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If you ask homeowners, most would likely say a kitchen remodel is on their home project wish list. That’s where our helpful kitchen remodel checklist comes in. After all, kitchens are a heavily used, important part of the home and when the space isn’t functional or has a backsplash that makes you cringe every time, an update feels necessary.
A kitchen remodel can be an exciting project for homeowners looking to spruce up their space, but planning a kitchen renovation can feel daunting. Use this checklist to help you plan your renovation, from finding inspiration to budgeting for the upgrades, and make the remodel process stress free.
Plan and Research
This is where the fun begins! Browse your favorite magazines and social media feeds for appliances, cabinets, backsplash ideas, and other inspiration for how you want your kitchen remodel to look. Function comes first for kitchens, so be sure to research if your dream kitchen will work with your lifestyle. It’s also important to get cost estimates on the features you love to see what is feasible in your budget.
Save photos of kitchens and features you love
Create a wish list for your new kitchen
Decide on a color palette
Get cost estimates for features and appliances
Consult a kitchen design pro to design a functional space
Determine which type of kitchen layout will work best
Consider the amount of storage space required
Create a Budget
Photo: Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock
Now it’s time to determine how your dream kitchen will become a reality. That means deciding what on your wishlist takes priority over the other items. Do you need new hardwood floors or are your tile floors just fine? Are there any essential appliances that need replacing? These tough decisions will help you decide what comes first in your kitchen remodel and what upgrades will have to wait.
Kitchen renovations aren’t inexpensive, and creating a budget is a key part of the process. The average kitchen remodel costs $26,300, but costs range from $14,600 and $40,600, depending on the scope and size of the project.
Prioritize replacing broken or hazardous features
Create a budget based on your cost estimate research for labor and materials
Add 5%-10% additional wiggle room for unexpected expenses
Price out what cosmetic upgrades fit into your budget
Get price estimates from multiple kitchen design pros in your area
Decide On a Project Timeline
Many people overlook that the timing of a kitchen remodel project can be an important factor in the project’s success (and your sanity). It’s a good idea to understand how long a kitchen remodel will take—usually six weeks to four months—so you can choose a time of the year that works best for your household’s lifestyle. Plus, some contractors charge more for remodels during the summer months since the demand is higher.
Choose the time of the year that works best for your schedule and budget
Find alternative ways to cook while the renovation is underway
Consult with potential contractors about the project timeline
Determine the order of tasks to complete during the remodeling process
Hire a Kitchen Contractor
Photo: By starush / Adobe Stock
It’s time to find a professional to help you bring your vision to life. While there are some projects you can try to do yourself, like building a kitchen island, a kitchen contractor can take on the more complicated tasks, such as wiring or plumbing. They can also help you plan your remodel and execute your kitchen remodel efficiently and effectively.
See what contractors are available to complete your project during your preferred time frame
Get at least three quotes from kitchen remodel professionals in your area before you hire anyone
Ask contractors for customer references
Share your ideas and budget with your contractor
Determine the Layout
Now that you have a contractor to help you with your kitchen remodel, take a good look at your kitchen and determine how you want to use the space. While you probably will have to work with the square footage you already have (unless you’re adding on), there are ways to use the space smarter to make it feel larger. As you plan the layout, make sure to include the following features:
Appliances
Sink
Cabinets
Countertops
Eating space, if applicable
Lighting
Floors
Hardware
Decor, if applicable
Choose Cabinets, Appliances, and Other Selections
At this point, you have your budget, layout, and contractor ready to go. The last item on your kitchen remodel checklist is to find the appliances and features that will transform your kitchen. Think about the following when choosing your new features:
Pick and order kitchen cabinets first (if applicable) because they have the longest lead time
Work with your contractor to see what other features have long lead times, such as flooring, and pick those items next
Use your color palette to help you find countertops, paint colors, or a backsplash to keep the space cohesive
Match your sink to the rest of the appliances or other features of the design (e.g. stainless steel appliances and a stainless steel sink)
