While remodeling your kitchen may seem like a huge undertaking, with the right help, it can be one of the most memorable and exciting moments of your life. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and remodeling it can drastically improve both its functionality and aesthetic, making it a space you’ll love for years to come. A successful kitchen remodel all boils down to preparation to avoid delays, miscommunication, and disappointment.

With the right plan in place, you can avoid common pitfalls that often arise during the process. Careful thought and organization at each step will help ensure that your project runs smoothly, stays within budget, and meets your expectations. Use the following checklist to plan a new kitchen on any budget:

• Plan a Design
• Set a Budget
• Hire a Team
• Order Materials
• Begin Construction
• Add Final Touches

Step 1: Plan Your Kitchen Design

Before setting a budget or hiring help, take some time to brainstorm design ideas and gather inspiration for your kitchen remodel. The design phase is crucial, as it will help you settle on a concept that guides the entire direction of the remodel. Whenever you find free time, take the opportunity to browse the internet for inspiration. This initial phase can include creating a mood board, making layout decisions, and visiting showrooms.

Mood Board

Choose a style to guide your design choices, whether it’s modern, contemporary, farmhouse, industrial, traditional, or a unique blend of styles. If you’re working with an interior designer or tackling the design on your own, creating a mood board is an essential part of the process.

Your mood board should include key design elements like backsplash tiles, cabinet materials/textures, countertop options, flooring samples, a color palette, kitchen appliances, lighting fixtures, and more. You can create a physical collage using magazine clippings or put together a digital version for reference.

Decide on Layout

During the design phase, it’s important to plan the layout of your kitchen intentionally. While some homeowners may prefer an island because they have a lot of space, others may opt for a peninsula to accommodate a smaller kitchen footprint. A great way to find out what kitchen layout you like best is to analyze the inspirational photos you find.

Beyond the style of the kitchen in the photos, try to dig deeper and picture yourself walking through the space day to day. Do you prefer a tight galley kitchen so you can move easily between the stove, refrigerator, and sink? Do you prefer an open-concept kitchen for entertaining guests and watching your kids do their homeowner at the breakfast nook? While it’s fun to plan the aesthetics of the kitchen, the function is just as important in ensuring a successful remodel.

Visit a Showroom

A great way to narrow down the choices when selecting finishings for your kitchen remodel is to visit a showroom to see what materials they have available. During your showroom visit, you’ll be able to compare samples side by side with your mood board to choose which flooring, cabinets, tile, and more would best suit your aesthetic. Throughout the kitchen remodeling process, you’ll have to visit the showroom routinely to hone in on the design.

Step 2: Set Your Budget

Setting a budget for your remodeling project gives you more direction when selecting materials and finishes. Keep in mind that products like vinyl flooring, composite countertops, and recycled cabinets are more affordable than wood flooring, marble countertops, and hardwood cabinets. While working with your showroom or designer, you can find ways to save money on certain materials while spending where it matters most.

Step 3: Hire a Kitchen Remodeler

Although this step may come earlier in your kitchen remodel checklist, it’s important not to delay hiring a contractor, as their schedules can fill up quickly. Ideally, you’ll want to secure a kitchen remodeler months in advance so they can assess your kitchen remodel and gather all the supplies that will be needed. Check out our article, How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Home Renovation, for some professional guidance.

Step 4: Order All Supplies and Fixtures

Once you’ve selected all materials and finishes, set your budget, and hired a remodeler, it’s time to order everything you’ll need for the renovation. If you’re unsure where to begin, consult with the showroom of your choice or an interior designer for guidance. Your contractor may also have a list of supplies and materials they will need to order for the construction process.

Be sure to consider logistics before placing any orders. For instance, many older homes have narrow doorways that can limit the size of appliances that will fit into the kitchen. Cross-check the dimensions of your desired fixtures with the available space in your home before ordering to avoid delays in the remodel.

Step 5: Prepare for Construction

Congratulations! You’ve put in all the hard work planning your kitchen renovation, and now it’s time to sit back and relax! Well, almost. While the design and material ordering phases are behind you, you’ll still need to be available to answer questions and provide guidance to your remodeler. Plus, you’ll need to figure out where you’ll be eating during the next few weeks. At this stage, you’ll prepare for demolition, installation, and the inevitable inconveniences that come with a kitchen renovation.

 Demolition

Something as significant as a kitchen renovation can take weeks and even months. Make sure you and your family have a plan in place for where you’ll cook and eat all your meals during the demolition process. A great solution is to move your refrigerator/freezer to the garage to create a makeshift kitchen while grilling outdoors. Expect to order takeout for some meals amid demolition while the kitchen is uninhabitable.

Installation

During installation, it’s important to be available for your contractor to ask questions, access the home, and receive guidance on design choices. If you’re unable to visit the job site regularly to check progress, there’s a risk that your remodeler could accidentally install something incorrectly. This often happens when a contractor has to make design decisions without homeowner input.

Expect Delays

While your kitchen remodelers will do everything in their power to keep the project on course, unexpected hurdles can still cause construction delays. Always expect the unexpected during a home improvement project so you aren’t inconvenienced when you hear the remodel will need another week or so. Keep your hopes up; your dream kitchen is right around the corner!

Step 6: Finishing Touches and Deep Cleaning

As with any home improvement project, the final touches are essential to achieving a perfect result. This may include painting the walls, adding decor, and performing a deep clean. While your kitchen remodeling team should handle basic clean-up, they’re not professional cleaners.

Fine dust and debris from construction will likely remain, requiring thorough cleaning. Once everything is cleaned, appliances have been tested, and decor is in place, it’s time to move back into your new kitchen and enjoy the space you’ve worked so hard to create.

Find the Right Kitchen Remodeler Today Using Our Professional Network

With these essential insider tips for creating the ultimate kitchen remodeling checklist, you’ll be fully prepared to tackle your home renovation with confidence. Far too often, homeowners overlook crucial steps during the planning and execution phases. Don’t be the homeowner who regrets missing key details—plan ahead to ensure a smoother, more successful remodel.

When it comes to something as important as your dream kitchen, you need a trusted team that delivers stunning, high-quality results. Use our professional network to quickly connect with top-rated home remodeling contractors near you. Find qualified, experienced, and reliable kitchen remodelers who will ensure your project is completed perfectly the first time.

Begin your search today and bring your dream kitchen to life!