EVERY DECISION YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE FOR YOUR RENOVATION
THE SEQUENCE OF A KITCHEN BUILD
Demolition
Framing and rough construction
Plumbing rough-in
Electrical rough-in
HVAC adjustments (if needed)
Inspections
Insulation
Drywall and patching
Prime and paint
Flooring installation
Cabinet delivery and installation
Countertop templating
Countertop installation
Appliance installation
Backsplash installation
Plumbing fixture installation
Finish Carpentry
Final paint and touch-ups
Decorative lighting installation
Final inspections
THE PROCESS OVERVIEW FOR A KITCHEN RENOVATION
GETTING STARTED
To set yourself up for success, take time to lay the groundwork. These simple prep steps will help you stay organized, confident, and ready to move forward with clarity. A kitchen renovation is one of the most rewarding—and most complex—projects you can take on as a homeowner. It’s where design, function, investment, and emotion all meet. Your kitchen is the hub of daily life, and remodeling it means more than just picking pretty finishes. It means rethinking how you live, what matters most, and how to make a space that works hard and feels good every day.
PHASE 1: CONCEPT & PLANNING
Before making any decisions, take time to understand what is and isn’t working in your current kitchen. This step is about observation and clarity. You are not choosing finishes or final layouts yet. You are gathering insight to guide the project.
By slowing down now, you save time, money, and frustration later.
These steps don’t always happen in order — they overlap and evolve as your needs and ideas come into focus. Think of this phase as assembling a puzzle: each piece you clarify brings the full picture closer together.
Decide on your Project Scope
Create your budget
Set your Timeline
Design
Preliminary Research
PHASE 2: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & SELECTION
You have assessed your needs, refined your wishlist into a realistic scope, narrowed your budget and put together your dream construction team. Now the fun really begin— it’s time for you to make your actual selections. As you work through sourcing everything you will need for your kitchen, use our Kitchen Checklist Worksheet to keep you organized. We have added tips to guide you into the right direction so you can make informed decisions.
Refine your Design Concept
Cabinet Design & Layout
Selecting Appliances
Selecting Materials
Update Project Scope
Update Budget
Update Timeline
Meet with your Team
3: PROCUREMENT (ORDERING, TRACKING AND RECEIVING)
Ordering
After you have created your full Kitchen Project Worksheet, plan what needs to be ordered and when.
When financially possible, designers love it when all items can be shipped to and stored by their receivers (your plumbers, electricians, tile contractor). That way, they can inspect items upon arrival for damage and store them safely.
When ordering, PLEASE make sure that all furnishings can actually be brought into your home. You must consider the sizes of:
Front door openings
Hallways, bends in hallways
Stairways
Room doorways
2. Tracking
Save your invoices and update your budget with the final costs. Make sure that it is in line with what you had planned for.
Update your Open Items list as you track your items and their estimated shipping dates.
Never feel guilty about calling your vendors every three weeks or so to track an item. As you get closer to the ship date, call more often if you feel you need to apply some pressure. Always confirm the shipping address. Review the order acknowledgement—you will be surprised how often articles can be mixed up. Always try to be one step ahead and plan for the worst (you will not regret it). We always say the design industry is just as much about creativity as it is about problem solving and managing people. If your shipping date changes, notify your team, as delays may hold up the project and you will have to decide if you need to select another item or make schedule adjustments.
When a piece ships and is not going directly to you, notify the recipient and confirm he has received it. Keep notes; it is best not to leave any room for chance or error.
3. Receiving
Open and inspect all items.
Most vendors provide short periods for accepting returns of damaged goods—often within 24 hours or even upon delivery.
Take pictures of damaged items and send them immediately to the supplier by email with order numbers. Order replacement products and have them shipped ASAP.
Refuse delivery, if possible.
Log onto your Open Items list when items have been received; note where they are located.
4: CONSTRUCTION
All of your research, hard work and hard-earned money is ready to shine There are typically 11 phases to a construction project. We have outlined them below. Here are a couple of things to do Before the Project Starts, to help prepare yourself and your home.
Demo
Framing
Rough ins ( includes Inspections)
Drywall & Plaster
Flooring Install
Cabinet and Counter Install
Appliance Install
Finish Carpentry
Backsplash Install
Fixture Install
Final Inspection
Punhlists & Cleaning
5: DECORATIVE INSTALL
Window Treatments
Furniture
Floor Coverings
Art & Accessories
WHAT TO BUY FIRST
WHAT TO DO BEFORE CONSTRUCTION STARTS
Once your design is finalized and your team is in place, it’s time to prepare for the reality of construction. This phase is where planning meets execution—and how you handle it can make all the difference.
Renovation isn’t just about what gets built, but how it gets built. A well-prepared homeowner can reduce delays, avoid last-minute decisions, protect their home, and maintain a sense of control through what can otherwise feel chaotic. This section covers the practical and emotional groundwork that sets the tone for the entire job—from setting boundaries and check-ins to planning temporary spaces and timelines.
Getting this part right won’t eliminate every stress, but it will make your renovation smoother, safer, and more manageable.
Mental & Emotional Preparation
Renovations can be exciting but also overwhelming. Expect some delays, unexpected issues, and moments of decision fatigue. Try to focus on the positive when feeling frustrated. Remind yourself of the progress and good things. Be clear with your team. Don’t hold resentment or let it build. Be respectful. They are your lifeline during the renovation. Give yourself a moment to cool down before you engage in confrontation. Staying realistic, flexible, and communicative goes a long way.
Jobsite Rules and Expectations
Clearly communicate your expectations for cleanliness, communication, work hours, and access. Homeowners have the right to their privacy and boundaries. It is okay to say that no one is allowed beyond the space being renovated. Have a clear plan for where the crew can take breaks, eat meals, and use the restroom.
Parking and garbage disposal must also be clearly defined.
Scheduled Check-Ins
Preschedule regular times to connect with your contractor. These can be weekly or daily and should be used to answer questions, review progress, and share updates.
Project Timeline
Have a clear, written timeline that includes all key phases of the renovation. Expect that timelines may shift, but this will serve as your baseline. Ask your contractor for a preliminary construction schedule early in the process so you understand when key phases are happening.
Order Schedule
Track the order and delivery dates for all materials, fixtures, and appliances. Review who is responsible for ordering what, when each item needs to be on site, and who is responsible for installation.
Decision Checklist
Ask for a list of every decision that will need to be made in advance. This can include materials, finishes, fixture selections, outlet placement, lighting layout, and more. Getting ahead of these decisions prevents costly delays and rushed choices.
Dust Control
Discuss and plan dust prevention with your contractor. Consider plastic barriers, air filters, and daily clean-up routines to minimize mess and protect adjacent rooms.
Kid and Dog Safety
Create a safe environment for children and pets. Install gates or barriers and keep them away from tools, materials, and open work zones. Make a plan for how they'll move around the house during construction.
Temporary Space Setup
If your kitchen will be under construction, prepare a temporary space with basic essentials. Include a mini fridge, access to a working sink such as a powder room or laundry room, reusable cutlery and dishes that are easy to wash, a hotplate or microwave, and a compact table or counter for meal prep.
Storage and Staging
Set up a temporary staging area for deliveries such as lighting, plumbing fixtures, and hardware. Create a small storage area for frequently used items like shoes, coats, bags, and tools. This helps keep your living space functional even as materials arrive throughout the project.
Security and Access
Safely store valuables in a secure location that workers cannot access. Decide how the home will be accessed during the project—whether with a key or door code—and be sure to change codes or reclaim keys at the end of the job for peace of mind.
BUILDING YOUR TEAM
Hiring the right people is just as important as designing the right kitchen. Whether you're managing the renovation yourself or planning to work with a team, it’s essential to know who to hire, what to ask, and how to protect yourself.
PROFESSIONALS YOU MIGHT NEED:
General Contractor
Architect
Interior Designer
Kitchen and Bath Designer
QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK ANY POTENTIAL PROFESSIONAL
Meet with a minimum of three referrals.
Speak with previous clients.
Visit completed projects.
Ask if their typical project size and scope matches your own.
REQUEST AND REVIEW DOCUMENTATION.
Years in business (ideally local)
Business license
Certificate of insurance (including workman’s comp, liability, and property damage)
UNDERSTAND PROJECT OVERSIGHT.
Who will be the point person for your project?
How often will they be on-site?
How frequently will you meet?
ASK ABOUT RECENT PROJECT PERFORMANCE.
Were their last three projects on time and on budget?
What caused any discrepancies?
Always have a contract.
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Hiring a qualified GC is half the battle. They oversee construction, manage subs, and keep your project on track.
Questions to Ask:
How many years in business?
Do you have a valid business license and insurance?
Will you obtain permits? Do you have helpful city contacts?
Can you work around a family living in the home during renovation?
How do you handle dust control and daily clean-up?
Can you recommend cabinet or fixture vendors?
How to Find One:
Ask friends and family.
Check with local plumbing, tile, lighting, and appliance retailers.
Relationship Tips:
Schedule weekly meetings in advance.
Get everything in writing.
Set clear site rules and expectations.
Stay respectful and calm—even when issues arise.
Notes on Budget:
Contractors OFTEN provide allowances for finishes (cabinets, counters, lighting). These may not match your preferences—research and plug real costs into your budget.
Cheapest quote isn’t always the best. Often you get what you pay for.
If the right contractor is busy, wait for them. Quality matters.
Know that a contractor can't finalize your bid until you know your kitchen layout and specifications.
Budget allowances can differ drastically—get real numbers and compare.
ARCHITECT OR INTERIOR DESIGNER
We strongly recommend hiring a designer or architect. Even if it’s just for layout and material selection, their input is invaluable.
Questions to Ask:
How do you charge (hourly vs. % of budget)?
Do you coordinate with contractors and subs?
Who pays if your plans contain an error?
What’s your fee structure and deliverables?
Will you do interior elevations and lighting plans?
Do you draw in furniture or design with existing conditions in mind?
Will you meet on-site? With the builder?
KITCHEN DESIGN SHOWROOMS
In-house designers often provide plans at no extra cost. Just know they’ll sell only the lines they carry.
Questions to Ask:
What happens if something arrives damaged?
Will they return to adjust and punchlist cabinetry?
Who installs their cabinets? Are they responsible for installer damage?
Do they have long-term cabinet touch-up or repair services?
How is the paint applied? Is it durable?
Do they coordinate with fabricators and contractors?
Who takes final measurements?
Will they tape off the layout on-site before ordering?
LOCAL CABINET MAKER
Great option for fully custom cabinetry.
Questions to Ask:
How is the paint applied? Is it included?
What’s the paint’s durability?
What happens when the paint chips?
Where do the doors come from?
Do they do accessories (cutlery dividers, dish pegs, mesh fronts, glass fronts)
Is there a warranty?
What hardware is used (hinges, glides, etc.)?
Will they provide shop drawings and collaborate on layout?
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
Once you have established your team, you must obtain and have contracts signed by both parties. Here is what they should include:
Entire scope of work, with materials specified (including brand names)
Start and completion dates
Full project timeline with actual milestones and dates
Total cost, including detailed payment schedule
Clear responsibilities for each party involved
Contact information: phone numbers, addresses, and license numbers
Statement of responsibilities and exclusions
Clarification of who handles waste removal
Terms for binding arbitration (if applicable)
Change order procedures and costs
Requirement for a completed punchlist before final payment
Signed lien releases from each contractor or vendor (consult legal advisor)
KEY PLAYERS - THE TEAM
Here’s a breakdown of who homeowners need to talk to for each major budget item in a kitchen renovation. This ensures they get the most realistic and accurate cost estimates. Also it is helpful to know in advance who is responsible for buying what.
1. STRUCTURAL & PERMITS
General Contractor – Provides a full project estimate, oversees all trades.
Architect – Required if removing walls or making structural changes; creates permit drawings.
Structural Engineer – If modifying load-bearing walls, adding beams, or altering foundation.
Permit Office (Local Building Department) – Confirms what permits are required and associated costs.
2. KITCHEN DESIGN & LAYOUT
Kitchen Designer – Helps with layout, storage solutions, cabinet configuration.
Interior Designer – If selecting finishes, colors, and styling beyond the kitchen layout.
3. CABINETRY & STORAGE
Cabinet Maker or Supplier – Provides pricing for custom, semi-custom, or stock cabinets.
General Contractor – For installation costs.
4. COUNTERTOPS
Stone Fabricator – Provides estimates for quartz, granite, marble, etc.
General Contractor – For labor costs related to countertop installation.
5. BACKSPLASH
Tile Supplier – For material costs.
Tile Installer (or General Contractor) – For installation labor and materials (grout, adhesives).
6. FLOORING
Flooring Supplier – Provides costs for hardwood, tile, LVP, etc.
General Contractor or Flooring Installer – For labor costs.
7. APPLIANCES
Appliance Showroom or Supplier – For costs on refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, etc.
General Contractor or Electrician/Plumber – For installation (GC or by who Appliances are purchased from) and connection costs.
It is important to know who is installing the appliances. Confirm what is best for the warranty. Also the install cost should be included in the budget.
8. PLUMBING & FIXTURES
Plumber – For sink, faucet, garbage disposal, pot filler, water lines, gas lines.
Plumbing Supply Store – For fixtures and materials pricing.
9. ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING
Electrician – For wiring, outlets, under-cabinet lighting, and general lighting installation.
Lighting Showroom – For fixture pricing.
General Contractor – For installation labor if included in scope.
10. HARDWARE (KNOBS, PULLS, HINGES, ETC.)
Hardware Supplier – For pricing on handles, knobs, and pulls.
General Contractor or Cabinet Installer – For installation labor.
11. PAINT & WALL FINISHES
Painter or General Contractor – For labor costs.
Paint Store (Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, etc.) – For materials pricing.
12. SMART HOME & TECHNOLOGY
Smart Home Specialist or Electrician – For voice-activated lighting, security cameras, etc.
Retailer (Best Buy, Amazon, etc.) – For pricing on smart appliances and devices.
13. FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES
Interior Designer – If selecting stools, rugs, window treatments, decor.
Furniture Retailers – For pricing on stools, dining chairs, tables, etc.
14. CONTINGENCY & UNEXPECTED COSTS
General Contractor – Can help estimate potential overruns.
Other Homeowners (References) – Asking people who’ve done renovations can reveal hidden costs.
PROJECT SCOPE SAMPLE
Sample Project Scope – Kitchen Renovation
Project Name
Budget Range: Approx 250k
Timeline: 6 months
Goals
Improve flow between kitchen and dining area
Add more prep space and concealed storage
Update all finishes for a lighter, more elevated feel
Integrate mid/high-end appliances with a paneled look
Create zones for prep, cooking, and casual dining
Layout & Structure
Remove wall between kitchen and dining
Relocate refrigerator
Expand island to include seating for 4
Widen doorway from mudroom for better flow
Cabinetry & Storage
Custom inset cabinetry in painted finish (soft white)
Tall pantry cabinets with roll-outs
Trash/recycling pullout
Deep drawers for pots and pans
Cutlery divider and spice inserts
Full-height cabinet with pocket doors for coffee station
Glass-front uppers flanking window
Countertops & Backsplash
Honed Marble perimeter counters
Marble-look quartz on island
Full slab marble backsplash behind range
Appliances
36” paneled fridge. French Door
36” gas range (propain)
Panel-ready dishwasher
Undercounter microwave drawer
Wine fridge - location tbd
Plumbing & Fixtures
Farmhouse sink under window
Prep sink in island
Pull-down faucet at window
Faucet at prep sink
Pot filler over range
Undersink water filtration system
Garbage disposal (button at countertop)
Lighting & Electrical
(6-8) Recessed ceiling lights
(2) Pendant lights over island
Undercabinet LED strip lighting (dimmable)
USB outlet in island drawer
Flooring
Refinish existing wood if possible
Walls & Paint
Smooth drywall finish
Benjamin Moore "White Dove" on walls
Matching paint on cabinetry (slightly higher sheen)
Window Treatments
Custom Roman shade in linen for sink window
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT?
KITCHEN SELECTIONS CHEATSHEET
THE KITCHEN QUESTIONNAIRE
Use this worksheet to assess what’s working, what’s not, and what you want to prioritize in your kitchen renovation.
1. WHAT’S STAYING? WHAT’S CHANGING?
What items in your current kitchen do you want to keep?
What absolutely needs to change?
2. FUNCTION & LAYOUT
Does your current kitchen have enough space?
Overall footprint
Countertop space
Pantry storage
Dish, glass, and utensil storage
Pots and pans
Utensils
Refrigerator and freezer space
How many people are typically in your kitchen at one time? Does that work?
Are there traffic jams? Where, and why?
How many people usually cook at once?
Do you entertain often?
Are you planning to keep the existing footprint?
Do you want to change the layout? (e.g., remove walls, add an island, expand storage)
Do you know what kind of layout you want?
3. WORKFLOW ZONES
Think through how efficient your current kitchen is:
Prep Area
Are you close to the sink, trash, cutting boards, and utensils?
Coffee Station
Are mugs, coffee, and filters nearby?
How far is it from the sink and fridge?
Cleanup Area
Is the dishwasher near the sink and trash?
Are your most-used dishes easy to load and unload?
Cooking Zone
Are your spices and oils near the stove?
Are oven mitts near the oven?
Daily Storage
Are baggies and food storage containers easy to reach?
Can kids reach their cups, plates, and snacks?
Are daily-use appliances (like a blender or food processor) accessible?
4. APPLIANCES
What major appliances do you plan to add or upgrade?
(Examples: island, banquette, steam oven, built-in microwave, second dishwasher, beverage fridge)Will any appliances require modifications to utilities?
Will you need to add a water line (e.g., for an ice maker, pot filler, or second sink)?
Will you need new venting for the hood or cooktop?
Will electrical need to be added or relocated for undercounter appliances?
Are gas lines staying in place, or will they need to move?
Where will countertop appliances go?
Stays on the countertop:
(e.g., toaster, tea kettle, coffee machine, microwave)Storedd in cabinet or appliance hutch with outlet access:
(e.g., blender, food processor, milk frother)Stored in pantry or low-priority cabinet:
(e.g., crockpot, air fryer, bread machine)
5. MATERIALS & MAINTENANCE
How often do you cook?
How resistant do your materials need to be (stain, heat, scratch)?
Will your backsplash need to withstand messes like sauce splatter?
Will your island be used for daily seating?
6. LIGHTING
Are you satisfied with your current lighting?
Do you need:
Recessed lighting
Pendant lighting
Under-cabinet lighting
Task lighting in specific areas
Outlet Locations
Charging Location
Appliances
Lighgt Switch Locations
Think how you will turn on and off lights
What lights you want to turn on together and keep seperate
Dimmer
7. BUDGET & TIMELINE
What is your estimated budget?
If unknown, which scenario best fits you?Full gut renovation
Facelift (cabinets stay, some new materials)
Spruce up (hardware, lighting, stools, accessories)
Do you have a target timeline? Is it flexible?
8. STYLE & VISION
What are five words that describe your style?
How do you want to feel when you're in your kitchen?
What is your biggest design priority?
9. DESIGN PREFERENCES
Cabinetry
Do you prefer custom, semi-custom, or stock?
Open shelving or closed storage?
Appliances
What type of refrigerator, oven, cooktop, and specialty appliances do you want?
Countertops & Backsplash
What materials and colors appeal to you?
Do you prefer full-slab backsplash or tile?
Flooring
What type of flooring do you prefer? (e.g., hardwood, tile, vinyl plank)
Plumbing Fixtures
What kind of sink and faucet do you want?
Do you want a pot filler or built-in water filter?
Finishes & Hardware
What colors, metals, or finishes are you drawn to?
Furnishings & Decor
Do you need:
Barstools
Dining chairs
Window treatments
Rugs
Technology
Are you interested in smart features like:
Voice-activated appliances
Smart lighting
Charging stations?
KITCHEN MATERIALS CHECKLIST
If you would like to use a customizable version of the Kitchen Materials Checklist in Notion
1. Appliances
Refrigerator
Range or cooktop with wall oven
Microwave
Dishwasher
Ventilation hood
Warming drawer
Beverage fridge
Wine fridge
Steam oven
Ice machine
Trash compactor
2. Cabinetry
Base cabinets
Upper cabinets
Tall/pantry cabinets
Island cabinetry
Appliance garage or hutch
Open shelving
Glass cabinet inserts
Cabinet hardware (pulls, knobs, latches)
Interior accessories (pull-outs, spice racks, dividers, deep drawers)
Toe kicks and finished panels
Decorative feet or furniture base options
3. Plumbing Fixtures
Kitchen sink (main)
Prep sink (if applicable)
Faucet(s)
Pot filler
Soap dispenser
Water filter tap
Hot water tap
Garbage disposal
Disposal air switch/button
Drain assemblies
4. Electrical & Lighting
Recessed ceiling lights
Pendant lights
Sconces
Under-cabinet lighting
In-cabinet lighting
Over-island lighting
Switch and dimmer locations
Outlet placement (including island, backsplash, drawers, appliance hutch)
Charging drawer or station
Speaker system or media wiring
Panel locations for undercabinet transformers or drivers
5. Counters & Backsplash
Island countertop
Perimeter countertop
Material (quartz, marble, granite, butcher block, etc.)
Edge profile
Full slab or tile backsplash
Grout and caulking selection
Bullnose, schluter, or trim edge
6. Flooring
Flooring type (tile, hardwood, engineered, LVP)
Floor transitions
Toe-kick heaters (if needed)
Floor protection during construction
Grout or finish sheen (if applicable)
7. Tile & Wall Finishes
Backsplash tile
Accent tile
Liner, pencil, or mosaic tile
Wall paint (walls, ceiling, trim)
Ceiling paint finish
Wallpaper
Decorative plaster or specialty finishes
8. Trim & Woodwork
Crown molding
Light rail molding (under cabinets)
Baseboards
Window casings
Door casings
Wainscoting or wall paneling
Interior columns or built-ins
Hood surround (if custom or built-in)
Beams or ceiling trim (if applicable)
9. Doors & Door Hardware
Interior doors
Door casing and trim
Door knobs or levers
Hinges and strike plates
Pocket doors or barn doors (if used)
10. Windows
Window units (if replacing or adding)
Window style (casement, double-hung, fixed)
Interior trim and jambs
Window hardware (locks, cranks)
Window treatments (listed below)
11. Organizational Inserts (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Pull-out trash and recycling bins
Spice drawer or rack
Cutlery organizers
Deep drawers for pots/pans
Tray or sheet pan dividers
Lazy Susans or blind corner pull-outs
Roll-out shelves
Knife block or utensil organizer
12. Window Treatments & Furnishings
Window treatments (shades, Roman blinds, drapery)
Hardware for window treatments
Barstools or island seating
Dining table and chairs
Rugs or runners
Bench cushions or soft goods