PROJECT SCOPE

Before hiring a contractor or setting a budget, you need a clear, realistic understanding of what you want and what is possible. A structured plan helps you get accurate quotes, avoid surprise costs, and make confident decisions.

This starts with defining how you use your kitchen. What’s not working? What needs to improve? Once that’s clear, you’ll list everything you want, even if it feels ambitious. Then, you’ll shape that wishlist into a real plan. Without this step, renovations tend to spiral: costs climb, decisions get rushed, and critical details are missed.

Here is a Sample Project Scope 

Step 1: Define How You Use Your Kitchen

The best kitchens reflect real life. Before you think about style or layout, take a clear-eyed look at how your kitchen serves your daily routine.

Start by Asking the Right Questions

Daily Functionality:

  • How do I use my kitchen on a daily basis?

  • Do I cook elaborate meals, or do I mostly prepare simple dishes?

  • Do multiple people cook at the same time?

  • Do I need dedicated areas for specific tasks (baking station, coffee bar, prep sink)?

  • Is there enough counter space for meal prep?

Traffic & Flow:

  • Is the current layout efficient, or do I constantly bump into others?

  • Does my kitchen feel cramped, or do I need more open space?

  • Do I want better flow between my kitchen and dining/living areas?

  • Do I need better organization to reduce clutter?

Entertaining & Socializing:

  • Do I host dinner parties or casual gatherings in my kitchen?

  • Do I want an island with seating for guests or kids?

  • Do I need a designated space for serving food or drinks?

Storage & Organization:

  • Do I have enough pantry storage?

  • Are my pots, pans, and utensils easy to reach?

  • Am I constantly dealing with countertop clutter?

  • Do I want built-in organization (spice racks, pull-out shelves, deep drawers)?

Appliances & Cooking Preferences:

  • Do I prefer gas or induction cooking?

  • Do I need a larger refrigerator or freezer?

  • Do I bake often and need double ovens?

  • Do I want an integrated appliance look (panel-ready fridge, hidden dishwasher)?

Aesthetics & Style:

  • Do I want my kitchen to feel warm and cozy, sleek and modern, or classic and timeless?

  • What materials and finishes do I love?

  • Do I prefer open shelving or closed cabinetry?

  • How important is natural light in my space?



Step 2: Brainstorm a Full Wishlist

List everything you can think of. Don’t edit or filter. This is your chance to put every idea on the table.

Examples:

  • Knock down the wall to open up the space

  • Add a large island with seating

  • Include a built-in coffee station

  • Switch from electric to gas

  • Add a farmhouse sink

  • Install heated floors

This is not your final list. It’s the foundation that will be shaped by budget, space, and input from your team.

Step 3: Organize the Wishlist into a Project Scope

Group your ideas by category. This helps clarify priorities, identify overlaps, and make sure no detail is missed.  We have the Organize the Wishlist into A Project Scope  worksheet for you if it is easier  

  1. Layout & Functionality

    • Keep the current layout or reconfigure?

    • Open-concept or defined kitchen space?

    • Do I need an island or a peninsula?

    • How many seats do I want in the kitchen?

    • Do I need more storage solutions (walk-in pantry, deep drawers, custom organization)?

    • Will I need new windows or doors?

    • Have I considered the space I need for electrical outlets & switches

    • Have I considered the space I need for plumbing requirements 

  2. Cabinetry & Storage

    • Custom, semi-custom, or stock cabinets?

    • Cabinet door style (shaker, slab, inset, raised panel)?

    • Material preference 

    • Cabinet finish (painted, stained, natural wood)?

    • Open shelving, closed cabinets, or a mix?

    • Storage features:

      • Pull-out shelves

      • Trash & Recyling

      • Spice racks

      • Deep drawers for pots and pans

      • Appliance garage (for coffee maker, toaster)

      • Hidden trash & recycling bins

      • Panels on Fridge & Dishwasher

      • Built in paper towel holder 

  3. Appliances

    • Gas, electric, or induction cooktop?

    • Wall oven vs. range with oven?

    • Built-in vs. freestanding refrigerator?

    • Panel-ready appliances (hidden behind cabinetry) or standard?

    • Microwave placement (countertop, built-in, microwave drawer)?

    • Dishwasher location and size?

    • Ventilation system (chimney hood, under-cabinet hood, downdraft)?

    • Specialty appliances (wine fridge, warming drawer, steam oven)?

  4. Countertops

    • Countertop material (quartz, granite, marble, butcher block, concrete)?

    • Durability and maintenance preferences?

    • Edge profile (square, beveled, bullnose, waterfall)?

  5. Backsplash

    • Full slab backsplash or tile?

    • Grout color and maintenance considerations?

    • Bullnose or schluter 

  6. Flooring

    • Hardwood, engineered wood, tile, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or stone?

    • Color and finish preference?

    • Durability and water resistance considerations?

    • Underfloor heating option?

  7. Lighting & Electrical

    • Lighting Considerations:

      • Recessed Lighting – General illumination, often on its own switch.

      • Pendant Lighting – Typically over an island or dining space, on a separate switch.

      • Sconces – Decorative or task lighting, also separately controlled.

      • Under-Cabinet Lighting – Helps with task lighting and ambiance, usually dimmable.

      • Sink Area Lighting – Important for prep work, dishes, and visibility at night.

    • Light Switch Placement – Key Considerations:

      • Recessed Lighting – General illumination, often on its own switch.

      • Pendant Lighting – Typically over an island or dining space, on a separate switch.

      • Sconces – Decorative or task lighting, also separately controlled.

      • Under-Cabinet Lighting – Helps with task lighting and ambiance, usually dimmable.

      • Sink Area Lighting – Important for prep work, dishes, and visibility at night.

  8. Plumbing & Fixtures

    • Sinks:

      • Type: Undermount, farmhouse, drop-in, workstation sink?

      • Material: Stainless steel, cast iron, composite, fireclay?

      • Size: Single-bowl or double-bowl?

    • Faucets:

      • Style: Pull-down, bridge, touchless, pot filler?

      • Finish: Matte black, chrome, brass, stainless steel?

      • Additional Features: Built-in water filtration, hot water dispenser?

    •  Garbage Disposal

      • Where will the switch be located? (Traditional wall switch or alternative method?) ITS OK THAT YOU DON’T KNOW THIS NOW.  THIS COULD BE OVERWHELMING  HOW DO WE DELIVER THESE THINGS?

    •  Water Filtration system?

      • Will it be under the sink, or do I have space elsewhere?

      • What is the size of the filtration unit?

      •  Will it impact storage space inside the cabinet?

    • Hot Water Tap?

      •  Have I considered the tank size and space requirements?

      • Where will the control be located

      • Findout if your plumber feels like this is appropriate  These can be known to leak, another water line that could cause a floor

      • Pro Tip: Depending on what you are planning to put under your sink.  Make sure you have enough space in the sink base cabinet  Consult your plumber,

  9. Wall Finishes & Paint 

    • Paint 

    • Wallpaper

    • Specialty wall finishes (plaster, wood paneling, shiplap)?

    • Preferred paint color and sheen (matte, satin, semi-gloss)?

  10.  Hardware & Accessories

    • Cabinet handles, knobs, or push-to-open hardware?

    • Metal finish preference (brass, matte black, nickel, chrome)?

    • Soft-close hinges and drawer slides?

  11. Smart Home & Technology 

    • Smart lighting system (app-controlled, motion sensors)?

    • Built-in speakers or entertainment system?

    • USB or wireless charging stations?

    • Voice-controlled appliances or lighting?

  12. Furnishings & Decor

    • Seating: Barstools, dining chairs, banquette seating?

    • Window Treatments: Blinds, shades, curtains?

    • Area Rugs or Runners?

Step 4: Prioritize Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves

Once your wishlist is organized, it’s time to prioritize.

Not everything will make it into the first phase of your renovation. Some items may need to wait or be reimagined. Sorting your ideas now helps guide decisions when the budget gets tight or unexpected issues arise.

Sort your list:

  • Must-Haves: Essential to function or long-term value

  • High Priority: Strongly preferred, but flexible

  • Nice-to-Haves: Can be added later or swapped for lower-cost alternatives


Step 5: Align Your Scope with Budget and Timeline

With priorities set, start mapping your scope against your budget and timeline.

  • Research rough costs for the key items on your list. Speak with contractors, designers, or specialists to get early estimates—even rough ballparks are helpful at this stage.

  • Use a working budget spreadsheet to track estimates. As you refine your scope, update costs regularly so you can see how your decisions impact the overall plan.

  • Reality-check your timeline. If you have a firm completion date, now is the time to confirm if it's feasible. Discuss lead times and sequencing with your contractor or designer.

This is where your project scope becomes real. You’ll begin to see what’s achievable, what needs to shift, and what can wait for a later phase.