Summary
Follow the kitchen renovation steps from planning and design through demolition, installation, and final walkthrough for a smoother kitchen remodel.
You dream of the day your kitchen remodel has finally begun. You picture your cabinets torn out and contractors in and out with different materials and colors you hand-picked. But! Your kitchen remodel actually starts far before new construction begins. Gather your saved Pinterest photos and all your questions, and read this guide—ready to walk you through kitchen renovation steps, budgeting, and timelines, all in one place.
A Successful Kitchen Remodel Starts Before Demolition
In reality, kitchen demolition is closer to the middle of the process than the beginning. Most successful kitchen renovations start when you clearly define your problem areas and priorities. We’ve seen homeowners spend months collecting finish ideas without first deciding how they want the kitchen to function.
One of the first things we do is step back and look at the layout, storage, workflow, and goals for the home before discussing cabinet colors or countertops. We recommend evaluating both your space and your budget, then designing your new layout, ordering materials, and coordinating permits/schedules as you move through these 15 steps to renovate a kitchen.
The 15 Kitchen Renovation Steps
Answering “how to plan a kitchen remodel” starts by following these kitchen remodel steps.
Step #1: Identify What Is Not Working in Your Current Kitchen
What slows you down? Where does clutter accumulate? How many cooks do you have in the kitchen? Do you wish you had room for more? Questions like these help you discover observations that become the foundation of your design, while separating your problems from your aesthetic preferences.
What comes first in a kitchen remodel is considering your storage, appliances, lighting, layout, accessibility, workspace, and materials. What’s making your kitchen no longer fit your household?
Step #2: Define Your Remodeling Priorities
From there, you can identify your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. We’ve found that homeowners make decisions more confidently when they know which two or three outcomes matter most.
It can be layout improvements, added storage, island and seating additions, appliance upgrades, lighting, aesthetics, or long-term living. Either way, establishing your priorities helps guide your budget, especially when trade-offs arise.
Step #3: Establish a Realistic Kitchen Remodeling Budget
Speaking of budget, start by establishing your overall investment range and project scope. We’ve found it’s important to do this before selecting products to best understand what’s possible.
From there, plan your cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, and lighting. Also plan for labor, plumbing, electrical work, and permit securing. We also recommend planning a contingency fund for any unexpected conditions (especially in older Columbus homes!)
Step #4: Choose the Right Remodeling Partner
Depending on your needs, you may hire individual trades that specialize in each aspect of your project. You might also work with a general contractor for more flow, or, as we recommend, work with a full-service design-build remodeler who will help make the project feel custom-tailored and seamless. Before hiring, we recommend asking the following:
- Who manages the design?
- Who coordinates selections?
- Who handles permitting?
- Who schedules subcontractors?
- Who communicates changes?
- Who is responsible for the timeline?
- Who conducts the final walkthrough?
Step #5: Evaluate the Existing Kitchen
Especially for older Columbus-area homes, existing conditions can influence scope and sequencing. An on-site assessment usually includes a review of measurements, structural walls, plumbing and electrical locations, HVAC placement, and windows and doors.
It’s also important to note ceiling height, floor condition, and adjacent rooms, along with construction access and any existing code concerns. An accurate site evaluation ensures you know what you are working with, limiting surprises and reducing later redesigns.
Step #6: Develop the Kitchen Layout
Before deciding colors and finishes, decide your layout. Label where you want your work zones, appliances, sink(s), island and seating, and cabinet configuration. Leave enough space for an accessible walkway that accounts for traffic patterns, connections to nearby rooms, and pantry access.
Our favorite layouts include galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, one-wall, and open-concept kitchens. We often include islands or peninsulas in our remodels.
Step #7: Select Appliances Early
Appliances are the foundation of your kitchen. They determine cabinet dimensions and electrical, gas, and plumbing hookups. Deciding these early helps speed up ventilation, countertop opening, and island planning.
Plus, ordering early gives you wiggle room in delivery scheduling to keep your renovation on track. We recommend prioritizing your refrigerator, cooktop, wall oven, microwave, dishwasher, vent hood, and ice maker. Appliances don’t always need to be delivered immediately, but confirm any specific models during design and order them promptly.
Step #8: Finalize Cabinets, Countertops, and Major Materials
Cabinets often have the longest lead times due to heavy personalization and design styling. Making cohesive decisions early ensures an easy, breezy renovation, rather than making disjointed decisions.
Keep in mind that your cabinet style dictates the layout, which determines the countertops, backsplash, trim, and flooring, as well as sink, faucet, and lighting placement. Your cabinet finish, hardware, and paint are the fun details that complete this step!
Step #9: Complete Construction Documents and Obtain Permits
Your permit requirements depend on your specific project scope and municipality. Cosmetic changes may not require the same approvals as structural or mechanical work. Permits may be needed for structural changes, electrical work, plumbing changes, gas lines, new windows or doors, HVAC modifications, or additions or expanded footprints.
Permit applications may take days to be approved, and inspections for electricity, gas, and a general inspection may be required. Construction drawings are important here, as they provide financial security and can make permits easier to obtain.
Step #10: Order Materials and Confirm the Construction Schedule
One of the simplest ways to reduce unnecessary downtime is to confirm major selections and deliveries before removing the existing kitchen. We know that you’re eager to see your new space, but make sure you’re fully ready before you start demolition.
We recommend ordering cabinets, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, flooring, tile, hardware, specialty materials, and windows or doors promptly. Ordering early prioritizes items with the longest lead times (like cabinets!) and allows time to reorder if any items arrive damaged or are on backorder.
Step #11: Prepare the Home for Construction
This is the step where the anticipation builds! Pack up your cabinets and drawers, remove valuables, and protect nearby rooms. Establish construction access and plan for a routine change for your pets or kids. Also, confirm parking for deliveries, plan for dust control (via equipment or tarps), and review communication expectations with your team.
We recommend setting up a temporary kitchen with your frequently used items like your microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven, shelf-stable food, basic utensils, and limited or disposable dishware. It also helps to set up a mini refrigerator and dishwashing plan.
Step #12: Demolish the Existing Kitchen
The fun part! Demolition begins on your cabinets, countertops, flooring, backsplash, drywall, soffits, or walls. Appliances and plumbing fixtures may be changed or adjusted. Protect any delicate areas, and be prepared for any possible hidden conditions like water damage, mold, plumbing problems, outdated wiring, insect damage, uneven floors or framing issues, or previous unpermitted work.
Step #13: Complete Structural, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Work
Typically, framing and structural work is completed first, followed by rough plumbing and electrical, then HVAC. Rough inspections, insulation, and drywall will follow. This work includes moving the sink, adding island outlets, installing recessed lighting, adding a range hood, relocating a gas line, opening a wall, and updating circuits.
All of this happens before any new finishes are installed to protect your aesthetic items and to ensure your kitchen works smoothly when completed.
Step #14: Install the Kitchen Finishes
Finishes are often installed in a sequence. The typical order is drywall finishing, then priming and initial painting, followed by flooring (if applicable), and cabinet installation. From there, countertops are measured, fitted, and installed around the cabinets for a secure fit.
Next, the backsplash is laid, plumbing fixtures and appliances are installed, and then lighting and electrical finish work is completed. Finally, cabinet hardware is installed, and trim and touch-up painting complete the main project!
Step #15: Complete the Final Walkthrough and Project Closeout
Time to make your kitchen remodel checklist! Review all of the completed work. Test appliances and plumbing, check doors and drawers, and review paint and trim.
Make sure all final inspections are completed, and gather your product care instructions and warranty information. Finally, clean the space and enjoy your new kitchen! Remember, a clear process creates a predictable, rewarding experience!
How Long Do the Kitchen Renovation Steps Take?
Typically, we find that the kitchen remodeling process can be divided into two key phases.
Planning and Preconstruction
This portion can take several weeks or months, particularly when custom cabinets or structural changes are involved. It includes the first consultation and site evaluation, budget development, design selections, permits, ordering, and scheduling.
Active Construction
The active construction phase often requires several weeks. This phase includes demolition, rough construction, inspections, drywall, cabinets, countertops, and finishes. Your project scope and material lead times shape the full kitchen renovation timeline, so make a punch list to make sure everything is checked off!
Who Is Involved in a Kitchen Renovation?
As the homeowner, you shouldn’t have to personally schedule every trade if you’re working with a full-service design-build firm. Your job is to prepare the space and provide communication. Your remodeling consultant, designer, and project manager will coordinate throughout your project.
They will likely handle hiring any carpenters, plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors, installation workers, and countertop fabricators. They should also handle your painters and building inspectors to guarantee your project is completed smoothly and to your liking.
What Should Be Chosen First in a Kitchen Remodel?
The order of a kitchen renovation is coordinated as a whole, even when decisions are finalized in stages. Generally, confirm the layout, major appliances, and cabinet plan before decorative finishes.
These decisions establish dimensions and technical requirements for countertops, electrical work, plumbing, ventilation, flooring, and lighting. Our detailed suggested decision order:
- Scope and budget
- Layout
- Appliances
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Flooring
- Lighting
- Backsplash
- Hardware
- Paint and finishing details
Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
In all the excitement, keep an eye out for these common (but easily avoidable!) mistakes.
Beginning Demolition Before Materials Are Ready
Starting demolition without all your materials can delay the project because of long delivery times and the risk of receiving damaged items.
Choosing Finishes Before Finalizing the Layout
Skipping steps can be easy, but it often leads to setbacks or design changes that cost both time and money.
Waiting Too Long to Select Appliances
You often install appliances early in your renovation. Waiting too long to select your appliances can cause timeline issues and idle days.
Underestimating Cabinet Lead Times
Remember that certain cabinet styles or custom cabinetry often take much longer to deliver than stock cabinets (and cabinets set the timeline for the rest of your renovation!).
Changing the Scope During Construction
One of the easiest ways to add time to your renovation is to change the scope. This can trigger material, layout, labor, and construction changes that affect your budget and timeline.
Forgetting Lighting and Electrical Needs
Functionality matters most of all. Make sure your renovated kitchen will be properly lit and have enough outlets and wiring to accommodate all your needs.
Creating an Island That Is Too Large
A too-large island can cause you to overlook walkway clearance, leading to a cramped, inefficient kitchen.
Failing to Plan a Temporary Kitchen
Without a temporary kitchen, your family or your daily life may be even more disrupted (and there may be extra costs for take-out!)
Selecting a Contractor Based on Price Alone
Your contractors are responsible for giving you your dream kitchen. Hire the team that will deliver the functionality and designs you deserve.
Skipping a Contingency Fund
Without the extra padding of a security fund, unexpected surprises can be even more detrimental.
Assuming Every Online Timeline Applies to Every Home
Your project is unique! Use online guidelines as general ideas, not exact time measurements.
How Homeowners Can Help Keep the Project Moving
We know that kitchen remodels are a collaborative process. You can do your part by responding to design questions promptly, finalizing selections before ordering deadlines, avoiding unnecessary changes, and keeping work areas accessible.
It also helps to follow proper material care and access instructions and keep communication clear. Express any travel or schedule concerns, review plans before approval, and ask questions before decisions become urgent!
What We’ve Learned From Remodeling Kitchens in Central Ohio
While working in Columbus homes, we’ve learned that older homes often have outdated wiring, limited electrical capacity, or unlevel walls or floors. We’ve found that inspections can uncover issues like these and come in handy when looking at a wall removal.
Throughout our projects, cabinet, appliance, and island dimensions have become a priority, as proper coordination between these items provides our clients with adequate walkway clearance. We’ve also learned to prioritize project flow, advising clients to use whole-home lighting plans, make major selections early, and set aside space for a temporary kitchen to reduce stress.
Plan Your Kitchen Remodel With Premier Remodeling
A kitchen renovation should not feel like a collection of disconnected decisions. At Premier Remodeling, we guide homeowners through the complete process so they understand what is happening, what comes next, and how each decision affects the finished space. Schedule Your Kitchen Remodeling Consultation and discover how we can help you turn your priorities into a clear, organized plan.
Kitchen Renovation Steps: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step in a kitchen renovation?
The first step is identifying what isn’t working in the current kitchen to define the goals for your new space.
What is the correct order for renovating a kitchen?
The typical order is planning, budgeting, site evaluation, layout design, appliance and material selection, permitting, ordering, demolition, rough construction, inspections, drywall, cabinet installation, countertops, flooring and finishes, appliance installation, and final walkthrough.
Do you install cabinets or flooring first?
It depends on the flooring material and cabinet plan. Some flooring is installed across the entire room before cabinets, while floating floors are generally installed around fixed cabinetry.
When should appliances be selected during a kitchen remodel?
Appliances should be selected early in the design phase because their dimensions and technical requirements affect cabinetry, electrical work, plumbing, ventilation, countertops, and layout.
When are countertops installed during a kitchen renovation?
Countertops are generally templated after the base cabinets are installed and secured. The fabricator then creates the countertops to fit the completed cabinet layout before returning for installation.
How long are you usually without a kitchen during a remodel?
Your kitchen may be out of commission for several weeks during your remodel. The exact period depends on the project scope, inspections, cabinet installation, countertop fabrication, and appliance connections.
Should I move out during a kitchen renovation?
Many homeowners remain at home, but the decision depends on dust, noise, children, pets, ventilation, access to bathrooms and bedrooms, and the length of construction.
What permits are needed for a kitchen remodel in Ohio?
Structural changes, new electrical circuits, plumbing relocations, gas work, ventilation changes, and additions commonly require permits and inspections. Ohio permit requirements vary by municipality and project scope, so confirm requirements with the local building department.
What causes kitchen remodeling delays?
Product backorders, damaged deliveries, permit review, hidden conditions, scope changes, custom cabinet lead times, and delayed appliance selections cause the most delays.
Can I renovate a kitchen one section at a time?
Full renovations are generally more efficient when the design and kitchen construction process are coordinated as one project. Phasing can create duplicated labor, mismatched materials, and longer disruptions overall.