Kitchen remodel checklist: plan the work in the right order

1. Write a one-page project brief

Start with how the kitchen fails today: poor storage, a tight work aisle, too few circuits, damaged finishes, or a layout that isolates the cook. Separate must-haves from preferences. Note who uses the room, whether anyone needs accessible clearances, and how long you expect to stay in the home.

• Rooms and surfaces included in the project
• Items that must remain
• Layout changes you are considering
• Target investment range and a separate contingency
• Events or dates that constrain the schedule

2. Document existing conditions

Photograph every wall, the electrical panel, plumbing below the sink, floors, windows, and adjacent rooms. Measure the room, but treat homeowner measurements as planning information only. Cabinets, stone, and built-in appliances should be ordered from verified field dimensions.

• Approximate room and ceiling dimensions
• Door, window, vent, gas, water, and drain locations
• Panel capacity and visible circuit labels
• Signs of leaks, damaged subfloor, or out-of-level surfaces
• Access route for deliveries and debris removal

3. Lock the layout before the finishes

Moving a sink, range, wall, or exterior opening can affect several trades and permit review. Resolve the basic plan first. Then select appliance sizes, cabinet configuration, ventilation, lighting, counters, flooring, backsplash, and paint. A beautiful product list cannot rescue an impractical layout.

• Confirm refrigerator, range, hood, dishwasher, and microwave specifications
• Check door and drawer swings for collisions
• Plan task lighting and outlet locations around actual work zones
• Decide where trash, recycling, pantry goods, and small appliances live
• Confirm ventilation route rather than assuming an existing opening works

4. Identify approvals and long-lead items

Ask the building department serving the property which parts of the scope require permits. HOA approval is a separate process. Cabinets, special-order windows, appliances, and some electrical equipment may control the schedule, but ordering too early creates risk if dimensions or approvals change.

• Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits as applicable
• Structural engineering for altered bearing walls or openings
• HOA or architectural review
• Cabinet production and delivery window
• Product return policies and storage responsibility

5. Request comparable contractor proposals

Give each contractor the same brief, plans, and selection schedule. Ask for a written proposal that distinguishes fixed selections from allowances and clearly states exclusions. A low total with vague allowances may not remain the low bid after products are chosen.

• Detailed scope by trade
• Specific products or realistic allowances
• Permit and inspection responsibility
• Approximate start, duration, and milestone sequence
• Payment schedule tied to progress
• Cleanup, protection, warranty, and change-order process

6. Understand the typical construction sequence

Every project differs, but the usual logic is protection and demolition; hidden-condition review; framing; rough plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work; inspections; wall repair; cabinets; counters; finish trades; appliance connections; and final inspections. Flooring placement varies with material and cabinet strategy.

• Confirm shutoff periods and temporary kitchen plan
• Review discoveries before authorizing extra work
• Approve written change orders before changed work begins
• Inspect cabinet layout before counters are templated
• Test every appliance, light, outlet, drawer, door, and fixture at closeout

7. Build a useful closeout file

Keep the signed contract, changes, invoices, product model numbers, care instructions, warranties, permit record, final inspection, paint colors, and photos of open walls. That file helps with future repairs and gives the next owner a clearer history of the work.

Frequently asked questions