"How long will I be without a kitchen?"
It depends far more on scope and ordering than on demolition. A refresh like new counters, paint or new cabinet doors keeps most of your kitchen usable for much of the job. A full gut that moves plumbing, adds lighting or opens a wall takes longer, because the work happens in a fixed order: demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, any required inspections, drywall, cabinets, then countertops, which are usually measured after the base cabinets are in and then fabricated.
The biggest schedule killers are things that weren't ordered early: cabinets, special-order appliances, tile or a specific slab. Ask your contractor for a written schedule that shows when each item is ordered and when the kitchen will be usable again, not just a start date.
"Can I keep my cabinets?"
Often, yes. If the cabinet boxes are solid, the layout works for you and nothing is water-damaged, painting, refacing (new doors, drawer fronts and veneer on the boxes) or simply new doors and hardware can change the whole look while keeping the kitchen in service longer. If you want to move the sink or range, add an island, or the boxes are swollen from old leaks, new cabinets usually make more sense. A good contractor will open the doors and look before recommending either.
"Can we move the sink, the range or the fridge?"
Usually, but moving them is what turns a cosmetic update into a bigger project, because water lines, drains, gas or electrical circuits and range hood venting have to follow. Those changes typically need permits and inspections. Ask the contractor to mark on a drawing what moves and what stays.
"Do I need a permit in Meridian?"
Many kitchen remodels do, especially when walls, plumbing, electrical or gas are changed. The City of Meridian publishes residential submittal checklists and standards, including one specifically for residential remodels. Ask your contractor who will pull the permit and schedule inspections. In Idaho, contractors who aren't exempt must be registered, can't obtain a building permit without a current registration, and must display their registration number on advertising, contracts and building permits.
"What paperwork should I get?"
Idaho law requires general contractors to give certain disclosures to owners of residential property, which the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses explains in its contractor FAQ. Beyond that, ask for a written scope that lists cabinets, counters, appliances, fixtures, flooring and who supplies each, plus how change orders are handled.
Words to use when you call
No designer terms needed. Tell the contractor things like:
- "We want to keep the layout but hate the oak cabinets."
- "Can we get an island where the table is now?"
- "We have small kids and need a working kitchen as long as possible."
- "The cabinet under the sink is swollen from an old leak."
- "We want the range on the wall with the window."
Setting up a temporary kitchen
- Pick a spot near a sink, like a laundry room or bathroom, for washing dishes.
- Move the fridge and microwave there if the contractor agrees.
- Keep a small set of dishes, a toaster oven or electric skillet, and paper goods.
- Plan for more grilling and slow-cooker meals during the messiest weeks.
- Ask the contractor which days water or power will be off.
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Sources checked 2026-11-02: City of Meridian: Residential submittal standards and checklists; Idaho DOPL: Contractors FAQ (registration and disclosures).