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How Do I Start a Kitchen Remodel?

Some homeowners start a kitchen remodel by shopping for appliances. Others start collecting inspirational photos and color swatches. And still others begin by envisioning alternative floor plans and layouts.

“Homeowners may find themselves in this exploration stage for a year or longer before they start interviewing kitchen designers or general contractors,” writes Houzz Contributor Rebekah Zaveloff.

Why do kitchen remodeling projects get held up and deferred for so long?

  • Remodeling feels overwhelming. Managing all the choices, details, and dependencies in a kitchen remodeling project can be mentally draining. Decision fatigue can set in, causing delays or even avoidance.
  • Homeowners can’t picture the end result. How will everything come together? Will the finished kitchen look good? With other major purchases, such as a car or a house, what you see is what you get. But with a kitchen remodeling project, “what you get” is un-seeable until everything has been installed in your house.

In fact, both of these reasons support talking to designers and contractors sooner in the process. Their experience and guidance will only help you make better, more well-informed decisions, and can help keep you from getting stalled out.

Follow these steps to start off your remodel on the right foot.

Contact an Expert Get a Quick Quote

Comprehensive Guide on How to Start a Remodel

White shaker kitchen and island with toddler girl pulling out cabinet drawer and strainer. | White shaker kitchen cabinets

Step 1 – Prepare Yourself

From online shopping to boutique dealers to home center superstores, the marketplace today offers a near-endless stream of enticing products and choices. But how do you prepare yourself to navigate through the sprawling world of home-improvement products?

A little preparation will help you break the process down into logical and manageable steps. Think about all the reasons why you want to remodel your kitchen – what’s your motivation? What are your aims? Write them down and communicate them with your partner and your household.

Next, make a commitment You will remodel your kitchen.

If you can take this first step with firmness and confidence, then congratulations. No matter the obstacles ahead, your decision will bring you to the finish line.

In the steps that follow, we will help you to figure out your goals for your remodeling plan. As you walk through these steps, think about how your kitchen will:

  • Meet the lifestyle needs of your household.
  • Fit and maximize the dimensions of your space.
  • Fit your remodeling budget and timeline.

Step 2 – Assess Your Wants and Needs

There are many kitchens. Gourmet kitchens. Entertaining kitchens. Family kitchens. At the end of the day, you’re looking for your kitchen.

Assess your wants and needs by observing how your existing kitchen works:

  • Who cooks? How often?
  • What kitchen equipment do you use?
  • Do other activities take place in the kitchen? Things like: paperwork, computer work, entertainment, laundry, etc.
  • How easy is it to reach and access storage space? Do you need more storage? Where?
  • How easy is it to access the trash? Do you store recyclables in the kitchen?
  • Do you need more counter space? Where?
  • What do you like about your kitchen?

Now, what would you change about your existing kitchen?

  • What don’t you like about your current space?
  • Which features are missing in your kitchen?
  • Do you have ideas about the layout of your kitchen?
  • What styles and colors do you want to include in your kitchen?

It pays to be thorough. The more clearly you can talk about your wants and needs, the easier it will be to get kitchen designers and contractors to follow your specific vision.

L-shaped white shaker kitchen with large window over the sink wall and decorative glass wall cabinets displaying dishes.
L-shaped white shaker kitchen with large window over the sink wall and decorative glass wall cabinets displaying dishes.

Step 3 – Set a Remodel Timeline

“How long does it take to remodel a kitchen?”

When it comes to remodeling, everything depends on the size, scope, and details of your particular project. That includes your time frame.

But what if you don’t have much experience with kitchen remodeling and don’t really understand how long construction work takes? What’s a good benchmark for setting a remodeling time frame?

Nine months is generally sufficient time to get what you want and stay on budget for the average kitchen remodel. That’s six months to plan your project (searching, shopping, designing, preparing, ordering, hiring and scheduling), and three months of contract work to build it out.

A lot of homeowners wrap up their projects much faster depending on how they use their time. But don’t take time for granted. Time is a resource that allows you to get more of what you want. And we all forget how much time it takes to shop. You’ll want the time to discover products, vendors, and seasonal sales.

It’s okay and normal to want your kitchen remodeled in time for the holidays. But be sure to give yourself enough time and start planning in January!

Read More: The Complete Kitchen Remodeling Timeline

Step 4 – Set Project Goals

Having identified your needs, the next step is to list your project goals, and the improvements that you want for your space.

Your goals might resemble one or more of the following:

  • An increase in resale value if sold within the next few years
  • More accessible storage units (trash bin cabinets, pots and pans drawers)
  • An open layout to make the space bigger and brighter
  • Updated, more energy-efficient appliances
  • More countertop space near cooktops
  • A sleek, modern-looking kitchen in gray and white
  • New tile flooring
  • A station for coffee or wine (or both)
  • A charging station for electronics

Step 5 – Go Shopping

“Shopping is a big deal,” says a CliqStudios’ kitchen remodeling expert. “People forget about the hours they stand in the plumbing aisle looking at the same four faucets.”

Unless you have a very hands-on contractor or interior designer, you’re likely making several major purchasing decisions by yourself. They are indeed major decisions. “The kitchen remodel is one of the top five biggest purchases of your life,” says the expert, “all within the single biggest purchase of your life – your house.”

To get started, add these key kitchen products to your shopping list:

  • Cabinets
  • Countertops
  • Appliances
  • Sinks and faucets
  • Flooring
  • Lighting
  • Backsplash

Within each category, there’s much to learn about different brands, materials, installation methods, maintenance and care requirements, costs, warranties and more. Keep track of your options in a detailed list or a spreadsheet.

Shop online and offline, read product catalogs, visit showrooms and trade shows, and check out your local salvage yards and specialty stores. Over time, you’ll come to a better understanding of how much certain items, features, and upgrades cost, and how much you personally value them.

Read More: How to Identify Quality in Kitchen Cabinets

Downward facing view of a gray undermount sink with gooseneck faucet, a white arched tile backsplash and a deck view out of the window.

Step 6 – Determine a Remodel Budget

“What’s your budget?” It’s one of the first questions a remodeling professional will ask you. But you won’t be able to confidently set a budget until you’ve shopped and compared different product options.

In this way, determining a remodeling budget is similar to determining a budget for your car, or your house. What you can buy depends on what you have, what you’re willing to spend, as well as your financing options.

Kitchen budget benchmarks. According to Remodeling by JLC, the average cost of a kitchen remodel is about $26,268, with a typical range of $14,000 to $50,000, but high-end kitchen remodels can cost much more. Generally, cabinets are currently about 29 percent of the remodeling budget. CliqStudios customers spend an average of $10,000 on cabinets.

Pay attention, write down costs, and like any good shopper, you’ll find out along the way how to save money.

Read More: What Does it Cost to Remodel a Kitchen? Understanding Your Renovation Budget

Step 7 – Bring in the Pros

There are two main players when it comes to professional kitchen remodeling help:

  • A kitchen designer
  • A general contractor

A kitchen designer ensures that your kitchen space is functional, efficient, safe and the best value for your budget. They take the time to learn your needs and wants. Then they translate those into a functional, beautiful, and actionable plan. Kitchen designers also translate your thoughts and ideas into a functional, actionable plan.

A general contractor (GC) coordinates the build-out and installation of the kitchen designer’s plans. The GC is in charge of organizing products, materials and people. They schedule work for the trade professionals typically involved in kitchen renovations such as electricians, plumbers, tile professionals, fabricators, and finish carpenters.

Start early and be proactive with bringing in professionals. Their expertise will help you make better remodeling decisions, and making early appointments will ensure that you have a spot on their calendars. The most well-regarded pros have very busy schedules, and it’s common for a contractor to be booked months in advance.

What about interior design or architectural services? If you’re remodeling your entire house, or making major structural changes, you may have an interior designer or architect helping to coordinate the project. But if you’re only remodeling a kitchen, their services are not critical, even though they can add significant costs to the project.

Between you, your kitchen cabinet designer and your general contractor, you should able to make sure that your kitchen is decorated, designed and built to your liking.

Happy remodeling!

Kitchen design elevation in black and white
Kitchen design elevation in black and white
Shaker style cabinets in White and Blue-Gray

What does it cost to remodel a kitchen? Start thinking about your remodeling budget as early as possible.

How to make your kitchen functional, beautiful, and efficient.

Why do I need a kitchen designer? How to make your kitchen functional, beautiful, and efficient.

How to survive a kitchen remodel

3d rendering of cliqstudios kitchen design with white shaker cabinets and green kitchen island with seating

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remodel a kitchen?

First things first - talk to a professional kitchen designer. The kitchen is the most expensive area to remodel inside a home. This is because almost every area needs to be touched; appliances, cabinetry, countertops, heating/cooling/ventilation, electrical/gas, plumbing, wall/ceiling treatment, flooring, backsplash, lighting and living space. You don't want to start off going in the wrong direction for such a large, expensive and time-consuming project.

How do I plan a kitchen remodel?

When planning a kitchen remodel, you will first want to consult a professional. You will want to find an experienced professional to assist you due to the sheer volume of things that need to be selected and installed. From appliances to cabinetry, there are so many factors to consider.

Once the design process has begun, start talking with general contractors and choose whoever is licensed and insured, the best portfolio and the most credibility. Sometimes they get booked months in advance so don’t wait too long.

How do I start a kitchen remodel?

Speak with an expert kitchen designer who will talk to you about your vision for the project and discuss your options. Kitchen designers have in-depth knowledge on different cabinet lines, finishes and customizations, and can ultimately help you stay on budget. Outside of a designer, it’s important to find a credible general contractor and get on their schedule right away to prevent any installation delays.

How do I remodel my kitchen?

The first step in any kitchen remodel should be to consult a kitchen designer. A kitchen remodel can be super overwhelming and complex, so you will want their expertise when it comes to choosing all of the materials that are a part of your project as well as the layout. Next, as you work with your designer, identify your appliances, countertops, fixtures and other materials to complete your project. Partnering with your kitchen designer and a general contractor to install your help you get the kitchen of your dreams.

How do I plan a kitchen refit?

A kitchen refit should always begin with a conversation with a professional. A kitchen designer has the experience and expertise to make your kitchen remodel a success and will know best how to layout your space. After you speak with a design professional, connect with a general contractor. They will talk to you about the possibilities for your space, limitations, and provide estimates for demo and installation.

How do I manage a kitchen remodel?

Manage your goals, set expectations, expect delays and establish excellent communication with everyone involved with the remodel, primarily your contractor but don't forget your family. Everyone in your home will be affected. There are also many great resources available to help guide you through the remodeling process on the CliqStudios Resource Center such as our Remodeling Timeline. This article gives you real-life estimates on when to start designing and choosing products, when you should order cabinets and how long installation should take.

How to do a kitchen remodel?

Before any work can be done in your kitchen, you will need to sit down with a kitchen designer. They will be able to help you choose the best layout and materials to bring your dream kitchen to life. During the same time, you will want to interview and speak with general contractors to find a credible installer. They will guide and direct you on what to expect with installation and it’s best to get on their calendar right away because good contractors can be booked out months in advance.

Where to start with a kitchen remodel?

The first step in your kitchen remodel should be to speak with a kitchen designer. From the floor plan to the materials, appliances, and plumbing, they will be able to help you make all of those choices. During the same time, start interviewing general contractors to find a credible installer. They will guide and direct you on what to expect with installation and it’s best to get on their calendar right away because good contractors can be booked out months in advance.