Few home remodeling projects offer more benefits and challenges than a major kitchen remodeling job. A gleaming new kitchen not only enhances the livability of your home but also significantly increases its equity value. However, it can be a complex and costly endeavor. To ensure success, it’s crucial to understand the steps involved before starting the project.
If you hire a general contractor, costs can escalate into the six-figure range, especially if the project involves expanding the kitchen’s footprint. On the other hand, if you choose to tackle the project yourself, it may take several months to complete, potentially leaving you without a kitchen for an extended period.
A well-designed kitchen becomes the heart of family life and social gatherings, making it a worthwhile investment of time, money, and effort. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it’s essential to grasp the process fully from the outset.
Deciding whether to work with a general contractor or designer (or both) at the beginning of your project is advisable. These professionals can secure better rates on materials and guide you in determining which ideas are feasible and which are not.
Assessing your needs and wishes is a critical first step in any kitchen remodeling project. Identify the persistent issues with your current kitchen, such as lack of cooking or storage space, absence of dining areas, or outdated appliances. Establish a prioritized list of desired features, distinguishing between necessities and luxuries.
Early in your planning, consider the logistics and costs of a kitchen remodeling project. If managed by a general contractor, subcontractors will be in your home for weeks or months, causing disruption. If you plan to do the work yourself, the kitchen downtime will likely be longer, and you must assess whether you have the time and skills for a DIY project.
When considering a kitchen remodel, think about the resale value. A dream kitchen can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to stay in your home for many years, as it will serve as a functional and attractive space for decades.
But if you are an empty nester who plans to downsize to a smaller home in the next five years, a surface-level kitchen renovation might be the more practical option. A kitchen is a highly personal space, and your dream kitchen may not be the same as the next owner’s. Kitchen remodels often return a portion of their cost in improved home equity, but not all of it.
Prepare for Compromise Right from the start of the planning stage, establish a mindset that is willing to find ways to cut costs on your kitchen remodeling project. The easiest and most expensive way to remodel a kitchen is to off-load most of the planning, design, and management of workers to a general contractor. However, the contractor comes at a significant cost. You can save a lot of money by serving as your own contractor and hiring and supervising individual subcontractors. You can also save if you are willing and able to do some tasks yourself. Be ready to compromise on the materials in your new kitchen. Custom cabinets and marble floor tiles may be dreamy, but stock cabinets with hardwood veneer and mass-produced porcelain floor tiles can also look great. Consider if a restaurant-grade gas range is necessary or if a good quality consumer range will do the job. If you’re creative, think about using reclaimed cabinets and other materials for a unique and inexpensive vintage kitchen look. Kitchen Design and Planning With a realistic idea of what you need in a new kitchen and a mindset of determined flexibility, you can start brainstorming and developing a concrete, workable plan for your new kitchen. Multimedia Dean / Getty Images Basic Kitchen Plans While you have a wide range of possibilities, consider one of the five classic kitchen design plans. All plans represent some form of the classic workflow model, the kitchen triangle. One-Wall Design Corridor Design L-Shape Design Double-L Design U-Shape Design In all likelihood, one of these classic kitchen design plans will be the logical choice for your new kitchen. You can use a number of resources to help develop actual plan drawings and blueprints for your kitchen, such as inexpensive or free online kitchen design software, physical design packages with cardboard punch-outs representing cabinets and appliances, and kitchen designers staffed at home improvement companies or kitchen design stores. Independent designers may give you the best product as they have fewer restrictions.When planning a kitchen remodel, it’s crucial to consider the various options for executing your project. General contractors, who are typically responsible for managing kitchen remodeling projects, can provide assistance in the early planning stages. Although their design input is limited until you officially hire them, they often offer suggestions and sketches as part of their proposals. Engaging in discussions with contractors can help refine your own plans.
Deciding whether to hire a contractor or take a DIY approach is a significant decision. If you have finalized your kitchen layout and developed the necessary drawings, you have three main options: 1. Hire a General Contractor (GC): GCs are builder/construction firms that specialize in overseeing major projects from start to finish. They range from small businesses with a few employees to large firms with many. In larger firms, the commission charged by the GC can be between 15 to 20 percent of the total project cost. Smaller GCs are often owner-operated, with the owner performing much of the work themselves and subcontracting specialized tasks. This can lead to cost efficiency, as they may negotiate better rates with subcontractors. An owner/operator with a solid reputation is an excellent choice for kitchen remodeling due to their lower overhead costs. These smaller contractors typically do not charge a commission, as their costs are included in the overall job estimates. 2. Do it Yourself (DIY): This option is practical for very experienced DIYers who possess all the necessary skills and have ample time to complete the project. However, it’s not for the faint-hearted, as kitchen remodeling is a substantial undertaking. A dedicated DIYer can significantly reduce project costs but should be prepared for a potentially lengthy project timeline. 3. Hire Individual Subcontractors: Serving as your own GC by finding, hiring, and supervising subcontractors can save money compared to a GC-managed project. This approach requires effort to manage the workflow and oversee subcontractors. However, it allows you to choose which aspects of the job to tackle yourself, saving money on labor costs. For instance, you might handle demolition, hire carpenters for framing, wiring, and plumbing, and then install flooring and cabinets yourself.When you’re ready to hire a general contractor or begin the work yourself, it’s time to apply for building permits. These must be obtained from different agencies, with your city or county typically administering electrical, plumbing, and building permits. Your water company may also require permits for work related to water supply and drainage. If a general contractor is handling the renovation, they will obtain all necessary permits. If you’re doing it yourself, start by calling your local city or county permitting agency.
Prepare your home for the disruption. Make contingency plans for meals during the kitchen remodel when your kitchen is out of operation. Some kitchen remodels may allow your plumbing and appliances to be operational for parts of the project, but often your stove, sink, and other appliances will be disconnected for at least a short time, or even many weeks. Arrange for living without your kitchen for the duration by moving a few appliances into another room and setting up an informal kitchen. You might also consider eating more meals at restaurants or joining sympathetic friends and relatives for meals at their homes.
The first real step in kitchen demolition is a noisy and messy one, but can also be fun. Whether done by you or the general contractor’s crew, removing old appliances and tearing out old materials is the first step towards a new kitchen. This can be hard physical work but is not particularly complicated unless it involves removing load-bearing walls. If you choose to do this yourself, remember to wear safety gear and take precautions if there’s a chance of lead-based paint or asbestos being present. These materials require special handling, and you’ll need to arrange for a roll-off dumpster or other means of hauling away debris and discarded appliances.
With demolition complete, the kitchen remodel begins in earnest. The contractor’s carpentry crew will perform necessary framing work. Depending on your new kitchen’s configuration, this may involve major construction tasks such as adding or replacing windows, removing windows to increase cabinet space, or taking down walls to open up the kitchen to the rest of the house. Even minor kitchen remodeling projects may require joists to be strengthened to support heavier appliances or built-ins like a kitchen island.
Framing work is something many experienced DIYers can do themselves by following the building plans developed during the planning stages. – The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Plumbing, Wiring, and HVAC Rough-In After framing work, the next step is for new or rerouted plumbing pipes, wiring, and HVAC duct work to be installed. This is known as the mechanical rough-in phase and is usually done by licensed plumbers, electricians, and HVAC pros hired by the general contractor or homeowner serving that role. If doing the work yourself while learning, it will be slow. Plumbing and wiring are not trades learned overnight, and kitchens often require a lot of new plumbing and wiring. Current code wiring requirements for kitchens may mean several entirely new circuits need to be installed. The complexity and hazards of incorrect wiring and plumbing mean most DIYers will subcontract this work to pros who can do it quickly. – The Spruce / Margot Cavin Plumbing Rough-In Unless a kitchen project only involves replacing a sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator in the same locations, there will usually be some rerouting of water supply and drain lines. Even if fixtures remain in the same place, it’s a good time to update old plumbing pipes, like replacing galvanized steel pipes with PEX. Plumbing changes can be complex, such as moving a sink to a center kitchen island. When plumbing rough-in is completed, it will receive the first of two inspections required by permit. The inspector will review the installation while wall surfaces are removed to ensure it’s done according to code. If doing this work yourself, it’s your responsibility to arrange for the inspection. Wiring Rough-In As complex as plumbing may be, electrical service upgrades for a large kitchen remodel can be even more extensive. Modern kitchens have heavy electrical loads and the code may require seven or more circuits. To power a large modern kitchen effectively, your home should have at least 200-amp service. This means many kitchen remodeling projects require an electrician to update the entire electrical service to the house. As the electrician runs new circuits to the kitchen, existing circuit wiring in the kitchen may be abandoned in favor of new wiring for all kitchen circuits. The wiring rough-in installation also needs to be reviewed and passed by the inspector before the project can move to the next phase. HVAC Rough-In While not always necessary, any new HVAC ductwork required by the project is installed at the same time as wiring and plumbing work. Installing sheet metal ductwork is usually done by an HVAC contractor who understands airflow physics and can position new vent registers and cold air return registers in the most effective locations.Transforming a kitchen from a construction site into a functional space involves several key steps. Once plumbing, wiring, and HVAC rough-ins are completed and inspected, it’s time to close up the walls and ceilings. Exterior walls are insulated with fiberglass batt to protect against harsh weather conditions. This is also the perfect time to install high-quality insulation within the wall cavities. Next, drywall is hung, seams are taped and finished, and walls and ceilings are primed and painted. If texturing is desired, it is applied at this stage. Homeowners can save money by undertaking these tasks themselves, though professionals can complete them quickly and affordably. Flooring installation is typically one of the final steps before cabinets, appliances, and fixtures are put in place, usually saved for the end to prevent damage to the new floors. Depending on the project management, flooring subcontractors will arrive to install the chosen flooring. The time and cost will vary based on the type of flooring selected. Sheet vinyl is the most economical option, often installed in a single day, with professional installation being reasonably priced due to the minimal labor involved. Ceramic tile requires a cement backer board base, with tiles adhered using thin-set mortar and then grouted. Professional installation can be costly due to the labor-intensive nature of the work, but DIYers can save significantly if they are capable and willing to undertake the task. Engineered wood offers the look and feel of solid hardwood at a lower cost, with tongue-and-groove planks that are relatively easy for DIY installation. Laminate flooring is popular in kitchens due to its affordability and ease of installation, though some types are not recommended for moist environments. Solid hardwood is less common in kitchens due to its susceptibility to warping from water, but it remains a viable option with proper care. Installing hardwood flooring is a challenging DIY project, typically taking installers three days for an average-sized kitchen. As the kitchen remodeling nears completion, finish carpenters will install the cabinets and countertops. Cabinet installation requires patience and can be done by local suppliers’ work crews, competent carpenters, or even homeowners with assistance. Installing countertops appears straightforward but is more challenging than it seems, often requiring professional expertise to ensure a proper fit and finish.
When it comes to installing ceramic tile countertops, it’s often best to entrust the job to professionals who may also be handling your ceramic tile flooring. This is particularly true for synthetic materials like Silestone, Formica, and Corian, which are not only difficult for DIYers to purchase but also require fabrication and installation by authorized fabricators affiliated with the manufacturers.
For heavy materials such as granite, marble, and synthetic quartz, it’s advisable to have them installed by the shop that fabricated them to your specifications. Countertop installation demands a high degree of precision to ensure they are perfectly level and flat, which depends on the base cabinets being level and securely anchored. As you approach the final stages of your kitchen remodeling, it’s time to install appliances, plumbing, and wiring fixtures. Appliances are delivered and positioned, with the plumber returning to connect the dishwasher and refrigerator water supply, as well as install and connect sink and faucet fixtures. The electrician will also return to install light fixtures and connect switches and outlets, with ductwork covers being installed. While some homeowners may choose to handle these tasks themselves, if professionals were contracted for earlier wiring and plumbing stages, the final connections are typically part of their contracted work. Inspection and completion mark the end of your remodeling journey. If working with a general contractor, conduct a walk-through to identify any details that do not meet your satisfaction. This punch-list should include minor issues like trim molding joints, wall scars from appliance installation, faucet handle covers, and any major discrepancies. It’s crucial to address these before finalizing the project. At project’s end, your permits need to be finalized, with inspectors visiting your kitchen to review the work and stamp your permit application as complete. If you’ve worked with contractors, they usually arrange for these inspections, but if you’ve done the work yourself, you’ll need to contact the inspectors. A professional contractor often hires a specialized house cleaner for post-construction cleaning. If you’re handling the project yourself, consider giving yourself a break and hiring a professional cleaner to clean your kitchen. And with that, your kitchen remodeling is complete! Enjoy your new space, the convenience it brings, and take pride in making a significant home improvement choice. The Spruce uses high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.Remodeling Impact Report, 2022 by National Association of Realtors Research Group. When Do You Need A Permit For Residential Work? by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement. City of Newport News Asbestos & Lead-Based Paint Maintenance Program by City of Newport News, VA. National Electric Code, 2017 by National Fire Protection Association.