A 2024 Step-by-Step Guide to Remodeling a Kitchen: From Planning to Execution
Written by Rebekah Zaveloff, Creative Director, KitchenLab Interiors and Imparfait Design Studio
Are you looking to transform your outdated kitchen into a modern and functional space? Look no further. Our comprehensive guide will take you through the entire process of remodeling your kitchen, from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned or first-time renovator, we've got you covered with step-by-step instructions and expert tips.
Planning is the key to a successful kitchen remodel, and our guide begins by helping you define your goals and set a realistic budget. We then move on to design and layout, diving into the nitty-gritty of selecting materials, appliances, and fixtures that suit your style and needs.
The execution phase is where the magic happens. We outline the essential steps for removing cabinets, demolishing walls, laying flooring, installing plumbing and electrical systems, and everything in between. Our guide wraps up with tips on finishing touches and final inspections, ensuring that your kitchen remodel is not only visually stunning but also code-compliant and safe.
Don't let the daunting prospect of a kitchen remodel deter you. With our step-by-step guide, you'll have all the knowledge and confidence you need to tackle this exciting project and create the kitchen of your dreams.
1. Assess Your Needs
Before diving into the remodeling process, it's crucial to assess your needs and set a realistic budget. Consider how you currently use your kitchen and what improvements you'd like to make. Do you need more storage? Is the layout inefficient? Are you looking to upgrade your appliances? Take the time to analyze your kitchen's strengths and weaknesses, as this will guide your decision-making throughout the remodel.
Then think about your household’s lifestyle and ask yourself some questions. How many people will be cooking and gathering here? Do you need an addition, or can you work with your existing kitchen footprint?
If you haven’t done so already, start saving photos of kitchens with features that suit your style. Your collection can be organized and beautiful like a scrapbook might be, or it can be filled with unorganized images. I like to randomly stuff images into boards on Houzz, Pinterest, and Instagram and go back to them later for edits.
2. Setting a Scope of Work and Budget
Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, it's time to set a scope of work and preliminary budget. Remodeling a kitchen can vary greatly in cost, depending on the scope of the project and the materials you choose. Consider factors such as labor costs, materials, permits, and any unexpected expenses that may arise.
Budget and scope are intertwined and often change many times during the kitchen design process as you become more educated and able to reconcile what you want and what you can afford. As a homeowner, you’re not expected to walk into this knowing what everything should cost. Remember, this is an educational process.
3. DIY Remodel or Hire a Professional
One of the most important decisions you'll need to make is whether to hire a professional contractor or tackle the remodel yourself. Both options have their pros and cons, so it's essential to evaluate your skills, time availability, and budget.
DIY remodeling can be a rewarding and cost-effective option if you have the necessary skills and time. It allows you to have complete control over the project and can save you money on labor costs. However, keep in mind that you'll need to invest time in research, planning, and acquiring the necessary tools and materials. It's also important to be realistic about your abilities and know when it's best to call in a professional for certain tasks.
Hiring a professional can save you time and ensure that the job is done correctly. Contractors have the expertise and experience to handle all aspects of the remodel, from design to installation. They can also help you navigate any potential issues that may arise during the process. However, hiring a professional can be costly, and you'll need to factor in their fees when setting your budget.
Some homeowners start a kitchen remodel by hiring an architect or interior designer. Some go with a kitchen designer. Still others might work on their own with a builder or contractor. Pros are available to help you with everything from contracts and permits to space planning, budgets, choosing finishes and fixtures, shopping, ordering products and managing your project from start to finish.
4. Plan the Layout and Design
The layout and design of your kitchen play a significant role in its functionality and aesthetics. This phase includes sketches, space planning, preliminary floor plans and elevations showing the layout and cabinet sizes. I try to keep my clients focused more on layout and space planning, even though the temptation is to talk about what the kitchen will look like. But I find that getting caught up in the look too early can distract from the space planning phase.
When planning the layout, consider the work triangle, which consists of the distance between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. This triangle should be efficient, allowing for easy movement and accessibility. Another essential aspect of kitchen design is maximizing storage space. Consider incorporating features such as deep drawers, pull-out cabinets, and pantry organizers to make the most of your available space. You may also want to think about including an island or breakfast bar for additional workspace and seating.
When it comes to the design of your new kitchen, there are countless options to choose from. From sleek and modern to rustic and traditional, the style you select should reflect your personal taste and complement the overall aesthetic of your home. You’ll need a plan to figure out what materials will go where, and how many square feet you will need, and ultimately how much this will cost. I like to begin the contractor interview process early and give them a preliminary drawing packet and scope of work, so we can get some ballpark construction numbers. At the same time, you can be sending out drawings for estimates on some top choices of kitchen finishes and fixtures.
5. Select Materials and Finishes
Selecting the right materials and finishes for your kitchen remodel is crucial for both durability and aesthetics. From countertops and cabinets to flooring and backsplashes, each element contributes to the overall look and feel of your space.
Throughout this process, and probably long before, you have been saving photos of kitchens you love into your idea books and folders. You’ve found your kitchen style, whether it’s modern, classic, traditional, cottage or a personal style in between. You probably know if you want a white kitchen, a natural wood kitchen, or some color.
Now you need to make your final selection of finishes and fixtures. This may include:
Cabinetry construction type, door style, finish and color
Countertop material
Refrigerators and other appliances
Kitchen sinks
Kitchen faucets
Light fixtures
Flooring
Backsplash
Decorative hardware
6. Work on Design Development and Construction Documents
This is the stage where you finalize the design and prepare final floor plans, elevations, details and, if applicable, mechanical and electrical drawings, lighting switch plans, and exterior elevations.
This is where your final permit set or construction drawings come into play. It’s important to have finishes and fixtures selected at this time, since this is what will be considered in the final pricing from the contractor.
You’ll submit drawings for permits. These have a lead time, so check the timing with your local village. You’ll need an architect, designer or licensed contractor signed up to finalize the paperwork and pick up your permits, so get ready to hire someone in the next step. I often find that we’re submitting for permits around the same time or a little bit after we’ve placed the cabinet order, due to similar lead times.
7. Find Contractors and Suppliers
If you don’t already have a licensed contractor on your project, your next step is to find one to carry the project through. Start by asking for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors who have recently completed similar projects. Additionally, check online reviews and ratings to get a sense of the quality of their work and customer satisfaction.
When meeting with potential contractors, be sure to ask for references and view their portfolio of completed projects. It's also crucial to obtain detailed quotes and compare them to ensure you're getting a fair price. Don't hesitate to ask questions about their experience, certifications, and warranties offered. I always recommend to my clients to get at least three contractor estimates. I like to do preliminary walk-throughs with the contractors once the schematic designs are done so we can get some ballpark estimates and find out if we’re on the right track or need to pull back some to fit the budget.
In addition to contractors, you'll also need to find reliable suppliers for your materials and fixtures. Look for reputable companies that offer high-quality products and have a good reputation in the industry. Consider factors such as price, availability, and customer service when making your selection.
8. Prepare for Demo
The big day is upon us, most likely about four to eight weeks from when you submitted for permits. Now it’s time to get that schedule firmed up and plan on cleaning out the cabinets, putting what you don’t need in storage and — if you’re living in the house during construction — setting up a temporary kitchen.
You may be moving out of your house temporarily, but most homeowners white-knuckle it and try to live in the house through construction. Preparation and organization can save your sanity.
Discuss the logistics ahead of time with your contractor. Will you meet once a week for updates? Will you have to be out of the house for certain tasks like demo or flooring? What about debris removal and dust? Are there any family allergy issues? What is a typical work day for the crew? Getting all this on the table beforehand can set expectations and make for a smoother ride.
Creating a detailed timeline that outlines each step of the process, from demolition to final installation, will help you stay organized and on track with your schedule. Communication is also crucial during the remodeling process. Regularly check in with your contractors and suppliers to ensure everyone is on the same page. Address any concerns or issues promptly to avoid delays or misunderstandings. Additionally, be prepared for unexpected obstacles that may arise during the remodel and have contingency plans in place.
9. Get Through the Punch List
Once construction is over — well, almost over — there’s typically a list of items that are missing, wrong or simply forgotten about. This punch list, as it is called, could include small things like a missing light switch plate, a caulk line that shrank and pulled away from the wall or paint touch-ups. Sometimes it can be bigger things, such as a faulty range hood, or a big scratch in the newly refinished floor.
Sometimes the homeowner does the punch list. It can be as informal as an emailed list of items that need to be fixed or finished. I like to use a little form I put together that identifies the item to be fixed or finished, the responsible party and the date of completion. I send it to the client for review, changes and additions, and then forward it to the contractor.
It’s inevitable that the contractor may have to make multiple visits back to the house to finish these items. Prepare yourself for more than one visit and you’ll be fine. The best way to approach this is with a Zen attitude. Things happen, and little things get missed. It’s sort of like making a list for the grocery store and still forgetting some key ingredient. We all do it.
10. Enjoy Your Newly Remodeled Kitchen
Congratulations! You've successfully completed your kitchen remodel and now have a beautiful and functional space to enjoy. Take the time to celebrate your hard work and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Invite friends and family over for a meal and create lasting memories in your newly transformed kitchen.
Remember to maintain your new kitchen by following proper cleaning and maintenance guidelines for your materials and appliances. Regularly declutter and organize to keep your space functional and enjoyable.
In conclusion, remodeling your kitchen can be an exciting and rewarding project. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the process from planning to execution. Whether you choose to hire professionals or take on the challenge yourself, remember to stay organized, communicate effectively, and enjoy the journey. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create the kitchen of your dreams.
