Kitchen Remodeling: What Comes First?
Introduction to Kitchen Remodeling
So, you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen—exciting, right? But before you start tearing down cabinets or browsing countertops, it’s crucial to understand one thing: kitchen remodeling isn’t just about choosing pretty tiles or appliances. It’s a process that requires careful thought, planning, and execution. Whether you’re upgrading to sell your home or finally creating your dream cooking space, the first steps you take can make or break the entire project.
Let’s be honest—remodeling can feel overwhelming. There are so many decisions to make and a million Pinterest boards that make it harder to focus. But the trick lies in knowing what comes first. Think of your kitchen as a puzzle. You don’t start by placing random pieces; you begin with the edges to give it structure. In the world of kitchen renovation, the “edges” are the foundational steps like budgeting, planning, and hiring the right people.
Jumping in without a plan is like setting off on a road trip without a map. You might get somewhere, but it probably won’t be where you hoped. This article is your roadmap. It breaks down every step in a clear, digestible way, helping you prioritize what to do first, second, and third—so your remodel flows smoothly from start to finish.
Let’s dig in and see what really needs to come first in your kitchen remodeling journey.
Why Planning is Crucial Before You Begin
The first and most overlooked step in kitchen remodeling? Planning. It’s not glamorous. There are no fancy light fixtures involved or stylish color palettes. But without a solid plan, your dream kitchen could quickly turn into a chaotic construction site that drains your wallet and your patience.
Planning helps you identify the scope of your project. Are you doing a simple facelift with new cabinets and counters, or a complete gut job that involves plumbing and electrical rewiring? Your answers will determine your budget, your timeline, and who you’ll need to hire. A lack of planning often leads to change orders mid-project, which are costly and stressful.
Another benefit of planning is it sets expectations. You’ll know what to expect during each phase of the remodel—from demolition to installation. No surprises, no panic.
So before you get lost in backsplash samples or smart appliances, sit down and really map out your game plan.
Step 1: Define Your Goals and Budget
Setting Clear Remodeling Objectives
Before swinging a single hammer, ask yourself: “What do I want from this remodel?” This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people begin remodeling without clearly defined goals. That leads to constant changes, rising costs, and confusion.
Start by listing what doesn’t work in your current kitchen. Is it too cramped? Do you need more counter space? Is the lighting poor? Then dream big. What features would make your kitchen not just functional, but joyful? Maybe it’s a walk-in pantry, a breakfast bar, or built-in appliances.
Next, prioritize those goals. Not everything will fit in your space or your budget. Distinguish between “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” This clarity will be invaluable when you start making real decisions later.
Setting goals also makes communication with your remodeling contractor or designer easier. They can only bring your vision to life if they understand what it is.
Establishing a Realistic Budget
Let’s talk finances—because even the most stunning remodel can turn stressful if the budget gets out of hand. The key is creating a budget that aligns with both your vision and your financial comfort zone.
Many homeowners focus only on materials and labor, but a comprehensive budget should also include:
- Permits and inspections
- Demolition and disposal
- Temporary kitchen setup
- Surprise repairs (e.g., plumbing leaks, structural damage)
A smart move is to get initial estimates from professionals—even if you’re not hiring them yet. This gives you a clearer picture of costs and helps you avoid sticker shock later.
Lastly, set aside 10–20% of your total budget as a contingency fund. Because no matter how well you plan, surprises will pop up. And trust me—you’ll thank yourself for being prepared.
Step 2: Research and Inspiration
Gathering Design Ideas and Trends
Now comes the fun part—dreaming! This is where you dive into magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, and home improvement blogs to collect inspiration. But don’t just save pretty pictures. Ask yourself what specifically you like about each design. Is it the color scheme? The layout? The lighting?
Start a digital or physical mood board. Include paint swatches, cabinet styles, hardware finishes, and countertop materials. Over time, you’ll notice patterns. Maybe you lean toward modern farmhouse or sleek minimalism. This helps narrow your choices and keeps your design cohesive.
But don’t chase trends blindly. Trends are fleeting—your kitchen isn’t. Try to balance trendy elements (like bold backsplash tiles) with timeless choices (like shaker cabinets or quartz counters).
Also, think about how each design element will function in your space. That stunning open shelving may look great in a showroom, but if you cook a lot, you might prefer closed storage to hide the mess.
Deciding on Style and Functionality
Once you’ve gathered your inspiration, it’s time to merge beauty with brains. Because a beautiful kitchen is worthless if it doesn’t function well.
Start with the “kitchen work triangle”—the ideal placement of your sink, stove, and refrigerator. This classic principle ensures a smooth cooking flow. But modern designs have evolved. You might need zones instead: prep zone, cooking zone, clean-up zone, and so on.
Think about storage, too. Deep drawers, lazy Susans, vertical dividers—these features can revolutionize how you use your kitchen.
Finally, be honest about your lifestyle. If you rarely cook, you might prioritize a coffee bar and open space for entertaining. If you meal prep weekly, invest in durable surfaces and efficient appliances.
This is your kitchen, after all. Make it work for you—not just for Instagram.
Step 3: Hire the Right Professionals
Finding and Vetting Contractors
Choosing the right contractor can make or break your kitchen remodeling experience. Think of your contractor as the captain of your remodeling ship—they’re steering the project, managing timelines, coordinating subcontractors, and ensuring quality. So, it’s worth putting in the effort to find the right one.
Start by gathering referrals. Ask friends, family, or neighbors who’ve recently remodeled. Online platforms like Houzz, Angi, and HomeAdvisor can also be helpful. Look for contractors with consistently high reviews and recent photos of their work.
But don’t stop at the surface—dig deeper. Interview at least three contractors. Ask about their experience with kitchen remodels, availability, and whether they’re licensed and insured. Always request references and call them. A good contractor will be happy to share past client experiences.
Also, request a written bid. This should detail labor, materials, estimated timeline, and payment terms. Don’t just go for the lowest bid—evaluate who offers the best value. A lowball offer could signal shortcuts or hidden fees.
Lastly, chemistry matters. You’ll be working closely with this person or team for weeks, maybe months. Choose someone who communicates clearly, listens to your ideas, and treats your home with respect.
When to Hire a Designer or Architect
Not every kitchen remodel requires a designer or architect, but for complex or high-end projects, their expertise can be invaluable. If you’re changing the layout, knocking down walls, or integrating advanced technology, it’s wise to bring in a pro.
Designers help you make smart, cohesive style choices. They can also suggest space-saving hacks or ergonomic layouts you wouldn’t have thought of. Architects are necessary when structural changes are involved, such as moving walls or altering plumbing and electrical plans.
Hiring a designer can also save money in the long run. They often have access to trade discounts, and their plans can prevent costly mistakes. Many work hourly or offer flat-rate packages depending on your needs.
Some contractors offer design-build services, meaning they handle both design and construction in-house. This can streamline communication and reduce delays.
So, when your remodel is more than just cosmetic, it’s time to level up and hire a professional to bring both style and structure to your vision.
Step 4: Create a Detailed Remodeling Plan
Layout and Structural Considerations
Before you start picking out finishes and fixtures, it’s essential to finalize your kitchen layout. This step goes beyond choosing where to place the sink or stove—it’s about making your kitchen work for your lifestyle.
Start by evaluating your current layout. Does it have any dead space? Are the appliances too close together or too far apart? Could knocking down a wall open things up? Maybe you want to add an island, breakfast nook, or even a small office area.
If you’re working with a designer or architect, they’ll create floor plans to show traffic flow, appliance placement, cabinet configuration, and more. This is also the stage where you’ll address plumbing and electrical adjustments. Moving a sink or gas stove is possible, but it adds cost and complexity, so weigh the benefits carefully.
Structural changes—like removing a load-bearing wall—require a professional assessment. Don’t assume you can just “open up the space” without understanding the implications. Reinforcements may be needed to maintain your home’s integrity.
By nailing down your layout early, you’ll avoid delays and rework down the road. Plus, it ensures that every design decision—from cabinetry to lighting—has a solid foundation.
Timeline and Workflow Management
Kitchen remodels can be messy and time-consuming. Without a clear timeline, things can drag on for weeks—or worse, months. That’s why creating a detailed workflow plan is crucial.
Your contractor should provide a realistic project schedule. This outlines when each phase will happen—demolition, plumbing, electrical, drywall, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and finishing touches. Expect a full kitchen remodel to take 6–12 weeks, depending on the scope.
It’s also smart to plan for material delivery timelines. Cabinets and custom items often have long lead times. If something arrives late, it can stall the entire project. Make sure your contractor orders everything early to keep things moving.
You’ll also want to decide how you’ll live during the remodel. Will you stay in the home or relocate temporarily? Can you set up a temporary kitchen in another room?
Good workflow management reduces stress, keeps everyone accountable, and ensures your kitchen is up and running again as soon as possible.
Step 5: Secure Necessary Permits
Understanding Local Building Codes
Permits might not be the most thrilling part of remodeling, but they’re absolutely essential. Skipping them can lead to costly fines, delays, or even having to undo completed work.
Each city or county has specific building codes that regulate what you can and can’t do. These rules ensure that your remodel meets safety standards—especially for electrical, plumbing, and structural changes.
Most permits are required for:
- Electrical rewiring or panel upgrades
- Plumbing relocations or installations
- Wall removals or additions
- Window or door alterations
- Adding new appliances or lighting fixtures
You can usually check your city’s website for a list of what requires a permit. Don’t assume that small projects are exempt. Even replacing a vent hood or adding an island with electrical outlets could require approval.
Who Handles Permits – You or the Contractor?
In most cases, your contractor will handle the permitting process. This is one of the reasons it’s important to hire a licensed professional—they know the system and can navigate it efficiently.
But it’s still your responsibility to confirm that all necessary permits are pulled. Always ask to see copies of the approved documents before work begins. If your project skips this step, you could run into issues when selling your home later on.
In some cases, especially for DIY remodels, you’ll need to pull the permits yourself. Be prepared for inspections and paperwork. It might be a hassle, but it’s worth it to protect your investment.
FAQs
1. What should I do first when remodeling a kitchen?
Start with setting clear goals and a realistic budget. This foundation guides your entire project and prevents costly surprises.
2. Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?
Yes, especially if you’re making structural changes or altering plumbing and electrical systems. Always check with your local building department.
3. Should I hire a designer for my kitchen remodel?
It depends on your project’s complexity. For layout changes or high-end designs, a professional designer adds value and prevents design mistakes.
4. How long does a full kitchen remodel take?
Typically, 6–12 weeks depending on the scope, availability of materials, and contractor schedule. Planning and ordering in advance can reduce delays.
5. How can I live in my house during the remodel?
Set up a temporary kitchen in another room, store essentials in bins, and plan simple meals. It’s inconvenient, but with preparation, it’s manageable.
Conclusion
Kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to feel like diving into the deep end without a life vest. By understanding what comes first and carefully planning each phase—from setting goals and budgeting to securing permits and hiring the right professionals—you set yourself up for success. Each step builds on the last, like bricks in a foundation, creating a renovation that’s not only stunning but functional and stress-free. Whether you’re going for a full kitchen overhaul or a modest upgrade, taking a methodical, informed approach will help you save time, money, and countless headaches. Remember, a well-planned remodel is always the most beautiful.
