Kitchen Remodel Checklist

If you're like most homeowners thinking about tackling a kitchen remodel, you have lots of questions like: How do I plan a kitchen remodel? What do I need to consider when remodeling a kitchen? How do I even start a kitchen renovation? Navigating the kitchen renovation process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our kitchen remodel checklist will get your renovation moving in the right direction with some basic steps to tackle along the way.

Steps to Remodel a Kitchen

1. SET YOUR PROJECT PARAMETERS

ESTABLISH A (LOOSE) BUDGET

Come up with a general idea of what you're comfortable spending on your new kitchen. Use our budgeting tools to find a number that makes sense for you. At this stage, it's OK to just have a ballpark figure in mind. You can refine and adjust as you go.

LIST YOUR GOALS AND PRIORITIES

More counterspace. More outlets. More storage. Better flow. What are the must-have features in your new kitchen? What about the "wish list" ones? Consider ways you might personalize your space to fit your lifestyle.

TAKE ROUGH MEASUREMENTS

Watch our video for step-by-step tips on how to measure your space. Using the rough sketch you create, your designer can help you determine the best kitchen layout idea and storage options based on the size and shape of your space.

2. DEFINE YOUR VISION

IDENTIFY YOUR STYLE

Check out our Explore Your Style Page to see which of the five most common kitchen design styles best fits your vision.

COLLECT INSPIRATION

Browse online kitchen image galleries and start a collection on Houzz or Pinterest. Then, look for a common theme in the rooms you selected. (Do your gravitate to the farmhouse look? Or kitchens with two-tone cabinetry?) Be ready to share what you find with your kitchen designer.

THINK ABOUT YOUR APPLIANCES

Map out the number, size and type of kitchen appliances you want. This is important because your new kitchen layout will ultimately be built around arrangement of these major appliances.

PICK OUT MATERIALS

You don't need to select the exact type or color now, but you should have a general idea of the big-impact materials you prefer. Think countertops (quartz, wood, granite, etc.), floors (hardwood, tile, vinyl, etc.) and kitchen cabinets (stained, painted, glass doors, etc.) Narrowing in on some broad categories will streamline product selection when the time comes.

3. ASSEMBLE YOUR TEAM

FIND A LOCAL KITCHEN DESIGNER

Working with a kitchen designer can save you time, money and frustration. From big-picture planning to minute design details, they are your greatest resource for getting a kitchen you'll love. Use our locator tool to find KraftMaid designers in your area and schedule your appointment.

 BOOK YOUR CONTRACTORS EARLY

The best remodelers are also likely the busiest. You may have to work around their availability. Start your search now - following our tips for choosing the right remodeling contractor.

4. PLAN FOR WHAT'S NEXT

GET READY FOR YOUR SHOWROOM VISIT

Download our free design meeting checklist PDF with six ways to prep for your first conversation with a kitchen designer. (If you've been following this checklist, you're almost there.)

PREPARE FOR CONSTRUCTION

There's lots of dishware to pack up and a truckload of new cabinets to make room for. You'll have to manage demolition dust and life without a sink for a while too. It's never too early to strategize how to minimize the disruption during installation.