Last updated on January 17, 2024

Technology and style trends are constantly changing, so it’s no surprise when homeowners consider remodeling their kitchen every couple of years. Of course, between refacing cabinets and installing new appliances, kitchen remodels can get expensive. Keeping costs low is critical when taking on this kind of project.

Whether you want to keep things simple, replacing the stove and other appliances, or tackle a more extensive remodel of your entire kitchen, there are tons of things to keep in mind. We can help you stay on top of everything during your kitchen remodeling project with this comprehensive kitchen remodel checklist for homeowners.

Keep reading to learn more about how to kick off your kitchen renovation.

kitchen remodel checklist

Kicking Off Your Kitchen Renovation

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, there are many things to think about. Between determining your budget, buying new appliances, and actually going through with the entire project, you can be staring at several months of work. That’s why it’s crucial to have a handy checklist like ours at your side to stay on track.

Below, we discuss everything from outlining your overall budget to settling on a trusted contractor who will see the job through, ensuring the entire process of your kitchen remodeling project goes smoothly.

Take a closer look at some essential steps and considerations before starting on your own kitchen remodel:

A.) Settling On a Budget

While many homeowners might have their dream kitchen in mind, attaining this kind of room is out of reach for the average person. Homeowners have to settle on a realistic budget before starting any kitchen remodel.

Decide whether your current kitchen requires a total overhaul or if new appliances and a fresh coat of paint on the walls will do the trick for the next few years. Sometimes, simple updates like a modern fridge or additional storage for a growing family give the same feel as a new kitchen without a huge remodel’s steep upfront costs.

How Much Will My Kitchen Remodel Cost?

The cost of a kitchen remodel in 2023 can be calculated with several factors. Costs will vary depending on the amount of work you plan on putting into your kitchen remodeling project as well as the appliances and materials you choose to install in your new kitchen, and the amount of square footage you plan to add.

With so many variables involved in remodeling your kitchen, it’s crucial to discuss your budget constraints extensively before diving into an unexpected investment. Start thinking about your wants and needs when it comes to your kitchen remodel. What’s on your wishlist?

More space to prep and cook, like a kitchen island, might be preferred for people who like cooking. Alternatively, a family with kids might be more concerned with extra cabinets for more storage, a bigger refrigerator, or connecting the kitchen to their home’s garage to complement their daily routine.

Have a few ideas in mind about what you want to do with the space before consulting with your contractor about a kitchen remodel. An experienced designer can take your needs, desires, and budget and create a beautiful new space in no time.

B.) Exploring Different Aesthetics

With your budget in mind, it’s time to start thinking about the exact aesthetic you’re going for in this space. There is an extensive range of styles to choose from, so shop around in home goods stores, online, or in interior design magazines to understand your taste better before buying materials and starting this project.

Examples of popular interior design aesthetics and styles for kitchens include:

  • Modern
  • Farmhouse
  • Contemporary
  • Mid-century
  • Mediterranean
  • French country/provincial
  • American traditional

Work with a design and remodeling company to keep the aesthetic cohesive throughout your house.

C.) Choosing a Contractor

When you want to remodel your house, working with an experienced contractor or home remodeling company is the right way to go. Someone with extensive design expertise can help create the kitchen of your dream while keeping costs low.

If you don’t already have a professional kitchen remodeling company in mind, don’t be afraid to ask around. Your coworkers, neighbors, and friends might know someone like HomeWorx who can get the job done right.

An Essential Kitchen Remodeling Checklist

After finding a trustworthy contractor and assessing how much money you have to spend, you can start working through this handy kitchen remodel checklist. Here’s what to keep in mind before tackling this project:

Flooring

The floors are one of the most vital aspects of a kitchen overall. Many flooring styles go in and out in terms of trendiness, so explore each type to find one that suits your taste instead of today’s top trend.

Popular kinds of kitchen floors include:

  • Hardwood
  • Tile
  • Wood laminate
  • Vinyl
  • Finished concrete
  • Cork
  • Bamboo
  • Limestone

There are many flooring materials to turn your dream kitchen into a reality. Just measure each square foot of your floor to a tee to guarantee a great result when installing your new floors.

Cabinets

While installing new kitchen cabinets can be a pricy project depending on the new materials needed, that’s not always the case. Many older kitchen cabinets can be salvaged and refaced for a sleek, modern, and refreshed look.

Assess your current kitchen cabinets to determine whether they’re in a decent enough condition to undergo a DIY refurbishing. Doing many kitchen renovation projects yourself instead of purchasing new materials is the perfect way to cut a few corners and save money during a kitchen remodel.

Another great way to stay within budget is by purchasing high-quality cabinet hardware from retailer outlets, online resale groups, or even vintage and antique shows in your area. There are so many unique kinds of cabinet hardware to find and other small appliances, dishes, and interior decor necessities to complete your new kitchen in these kinds of locations.

Countertops

If you’re updating your entire kitchen, it’s also essential to consider the many different kinds of countertops available. Popular types of kitchen countertop materials include:

  • Granite
  • Marble
  • Engineered quartz
  • Sandstone
  • Ceramic tile countertops
  • Wood or butcher block
  • Finished concrete
  • Stainless steel

With so many options available, it’s easy to find countertops that closely align with your personal taste and current or desired aesthetic.

Appliances

Many amateur chefs consider their kitchen the most important room in their home. If you like to cook, the list of options grows even longer. Kitchen appliances come in all kinds of styles and finishes, such as white, black, stainless steel, and even chrome or bronze.

Explore each kind of oven and gas range to find a style you like. Do you prefer a “French door” style fridge or the classic look with the freezer on the bottom? Is one oven even really enough? Many families find that their life calls for more than one oven to make cooking in this space on holidays such as Thanksgiving much less stressful.

Lighting

Of course, you can’t complete a remodel without first installing new lighting fixtures. There are several different kinds of lights and fixtures you can put in, such as:

  • Track lighting
  • Recessed lights
  • Chandeliers
  • Under-cabinet lights
  • Pendant lighting
  • Sconces

Windows

If your kitchen is outdated, there’s a solid chance your windows require an upgrade too. Consult with your contractor about installing new windows while there’s already a mess in your house. This will save you from another headache later on.

Minor Details

With all of the major factors dealt with first, you can now start thinking about more minor details like:

  • A new backsplash
  • Fresh paint
  • Seating
  • Storage
  • Layout
  • Decor

Utilize your leftover money to purchase materials explicitly meant for these minor details. These small things will truly take your finished remodel to the next level.

Other Kitchen Renovation Considerations

Additional amenities can be installed in your new space that some might call “luxury” items. Other considerations might include a:

  • Kitchen island
  • Walk-in pantry
  • Double oven
  • Farmhouse sink
  • Garbage disposal
  • Wine/beer refrigerator

Get Your Dream Kitchen With Help From HomeWorx

Investing in a kitchen remodel can have many benefits. Between the boost to your home’s resale value and the impact on your quality of life, it’s clear why many homeowners choose to update their kitchens.

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, don’t keep waiting. Take the first step and consult with HomeWorx to get the kitchen of your dreams today.