Kitchen Remodel Planning Checklist

When putting together a puzzle it is difficult to know where to begin and what pieces to use first. Similarly, this is how most homeowners feel at the thought of working up a plan to begin the process of remodeling their outdated kitchen. Our advice is to create a “To Do List” of the things you’ll want to consider when preparing for a kitchen remodel.

1. Determine Your Budget

An essential part of the process is determining a realistic budget that you are comfortable with. Having a budget in mind will help you identify the kitchen features you can’t live without while saving on items you don’t need or that will not bring value to your home. According to a 2018 kitchen remodel cost survey from Houzz, the average full kitchen remodel costs $25,800 for a kitchen less than 200 sf. For larger kitchens the average cost is $42,000. At our firm we use a Good-Better-Best budgeting system that gives our clients a range of options so they can splurge on what’s most important and save money elsewhere.

2. Decide on a Floor Plan

Does your current kitchen layout work with your lifestyle? If yes, then no modifications are needed. If no, here is a list of the different kitchen layouts: Galley kitchen, one-wall kitchen, island kitchen, L-shape, U-shaped and G-shaped. Will you leave your walls as they are or do you have an adjacent living room or dining room that you could open up to create more space and an open feeling?

3. Consider Your Appliances

It is crucial to plan which appliances you’ll need and most importantly their dimensions to make sure they will fit in your new kitchen. Keep in mind that the sizes of your new appliances will impact your kitchen cabinet layout and cabinet sizes. Will you have a free-standing stove/oven range or a built-in cooktop and wall ovens? Would a single or double wall oven suit your needs better? Do you prefer a French door refrigerator with freezer on bottom or side-by-side unit? Do you plan to splurge on a wine cellar or beverage center?

4. Decide on Your Cabinet Style

Explore what cabinet door style appeals to you the most. Consider different wood species, cabinet finish, cabinet construction and hardware (handles/knobs). We’ve put together a kitchen cabinet style guide to help you along.

5. Consider Your Plumbing Requirements

Does your plumbing need to be updated? Do you plan to move fixtures or gas appliances to a different location such as onto a new wall or an island? Do you plan to add an additional prep sink? Any changes to your plumbing will require a certified plumber to relocate existing plumbing or run new lines.

6. Plan Your Lighting

Does your kitchen currently have poor lighting? Recessed lighting is a great way to add general lighting into a kitchen topped with pendant lights over an island or an eye-catching chandelier as a focal point. To further add ambiance, consider under cabinet, above cabinet or in cabinet lighting.

7. Consider Your Electrical Requirements

Find out if your kitchen will need any major electrical updates, rewiring, additional wiring, relocation of outlets, etc.

8. Choose Your Sink and Faucet

Sink options have come a long way, and today homeowners are opting for deeper and larger sinks. There are many sink styles to choose from such as a: self-rimming sink, undermount sink, integrated quartz sink or apron sink (also known as a farmhouse sink.) There are a range of finish options for sinks and faucets to consider. Matte Black, Bronze and Brass are alternative finishes to the traditional Stainless Steel.

9. Choose Your Countertop Material and Color

Besides making sure you choose a beautiful countertop, make sure it is also durable for years to come. Take into consideration the type of material (quartz, granite, wood, etc.), the edge finish and whether it is easy to maintain.

10. Explore Paint Colors

Start exploring possible paint colors you would love to see on your kitchen walls. For paint color inspiration, visit our online design tools for easy access to design tools such as the Sherwin Williams ColorSnap Visualizer.

11. Consider Flooring Options

Besides looking for a flooring material that will look stunning and will compliment the rest of your kitchen, make sure it is also going to be durable and easy to clean. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring, for example, is a great option for kitchen floors because it is waterproof, slip resistant, stain resistant and easy to maintain.

12. Hire a Professional Design/Build Firm

After organizing all of your thoughts and putting them on paper (notice how the puzzle is starting to come together), you’re going to need professional help to execute your kitchen remodel. Choose a company you can trust and that will guide you through the whole process. A design and build firm will help you design your dream kitchen, procure all materials and handle installation from start to finish. This saves you from having to coordinate multiple providers and tasks on your own. Request information about their remodeling process. At our firm we’ve established a Proven Design Process and Kitchen Remodel Timeline to help our clients best prepare for their kitchen remodels.

Here at United Services Design + Build, we will take your Omaha kitchen remodel to the next level. Let us help you make your dream kitchen come to life! Book a complimentary consultation or give us a call at 402-572-1144 .

Kitchen Remodel Planning Checklist

Kitchen Remodel Planning Checklist

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