The Kitchen Remodel Planning Guide: Step-by-Step for Success

Planning a kitchen renovation is exciting. The project can significantly boost the resale value of your home while making one of the most-used rooms in your house more functional and enjoyable. A carefully thought-out kitchen remodeling plan is both the foundation and the road map for any successful kitchen remodel. It helps you maximize the space and its performance while making it more beautiful. 

This project is one of the most expensive home remodeling investments you’ll make, so it’s critical that you plan wisely. Done right, your kitchen remodeling plans will help you:

• Stay on budget
• Stay on schedule
• Manage the details
• Achieve the kitchen of your dreams

Read on to learn where to find kitchen remodeling ideas and how to convert them into a plan for success. We’ll cover the steps to remodel a kitchen and finish with a downloadable kitchen remodel checklist to guide you through the project.

Let’s get started!

How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel: Key Considerations

There are so many moving parts to a kitchen remodel that proper planning is essential to keep you from going over budget and falling short of your expectations. Following these tips for crafting kitchen remodeling plans can help you achieve the results you long for without the headaches associated with a major remodel. Your kitchen remodel project plan should include:

• Goals: Identify your kitchen remodeling goals. Make a list of what you want, including design features, new appliances, and a completion date for each phase of the project. Research design, kitchen organization, and storage ideas to get some fresh inspiration for your kitchen remodel.
• Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your remodel and create a budget for the project. Painting kitchen cabinets is one of the most affordable ways to remodel and revive your kitchen, but purchasing all-new kitchen lighting or installing new plumbing requires a larger investment. By setting your budget before you begin your kitchen remodel planning, you can minimize surprises along the way.
• Design: Select your kitchen design aesthetic and color palette. Include photos of kitchen remodels that inspire you. Don’t rush yourself on this step. Search for kitchen remodeling ideas on Pinterest and Houzz, and explore interior design blogs and magazines for inspiration. Choose a general color range and then rely on experts to help you select specific cabinet styles and wall colors that are cohesive with your new kitchen and overall home design. Before you start the work, decide on all additional upgrades, such as adding glass to your kitchen cabinet doors.
• Logistics: Plan the project logistics. Planning a kitchen renovation involves a lot of moving parts, such as estimating shipping times and coordinating contractors. Map out the specifics now to keep your project on track. Although you can’t control things like shipping delays, selecting between a custom or standard item can impact how long it takes to complete your remodel. If you’re choosing custom features like a sheet-glass backsplash, it’s essential to get accurate countertop and cabinet measurements in advance. Doing so will ensure picture-perfect results and prevent installation problems and delays.
• Obstacles: Preparing for potential obstacles helps you surmount them. If possible, determine whether your new kitchen appliances will overload your gas lines or electrical system before purchasing them. If your remodel exceeds your existing infrastructure, reach out to local plumbing services and electrical professionals in your area for advice on gas line replacement and installation services or kitchen lighting upgrades. Do you need to install a kitchen exhaust fan? Taking a proactive approach with your kitchen remodeling plans will minimize surprises and headaches throughout the process.
• Schedule: Create a project timeline. Once you know all the changes you want to make, create a realistic timeline to cover all tasks in a logical order. Generally, it takes a little over a month to remodel a kitchen, but your timeline may vary. Be sure to include when to order specific materials and appliances on your timeline to track critical milestones.

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for Inspiration

You already have some kitchen remodeling ideas, but you should explore additional inspiration to ensure you consider all your options. Here are some design planning tips to help you get started:

• Storage: Maximize space in your new kitchen with genius storage solutions like a custom-built cutting board cabinet, pull-out pantries for dry goods, or hidden compartments on counters to hide small kitchen appliances.
• Layout: Explore the seven key kitchen layout types to find the one that’s right for your kitchen. The galley layout offers space efficiency, while the classic L-shape layout gives you a continuous flow of cabinets and worktops. The open-concept layout is increasingly popular with homeowners who value entertaining and conversing with their guests while cooking. It makes the kitchen the heart of the home.
• Cabinets: Achieve the exact look and functionality you want in your kitchen cabinets by turning to Mr. Handyman for custom cabinet services.
• Technology: Consider the smart kitchen devices and technology you want to integrate into your appliances and lighting.
• Materials: Today’s modern kitchen renovations are all about natural materials like quartz, granite, and solid wood. Mix and match materials to create your desired kitchen aesthetic.
• Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and recycled countertops are growing in popularity. Going green improves your indoor air quality because sustainable materials emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Steps to Remodel a Kitchen: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve considered what should be included in your kitchen remodeling plans, let’s put it all together to create a roadmap to success.

1. Initial Planning: Start by setting your goals and creating a detailed kitchen remodel project plan. Outline the scope of work, budget, and timeline for the project.
2. Do Your Research: Gather your kitchen remodeling ideas to guide your design. Research contractors or contact Neighborly® service professionals.
3. Hire the Contractor: Check the contractor’s references and ask to see photos of kitchen remodels they’ve done.
4. Prepare for Demolition: It’s time to clear out your old kitchen. Shut off all utilities to the kitchen before removing cabinets, appliances, counters, and flooring. Wear safety gear if you participate in the demolition.
5. Rough-In Work: After demolition comes the framing, electrical work, and plumbing needed for the new design.
6. Drywall Installation: Following the roughing in, install and paint your drywall. This step finalizes the new structure and prepares for the next stages of the remodel.
7. Flooring Installation: Lay the new flooring required for your remodel design.
8. Cabinet Installation: Install the kitchen cabinets next, positioning them for maximum storage and aesthetic appeal. If your kitchen remodeling plans call for refinishing your existing cabinets instead of installing new ones, complete this step after the rough-in work step above.
9. Countertops: Once the cabinets are in place, measure and install the new countertops to finish your workspace.
10. Plumbing Fixtures: Next, install your plumbing fixtures, such as the sink and faucets.
11. Appliances: Hook up the appliances, including the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. For your safety, consider hiring an electrician for this stage.
12. Finishing Details: Install the cabinet hardware, light fixtures, and any decorative accents your kitchen remodeling plans call for.
13. Backsplash: The final step in a kitchen remodel is installing the backsplash and adding the final design element and critical functionality.

The Essential Kitchen Remodel Checklist

To keep your kitchen remodel organized and on track, download and follow our kitchen remodel checklist:

Download the Kitchen Remodel Checklist

Neighborly—Your One-Stop Solution for the Perfect Kitchen Remodel

While researching and developing kitchen remodeling plans can feel a little overwhelming, having a solid action plan can put your mind at ease. Effective planning gets your ideas out of your head and into a more organized state, allowing you to focus on doing rather than thinking.

Hiring the right professionals to do the job is critical. Choosing the right people to come into your home and complete a project will make your kitchen remodel a much smoother experience.

Neighborly offers homeowners a range of trusted, local home service professionals who are experienced and experts in their respective field. From electrical and plumbing to painting, storage solutions, and carpentry, Neighborly brand service professionals will handle it all, ensuring your remodeling project goes exactly according to plan. Every Neighborly brand backs their work with the Neighborly Done Right Promise®, to ensure your satisfaction. To learn more about the variety of services Neighborly offers, visit us online today.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Neighborly is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the applicable local Neighborly home service provider for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Kitchen Remodel Planning FAQs

The Neighborly family of service brands is committed to connecting homeowners and businesses across the country with the service professionals they need to repair, maintain, and enhance their home or business. This includes answering questions about a variety of different services. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about kitchen remodeling plans.

How long does it take to remodel a kitchen?

Most kitchen remodeling projects can take anywhere from six weeks to four months or longer, depending on the extent of the remodel. Several variables may impact the duration of the project, including kitchen size, customization, supply chains, and the contractor(s) you choose.

What is the first step in remodeling a kitchen?

The first step in successfully remodeling a kitchen is creating a comprehensive kitchen remodeling plan. Do plenty of research to develop your budget, design layout, map out the space, and consider design aesthetics, materials, appliances, and finishings. Review photos of kitchen remodels for inspiration, and consider consulting with a professional contractor for help with the design.

What is the best layout for a kitchen remodel?

The best kitchen layout depends upon the available space, how much you use your kitchen, and how you use it. For instance, are you preparing meals for a large family, entertaining, cooking gourmet meals for two, etc? There are seven distinct kitchen layouts to consider for your remodel:

• One-Wall Kitchen
• Galley Kitchen
• L-Shape Kitchen
• Horseshoe Kitchen
• Island-Centered Kitchen
• Peninsula Kitchen
• Open Concept Kitchen

Do I need permits to remodel my kitchen?

Whether or not you need a permit for your kitchen remodel depends on what you’re remodeling and where you live. Most localities require permits for remodeling projects involving plumbing, natural gas, or electrical work. Permits are usually required to ensure the work is done safely by licensed professionals and that it meets local building code requirements.

How much can a kitchen remodel cost?

Kitchen remodeling costs can vary greatly, depending on the scope of the remodel, the design, materials, appliances you choose, and the professionals you hire to complete the work. To best estimate the costs, use our Kitchen Remodel Checklist above to plan and budget your kitchen remodel.