If you've lived in your Chester County home for any amount of time, you’ve probably thought about upgrading your kitchen. After you've used a space for a while, its shortcomings rise to the top. You're probably dreaming about more space, better storage, or simply a style that reflects how you live now. But starting a kitchen remodel can feel like a mountain. How do you know what layout will work best in your home? What design trends are actually worth the investment? And how long is this going to take?
Bromwell Construction Co. has helped hundreds of homeowners from West Chester to Kennett Square transform outdated kitchens into practical, beautiful spaces. We're excited to give you a clear, honest look at the kitchen remodeling process and what to expect when working with a professional design-build team like ours. Whether you’re just starting to gather ideas or ready to book a consultation, this is the place to begin.
One of the first questions most homeowners ask is, “How long is this going to take?” And the honest answer is, it depends on your project’s scope. We know that's unsatisfying. Here’s what we can tell you for sure: with Bromwell, you’ll have a detailed project plan before construction begins, so you always know what’s coming next.
For a straightforward kitchen remodel (no major wall removals or structural work), the construction phase usually takes about 8–10 weeks. If you’re reworking your layout, adding square footage, or upgrading every surface and system, your project could take closer to 4–5 months. Throughout your project, Bromwell uses BuilderTrend, our client portal, to give you daily updates, progress photos, and a transparent calendar.
Here’s a general breakdown of how the kitchen remodeling timeline plays out:
Meet with our team to share your ideas and needs
Finalize layout, material selections, and budget
Receive a detailed proposal and sign off on construction documents
Order materials and finalize schedule
Pre-construction walkthrough with your Bromwell project manager
Secure permits (if required by township or county)
Demolition: 2–5 days
Framing & rough-ins (plumbing, electric, HVAC): ~1 week
Drywall, flooring, painting: 1–2 weeks
Cabinet installation: 1–3 days
Countertops & backsplash: ~1 week
Appliance install & final details: 1 week
Final walkthrough & punch list: 1–2 days
Many Chester County homeowners do stay in their homes during construction on their new kitchens, especially if the remodel is contained only to the kitchen. We’ll help you set up a temporary kitchen station, keep dust under control with sealed work zones, and ensure regular communication so you know when quieter (or noisier) phases are coming.
That said, if your remodel is extensive or involves plumbing shutdowns, you might want to consider staying elsewhere for part of the process. We’ll talk through those logistics with you early on so you can plan accordingly.
We believe remodeling should be clear, efficient, and client focused. That’s why we follow a streamlined design-build approach, managing both design and construction under one roof, so you're working with a single team from start to finish. Here's a step-by-step look at what you can expect from the time we connect.
We begin with a complimentary in-home consultation to explore your goals, style preferences, and any specific needs unique to your Chester County home. You'll sign a design retainer, typically 3–5% of your projected construction budget. This retainer secures our services to create architectural drawings, feasibility assessments, interior elevations, and a curated selection sheet complete with budget allowances, all tailored to your project.
Our in-house design team translates your vision into detailed floor plans, elevations, and preliminary material selections. We collaborate throughout, refining the layout and finishes like cabinets, countertops, lighting, until you're fully comfortable with the design.
With the design finalized, we move directly into construction, with no bidding delays or miscommunications.
You’ll have a dedicated project manager overseeing all day-to-day operations and ensuring trades, schedule, and budget stay on target. As the same team that drafted the design, we're able to respond swiftly to site conditions and changing preferences. You'll be kept in the loop via regular updates and the BuilderTrend portal.
Once construction wraps, we conduct a thorough final walkthrough to ensure everything meets your expectations. Any remaining items (punch list) are addressed promptly, because we want you thrilled with the end result.
Unified Responsibility: One team means no finger-pointing over design or construction.
Accurate Budgeting: We design within your budget from day one, using real product pricing and build experience to minimize surprises.
Faster Delivery: Eliminating the typical handoff between architect and contractor shortens your timeline, which is extra helpful when navigating local permitting and seasonal schedules.
Clear Communication: You’ll always know what’s happening and why. There will be no asking yourself, “Who do I talk to now?”
A remodel is your chance to make your kitchen not just new, but better, more functional, more beautiful, and more suited to how you live today. Here are the trends we’re seeing in Chester County homes right now.
From voice-activated faucets to appliances that sync with your phone, smart tech is here to stay. It's especially helpful for busy families who want convenience and efficiency built into everyday tasks.
Warm woods, real stone, and soft, earthy colors are making kitchens feel more connected to the classic Chester County architecture. We're seeing lots of white oak cabinets, leathered granite counters, and handmade tile backsplashes.
Backsplashes are becoming a feature in their own right. Patterned tile, full-height slabs, and creative layouts help your kitchen reflect personal style without overwhelming the space.
For open-concept homes, we’re designing “hidden” kitchens, where appliances blend into cabinetry, pantries are tucked behind doors, and visual clutter disappears. It’s clean, modern, and helps your kitchen feel integrated with the rest of your home.
Reclaimed wood, low-VOC finishes, and energy-efficient appliances are more available than ever, and homeowners are asking for them. Sustainable upgrades can improve both resale value and daily comfort.
Cabinetry is the largest investment in most remodels, and for good reason. Custom or semi-custom cabinets maximize your storage while allowing for design details like pull-out spice racks, tray dividers, and built-in waste bins.
Quartz remains the go-to for its durability and wide range of colors. Natural stone like granite or marble can add timeless character—especially when paired with period-style homes found throughout the county.
A large sink that multitasks, complete with cutting boards, drying racks, and colanders, can save you counter space and make prep work easier.
Recessed lighting provides general brightness, but it’s the pendants, under-cabinet lights, and toe-kick LEDs that create a functional and inviting atmosphere.
Your kitchen layout affects everything from how you cook to how you gather. In Chester County, we see a few layout patterns again and again. Not sure what’s best for your space? That’s where we come in. We’ll help you make smart layout changes that match how you live.
Common in pre-1960 Colonials, these kitchens are efficient but closed off.
Our fix: Remove a wall, open up sightlines, and add a peninsula or small island for more function and seating.
These layouts tried to be open, but often feel cramped by today’s standards.
Our fix: Replace the peninsula with a central island, add pantry storage, and update lighting for better zones.
The layout might work, but you’re ready for better flow and smarter storage.
Our fix: Optimize work zones, add features like workstation sinks or appliance garages, and clean up clutter with custom cabinetry.
Every kitchen remodel is different, but we've tiered projects out into three cost ranges to give you an idea of the budget that will accompany the scope you've got in mind. These figures reflect real-world budgets from local homeowners working with a design-build firm like Bromwell, not just national averages or DIY estimates.
This range covers projects where the layout stays the same and the focus is on fresh finishes. Your upgrades will include new cabinets, countertops, lighting, and flooring. Plumbing and electrical systems typically remain in place. It’s a great option if you want a new look without reworking the structure of your space.
These projects often involve reworking part of the layout, maybe moving appliances, opening a wall, or updating lighting and plumbing, but not changing the entire footprint. You’ll get upgraded cabinets, high-performance surfaces, and smart storage, all tailored to how you use your kitchen.
If your kitchen is dated, cramped, or cut off from the rest of your home, a full remodel may be the right call. This tier covers everything: structural changes, new mechanical systems, custom cabinetry, premium finishes, and a layout designed from scratch. It’s also the most complex type of remodel and takes the longest to complete, but the transformation is dramatic.
Keep in mind, costs also depend on your home's age, any hidden issues uncovered during demo, and the level of finish you’re after. At Bromwell, we provide fixed-price proposals, so there’s no guessing once the design is complete. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying, and what’s included, before construction begins.
Please see our updated local cost guide for further information.
Kitchen remodels come with a lot of moving parts. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and what to expect when you work with Bromwell.
Yes, in most cases. If your remodel involves structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing, you’ll need permits. Bromwell handles all permit applications and inspections, so you don’t have to navigate the red tape.
Plan for your kitchen to be out of commission during most of the construction phase, which usually lasts 8–10 weeks for standard remodels. We’ll help you set up a temporary kitchen space to keep things functional in the meantime.
Many of our clients do. We isolate the work area, manage dust with protective barriers, and communicate daily so you know what to expect. If your remodel is extensive, we’ll talk through temporary relocation options before work begins.
Absolutely. Whether you’re in a historic Colonial or a modern build, we design kitchens that feel like they belong in the home, never something that was dropped in without thought. Our designers work with your home’s style, layout, and your personal taste to get it right.
We use BuilderTrend, a client portal that gives you daily updates, progress photos, your schedule, and messaging in one place. You’ll always know what’s happening and when.
If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen or other space in Chester County, let’s talk. Bromwell Construction Co. is ready to offer expert advice, explore layout and design options, and help you get excited about what’s possible in your space. No guesswork. No pressure. Just a clear plan, built around how you live. Connect with us today to get started.