Redesigning your kitchen can be stressful and scary. In order to ensure success, here is a checklist to keep you on track to redesigning the kitchen you’ve been dreaming of.

Print out this checklist to stay organized during your remodel! 

1. Set a budget- 

   By making this your first step in the process, you will not be disappointed later when you have to start over because you picked out items that you cannot afford. Being very strict with your budget throughout the entire process will make it easier when the project comes together.

   One way to significantly reduce your costs is by keeping the same layout of your current kitchen so that electrical and gas will not have to be relocated. You should aim to spend no more than 20% of your home’s value on the remodel.

    

   Things You Should to Consider in Your Budget:

   • Appliances

   • Garbage disposal

   • Kitchen island

   • Countertops

   • Cabinets (type, color, finish)

   • Pantry/Storage

   • Doors

   • Windows

   • Backsplash

   • Walls

   • Seating

   • Light fixtures

   • Hardware

   • Flooring

   • Sink/Faucet

   • Electrical outlet covers

   • Moving electric, gas, or water lines

   • Contractor fees

   • Labor

   • Hotel and food fares if you will be relocating while the remodel takes place

    

   2. Pick a theme 

      Whether you are going for a modern, country, retro, or classic theme, it should be consistent throughout the entire kitchen. Having a color palette in mind is also a good idea. A great way to start is by choosing one item you absolutely love and designing the rest of the kitchen off of that item.

   

    

   3. Get Inspired-

      After you have picked a theme for your kitchen, go out and get inspired! Pinterest and Houzz are great social media websites for fresh ideas. Otherwise, go to a showroom, a Parade of Homes tour, or your friend’s house to check out what they have done.

   

    

   4. Research-

      Do not rush this step! Doing research will ensure that you get exactly what you are looking for at the best price. Research everything from prices, to quality, to how a certain item will meet your needs. Knowledge is power!

   

    

    

   5. Hire a Contractor-

      If you feel you need help with the steps above, you can always hire a contractor earlier in the process. If not, this is the time to do it because things start getting trickier. Your contractor will be able to help you come up with a layout, finalize your choices for products, and give you insight on things you might want to change. Then they will be able to come up with an image for you and handle the installation process. Although a general contractor may not do all of the installation, they will know quality people and be able to handle issues if they come up. Get estimates from at least three contractors before deciding which one is best equipped to handle your remodel.

    

   Things You Should Consider When Hiring a Contractor:

   • Price

   • Online reviews

   • Recommendations from friends and family

   • Standing with the Better Business Bureau

   • Liability Insurance

   • Style of previous work

    

   6. Get Started-

      Time to start the remodel that you have been working so hard for! If you can stay in your home while this goes on, and eat microwaved meals it will cut some costs. Just set up your microwave in a different room and stop at the grocery store on your way home. Otherwise, eating at a restaurant or staying in a hotel room with a kitchen are good options as well. Make sure that this is included in your budget from the beginning.

    

   7. Enjoy!-

      The first meal you cook in your new kitchen is going to be a memorable one! The hard work will pay off and you can finally enjoy the results.

    

    

   Tips & Tricks:

   • Overestimate the amount of storage you will need

   • Do not reuse appliances from your old kitchen- old appliances will stick out in a new space

   • Under-the-cabinet lights are worth the splurge. They will give you extra light in your workspace

   • Allow clearance so that your cabinets can open without hitting items in your kitchen or each other if multiple are open at the same time

   • Install several outlets throughout the room so that you are never out of reach of power

   • Use light color schemes in small kitchens to make them seem bigger

   • Splurge on cabinets and flooring- these will get the most abuse

   • Plan ahead to avoid delays- have backup plans in place

   • Work with the current design of the rest of your home so that the kitchen doesn’t stick out

   • Have plenty of counter space- especially near the refrigerator and stove where you will need to set things down

   • Don’t make final contractor payment until project is complete and to your standards