bonus: grilling season is still going strong in September and October. When your kitchen is temporarily out of commission, a backyard cooking setup makes the construction phase a whole lot easier on the family.
A Timeline That Gets You to the Holidays
Every project is different, but for many Des Moines area kitchens, a summer start looks something like this:
July–August: Design and planning. We sit down together, listen to your ideas, and create a plan that fits your budget — honesty and respect, never a sales pitch. Then we develop detailed design specifications and help you select materials.
Late August–September: Ordering and permits. Cabinets and materials are ordered, and we handle the permit process with the city so you don't have to think about it.
October–November: Construction. Demolition, rough-in work, cabinet installation, countertops, backsplash, and finishing touches — with a clean, organized work area and constant communication every step of the way.
Before the holidays: The reveal. Final walkthrough, and your kitchen is ready for its first big family gathering.
Why Work With a Local Urbandale Remodeler
As a family-owned business born and raised right here in the Des Moines metro, we understand how local homes are built, what the Iowa climate demands from materials, and how the local permitting process works. We're your neighbors — and our reputation is built on trust, quality, and transparency, one project at a time. From your first consultation to the final walkthrough, you'll always know exactly where your project stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Des Moines?
Most full kitchen remodels take roughly 6 to 10 weeks of construction, depending on the scope. Add 6 to 10 weeks before that for design, material selection, and permits — which is exactly why a summer start lines up so well with a holiday-season finish.
Can I stay in my home during a kitchen remodel?
Yes — most of our clients do. We help you plan a temporary kitchen setup, keep the work area clean and contained, and maintain a strict schedule to minimize the time your kitchen is out of service.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Urbandale or Des Moines?
If your project involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes, yes. The good news: we handle all local permits and inspections for you as part of every project.
What does a kitchen remodel cost in the Des Moines area?
It depends on the size of your space, the materials you choose, and whether the layout changes. That's why we start with a free, pressure-free consultation — we'll listen to your ideas and build a plan that fits your budget.
Ready to Love Your Kitchen by the Holidays?
If you've been dreaming about a new kitchen, don't wait until the leaves change to make the first call. Contact Dunlap Remodeling today for a free consultation, and let's create a space where your family will make memories for years to come. Proudly serving Urbandale, Des Moines, and the entire metro area.
