Kitchen remodels can be exciting yet daunting projects. With careful planning and preparation, your kitchen renovation will go as smoothly as possible. This comprehensive kitchen remodel checklist covers everything you need to know for a successful kitchen overhaul.
Introduction
Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make for your home. Not only does a kitchen remodel increase your home’s value, but it also improves one of the most-used rooms in your house. With an updated, functional kitchen design you’ll love spending time cooking and entertaining.
Before diving into a kitchen remodel, it’s important to do your research and create a plan. Remodels require time, money and living without a kitchen during construction. Creating a checklist helps you budget, set realistic timelines and prepare your home for the renovation process.
This kitchen remodel checklist acts as your guide, taking you through everything from creating a budget to choosing finishes. It covers steps to take before demolition, during construction and after, when it’s time to enjoy your fresh new kitchen. Careful attention to each phase results in a smooth process from start to finish.
Develop a Budget
The very first step is determining your budget. Kitchen remodels vary wildly in cost because of size, materials and customization. Narrow down a realistic budget to guide your project.
- Get quotes from contractors: Have professionals provide estimates for the work.
- Determine must-haves: Decide which elements are essential and which you can live without. Focus your budget around necessities.
- Factor in contingency costs: Add an extra 10-15% to your budget as a contingency for unexpected expenses.
- Secure financing: Whether using savings, home equity or taking out a loan, have financing in place.
Know your budget upfront to avoid cost overruns halfway through the project. Be prepared to make concessions to work within your budget. With realistic expectations, you can get an affordable yet gorgeous new kitchen.
Plan the Layout
Your kitchen layout impacts function and workflow. Make changes to optimize efficiency and traffic flow.
- Assess how you use your current kitchen: Identify ways your existing layout falls short.
- Consider your lifestyle: Accommodate how you cook, entertain and interact in the space.
- Improve storage: Add drawers, cabinets, pantry and other storage solutions.
- Update appliances: Look for energy efficient models with enough capacity for your needs.
- Improve lighting: Include task lighting, accent lighting and increased natural light.
- Allow work triangles: Arrange sink, stove and refrigerator in convenient work triangles for efficient foot traffic.
Take time to get the layout right. You’ll enjoy the improved functionality for years to come.
Choose Design Elements
With a budget and layout in place, now is the fun part—selecting design elements like cabinetry, countertops, backsplash and flooring. Choices define your kitchen’s style.
- Gather inspiration: Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram and home tours offer tons of kitchen inspiration. Zero in on a style.
- Select cabinetry: Choose door style, finish color, organizational systems and hardware.
- Pick countertops: Research quartz, granite, laminate and other countertop options to match your budget.
- Decide on backsplash: Tile, stone, glass and other backsplashes protect walls and add visual interest.
- Choose flooring: Hardwood, tile, vinyl and linoleum are kitchen flooring options, each with pros and cons.
- Specify fixtures: Select durable yet stylish faucets, sinks, lighting and other fixtures.
- Plan final details: Don’t forget extra details like molding, trim and decorative elements.
Create a comprehensive list of all components included in the remodel so nothing gets overlooked.
Prepare for Demolition
Once you’ve checked off all the prep work, it’s time for demolition. Carefully prepare so you can live comfortably during this messy stage.
- Create a demolition plan: The contractor should provide a demolition schedule showing what areas are impacted and when.
- Protect remaining areas: Cover floors, seal doorways and take precautions to prevent dust and debris from spreading.
- Arrange for dumpsters: You’ll need dumpsters for hauling away old cabinets, appliances and other debris.
- Find temporary kitchen storage: A garage fridge, microwave and toaster oven allow you to cook during the remodel.
- Pack supplies: Box knives, screwdrivers, work gloves, safety goggles and other demolition supplies get the job done safely.
- Turn off electricity and water: Shut off power and water to areas undergoing work to prevent hazards.
- Remove valuables: Take out items you want to keep safe, like décor and dishware. Leave walls bare.
Demolition is noisy, messy and disruptive. Proper preparations prevent headaches so you can handle the chaos.
Complete the Remodel Stage-by-Stage
The remodel happens sequentially over weeks or months. Understand the order of operations so you know what to expect.
- Demolition day: Crews gut the kitchen on the first work day, removing old materials to leave a blank slate.
- Rough work: Electricians and plumbers update wiring, vents and pipes at this behind-the-walls stage.
- Cabinet installation: Hanging new cabinets is one of the biggest steps; other materials get built around them.
- Countertop templating: A separate visit measures existing cabinets for custom-cut countertops.
- Flooring installation: New flooring goes in after cabinetry but before countertops and appliances.
- Countertop installation: Pre-cut countertops get seamlessly installed, followed by the backsplash.
- Finish work: Cabinets get doors, hardware, trim and finishing touches. Lighting and plumbing fixtures go in.
- Appliance setup: Finally, the pre-ordered appliances arrive and get professionally installed and hooked up.
Understanding the full sequence helps you track progress and meet target deadlines.
Prepare for Post-Remodel
You’re so close to completion! Apply these final touches to get your kitchen ready for use.
- Clean thoroughly: Wipe every surface to remove dust and debris from construction.
- Seal and finish floors: Apply protective polyurethane and give new floors a good mop.
- Check appliances: Make sure appliance installations are correct and hookups are secure before use.
- Run garbage disposal and dishwasher: Flush pipes to remove residual construction particles.
- Test lighting: Replace any bulbs that aren’t working properly.
- Inspect for flaws: Look for any missing or damaged pieces that need contractor follow-up.
- Stock kitchen: Return dishes, cookware and pantry items to their new homes.
- Enjoy! Throw a housewarming party to show off your incredible kitchen transformation!
With a final run-through, you’ll be ready to fire up the oven and break in your stunning new work space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about taking on a kitchen remodel? This FAQ covers common concerns.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
Costs range dramatically from $10,000 – $50,000 or more. Factors like size, high-end finishes and custom work impact the budget. Focus on necessities you can afford.
Should I remodel my kitchen?
If your current kitchen looks dated, has inadequate storage or poor layout, a remodel can provide big benefits. Evaluate your needs vs. costs.
Can I live without a kitchen during remodels?
Yes, with proper planning. Set up a temporary kitchen area with a fridge, microwave and supplies. Eat out or get takeout regularly.
What is the most popular kitchen layout?
The work triangle between sink, stove and fridge is common. Peninsula and island layouts are also popular. Choose what best suits your space and cooking style.
Should I DIY my kitchen remodel?
Only take on DIY projects within your skill level, like painting cabinets or switching out light fixtures. For intensive wiring, plumbing or installs, hire pros.
What increases home value more: bathroom or kitchen remodel?
Kitchen remodels typically provide a bigger boost than bathrooms. However, any upgrade increases value. Consult local realtors to confirm.
Conclusion
After reading through this comprehensive kitchen remodel checklist, you have the knowledge needed to tackle a kitchen overhaul like a pro. Successful renovations start with careful planning, budgeting and prep work. When carried out methodically step-by-step, you can achieve the fresh, functional kitchen of your dreams! Use this checklist as your guide for a smooth process from demolition to completion. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying home-cooked meals in your brand new, perfect kitchen.