Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Kitchen Remodel

For a homeowner thinking about remodeling their kitchen, it may seem like a daunting task with a myriad of different components that have to be addressed in order to complete the project.

For the average homeowner thinking about doing this on their own, they may not realize that coordinating a kitchen project involves kitchen designers, cabinet suppliers, plumbers, electricians, tile installers, cabinet installers, appliance companies, painters, etc. It can seem overwhelming unless you consider hiring a general contractor to supervise and coordinate all of these tradesmen and materials suppliers. That being said, let’s go through the steps that you’ll need to get through the remodel process.

Step 1 - Get a CAD Design

First, visit your local recommended kitchen cabinet supplier, and ask for their kitchen designer to come down and measure your current kitchen to come up with a CAD (Computer Aided Design) plan showcasing some of your ideas. Usually the CAD design is free in the hope that the cabinet supplier will get your business. 

Step 2 - Call Your Contractor

When you finally agree on the style, color and placement of cabinets, bring in your contractor. Your contractor will discuss with you tile dimensions, placement and materials for tiles on floors and backsplashes. He or she can arrange plumbing for sinks, dishwashers and ice makers, as well as gas lines for ovens and cooktops.  Your contractor will take care of electrical supply for appliances, ceiling lights, pendants, LED strip lights and outlets installed under cabinets.

Step 3 - Put in the “Reno” Work

Putting all this together requires demolition of the existing kitchen, fixing walls, tiling floors and painting. Next steps include installing rough plumbing and electrical fixtures, then the installation of the cabinets and pull handles. 

Step 4 - Install Countertops

Once cabinets are installed the contractor will arrange for the countertop company to come in and create a template. In the interim the contractor can start installing the appliances while waiting for the countertop to be fabricated. Once the countertops are in, wrapping up the kitchen requires finishing the backsplash, the electrical and the plumbing. 

Of course, every kitchen install is different, however this guide is generally for a basic kitchen install which can be your “blueprint” for a kitchen remodel that is as simple or as elaborate as your imagination or budget allows.

If you need any additional information or help on your next kitchen remodel, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 848-667-1400 or fill out our online contact form.