A kitchen using CliqStudios Decorative cabinets in White with dark floors.A kitchen using CliqStudios Decorative cabinets in White with dark floors.

Beginning a kitchen remodel can feel like an overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be. After completing more than 30,000 projects, CliqStudios has pinpointed the essential steps to starting your kitchen remodel.

1. Envision Your Dream Kitchen

Do you have a dream kitchen you can clearly see in your mind? Perhaps you have a Pinterest board bursting with every detail of the room. The dream phase is essential to starting a remodel, because it helps you set your goals and expectation for your project. This is also the time to evaluate what features your dream kitchen needs to include. Do you want a more functional space for your busy family? Would you like more organization to get clutter under control? Analyzing your wants and needs for your kitchen will better prepare you for the next steps of remodeling.

2. Create Your Remodeling Budget

Setting a budget is another necessary piece of a remodel. Your budget helps you understand if you have limitations with your project. A budget also helps you prioritize where you want to invest your dollars and where you can reduce costs. To understand your budget, you first need to evaluate what the needs are for your project and break down your estimated costs. Budget can also be impacted by the decision to DIY or hire professionals to do the work for you.

Contractor standing in front of outdated kitchen cabinets presenting remodeling options to a homeownerContractor standing in front of outdated kitchen cabinets presenting remodeling options to a homeowner

3. Find Your Contractor

If you’ve decided not to be your own general contractor then your next step is to find one. It’s important to find someone you can trust and who will do quality work. Do your research. Ask friends and family for recommendations and assemble your own list of who you might want to work with. Sources like Angi, Home Advisor, Houzz, and NARI are great places to search. Once your research is complete, you will want to interview contractors. This step is essential to make sure you’re comfortable working together. It’s also important to discuss timelines, as most qualified contractors are often booked 4 to 8 months out.

Kitchen DesignKitchen Design

4. Get to Know Your Space

Chances are you already know its short comings well. Write these things down so that you can brainstorm with your designer on how to improve your kitchen. You will also need to measure your space so you can prepare for new cabinets, appliances and other finishing touches.

Shaker Inset ch painted white green cabinetShaker Inset ch painted white green cabinet

5. Get Your Free Kitchen Design

You’ve created your budget. You know who will be doing the work. But how will you translate all of this information into a real kitchen? Working with an experienced kitchen designer is the best way to bring your ideas together. From the placement of your cabinets and appliances to adding finishing touches like molding, a designer makes your dream kitchen a reality.

To get started on your kitchen design, we just need a few details about your project.