The Best Kitchen Remodel Checklist 

Whether you’re cooking, entertaining or just hanging out, kitchens attract a crowd. Remodeling your kitchen is a great way to update the most popular room in the house. Remodeling also gives you an opportunity to make a return on your investment.

A kitchen remodel can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint and new floors, with urban appeal or a complete transformation with new appliances, cabinets and more. Maybe custom cabinets is on your mind? Whichever you choose, a plan will help you avoid costly & surprising setbacks while keeping the project on time and on budget.While you’re planning your kitchen remodel, decide what bothers you about your current kitchen and how your new space will correct these flaws. Maybe you need more storage near the oven, or you’re tired of hearing the kids slamming the cabinets shut. (Look at soft-close hinges!)

What’s your big-picture goal: Creating more space? Better design? Just new appliances?

When do you want the project to be finished? Whats your dream kitchen? 

How much do you want to do: new appliances or more square footage, or just painted cabinets and a new fridge? Make the decision now before you start remodeling. Don’t forget budgeting for the little details, like the knobs on the new kitchen cabinets & dividers for new drawers.

Choose colours and materials that are cohesive with the design of the rest of the house.

Look into alternative, eco-friendly building materials and energy-efficient appliances.

Try and purchase as much as possible or at least know the specifics (like dimensions) of any appliance you’re installing.

Check shipping periods to make sure you can get all the materials in time.

Line up a contractor or, if you’re doing the work yourself, clear your schedule.

Will the remodel require enough tear-out that you’ll need to seal off other rooms from dust or noise? Where will you cook your meals and eat during the remodel?

Educate yourself on the building codes.

Can you reuse the old hood vent pipe? Does the new oven use the same energy source? Will you need to reroute gas lines? Can the existing wiring be used?

Will the new oven or fridge fit through the doorways? Do you have space in the garage or home to store materials & appliances until they’re installed?

Make a list that follows a logical timeline: Don’t order or replace cabinets until you know the dimensions of new appliances.

Think outside the box for a unique look: repurposed floors, glass pane cabinets, chalkboard paint walls and more!