Completing a kitchen remodel can seem simple, but there can be so many nuanced steps to a kitchen remodel that the thought itself can seem daunting. Here, you will find the Ultimate Kitchen Remodeling guide that provides suggestions, tips, and answers to questions that you didn’t even know to ask about the kitchen renovation process. Top Home Kitchens has it all covered, so let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways
- DIY kitchen remodels are possible but professionals are recommended.
- Budgeting should include a 10-20% amount of the total for the unexpected.
- An open-concept kitchen renovation necessitates calling in the professionals.
- Permits are required for all but the most minor of renovations.
- City inspections might be required but sometimes is an overlooked step to a kitchen remodel.
- Floor installation requires a curing time before the floor can be used.
- The job is not done until the final cleanup is complete.
How to Start Remodeling a Kitchen: First Things First
First, clearly outline what your goals are for your new kitchen combining form and function that fit your lifestyle. Check the current kitchen space, and ensure that your future layout will eliminate any underused areas and allow for ease of use. Your stove, refrigerator, and sink should be installed to make movement easier. To assure that the steps to remodel your kitchen proceed on time and budget, consider bringing in professional contractors to deal with the work and permits.
Kitchen Remodel Steps in Order: What Comes First?
In general, the steps to renovate a kitchen is to plan and design your remodel, complete the construction and cap it off with the installation of countertops, cabinetry, and appliances.
Painting and adding backsplashes and hardware are finishing touches. Getting the order of the kitchen remodel step by step right makes the renovation efficient, keeps costs down, and makes sure that codes and regulations are followed, so you will be happy with the end result. If the steps to remodelling a kitchen proceed out of order, mistakes can include improper clearances for appliance installation, undone essential electrical and plumbing upgrades, or burning through your budget due to re-doing tasks.
Step 1 – Design and Planning Phase
The design and planning phase is the time for drawing up floor plans, taking measurements, and experimenting with layout ideas. Much time and energy can be saved by hiring a reputable kitchen designer or kitchen renovation contractor. They can be a great source of inspiration as well as introducing advancements in form and functionality.
A combined designer/contractor team can help you assess your needs, help set a budget, and make suggestions in material selection as well as suitable finishes. Discussion can also include a timeline of when all is to be completed right up to the final walkthrough.
Step 2 – Budgeting and Permits
When making a budget, the general rule is to use 5-15% of your home’s value as a base. That should cover all steps in remodeling a kitchen including cabinets, appliances, labour, and more. Don’t forget to add 10-20% for the unanticipated. Get your permits in San Jose before beginning any renovations that involve anything more than purely cosmetic changes.
Handling permits is merely one aspect of obtaining the services of a kitchen remodel contractor who will ensure you are up to code as well as within the scope of your remodel and budget.
Step 3 – Demolition and Tear-Out
After finalizing plans and permits, set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in your home, turn off utilities to the kitchen. Protect your home by setting up plastic sheets in doorways to eliminate dust travelling and rent a skip or dumpster for waste removal. Empty and clear cabinets and remove wall fasteners.
Remove base cabinets first, and if you are DIY, obtain help to remove the hanging cabinets. Countertops, after being disconnected from the water supply, should lift off after fasteners are disconnected. Consideration should be given to either recycling the cabinetry and appliances or donating to a local charity.
Step 4 – Structural Work and Framing (If Needed)
This is when a kitchen remodeling service can be very useful. For wall removals or layout changes, they would be able to prepare the site, distinguish between load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, and ensure permits are collected before work begins. They would be best dealing with unexpected issues if a wall is removed and electrical lines or plumbing are suddenly found inside.
For open concept designs, a kitchen designer/contractor would help you work through sightlines from other rooms, engage with floor transitions from the kitchen to the rest of the house, and have practical solutions for ventilation, lighting, and noise in the kitchen.
Step 5 – Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Rough-Ins
With structural changes made, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC is roughed in. Electrical contractors, required for significant electrical work in the San Jose area, complete the rewiring for appliances, lighting, and electrical outlets. Similar stipulations for contractors are required for plumbing adjustments especially if drainage and water lines need to be re-routed for sinks, dishwashers, or refrigerators.
If your plans include an open-concept kitchen remodel, efficient ductwork and ventilation hoods over the stove are essential to restrict cooking smells to the kitchen area. These and other reasons support the concept that the steps for a kitchen renovation are best left to the professionals.
Step 6 – Inspections and Approvals
Phased inspections during the kitchen remodeling process, such as during rough-in, drywall installation, etc., are required in San Jose. Inspections are influenced by the contractor’s completion times and the availability of the city inspectors. The scheduling of the inspections would, among other things, verify the quality of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work before these systems are sealed into the walls.
The inspections are to make sure that building codes are adhered to. If adjustments must be made before continuing, immediately discuss this with your kitchen renovation contractor. Document the changes with photos, check into amended permits, changes to your budget, and if the adjustments will necessitate layout changes.
Step 7 – Walls, Ceilings, and Paint
With inspections signed off, drywall hanging proceeds from ceiling down with drywall set horizontally on the walls to reduce seams. Drywall screws are recessed into the drywall but don’t break the paper. Thoroughly fill divots and imperfections with drywall putty and sand smooth after it dries completely.
A better quality primer and paint specially formulated to deal with humidity and food particulates in kitchens would be best. Several thin coats of paint will be more durable than one thick coat. Check with your contractor about the pros and cons between drywall textures: smooth, knockdown, hand, and orange peel.
Step 8 – Flooring Installation
Flooring varieties offer pros and cons. Tile is extremely durable but is cold and easily made slick. Solid or engineered wood provides warmth and beauty but can succumb to warping due to moisture.
Vinyl is waterproof and durable but is ecologically unsound. In any event, flooring is laid before installing cabinetry not only because it provides a uniform look in the kitchen. It is easier to install a complete floor rather than cutting around cabinets. Cabinets installed on a completed floor bring countertops to the proper, level height. Just be sure to allow proper curing times for your floor.
Step 9 – Cabinetry and Countertops
Upper cabinets are installed first in the kitchen remodel sequence because no-one enjoys working over base cabinets. Without base cabinets in the way, you will have more leverage to position and fasten the upper cabinetry.
For countertop materials, granite is natural and durable, but it needs resealing once a decade. Quartz is bacteria resistant and durable, but it is expensive and doesn’t like high temperatures. Butcher block is warm and can be cut or sanded, but it stains and needs monthly oiling.
Organize your cabinets with exact measurements before ordering a countertop. It takes at least 1 to 2+ weeks for fabrication of granite or quartz countertops. Butcher blocks may vary in time depending on manufacturer but will take less time if premade.
10 – Appliance Installation and Hookups
The installation of refrigerators, ovens, ranges, and dishwashers is done just before the final touches. They are ordered earlier, so they can be available when needed but not constantly in the way. Verify appliance dimensions carefully, so they just slide into place.
| Flooring Type | Light Foot Traffic | Full Curing Time |
| Luxury Vinyl Tile/Plank | 1 day | 1 – 2 days (glued) |
| Ceramic Tile | 1 – 2 days | 3-7 days |
| Prefinished Hardwood | 1 – 2 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Laminate | 1 day | 1 day |
Confirm what electrical and plumbing your appliances require before delivery so, for example, the plumbing for a cold water dispenser for the fridge can connect. Ensure that the needs have been confirmed and accounted for well before delivery.
Before cutting the trim for installation, use the adage, “Measure twice, cut once.” Make sure that your trim around appliances does not interfere with ventilation, clearance, or appropriate use of the appliances before finalizing any use of trim.
Step 11 – Lighting, Fixtures, and Hardware
When it comes to lighting in kitchen construction, under-cabinet lighting is trending. LED strips or pucks should be installed toward the front of the cabinet or near the backsplash to avoid reflective shine. Be consistent with height placement with pendant lights.
Because of the need for accurate measurements during installation, sinks need to be available to make an accurate cut-out in the countertop. Faucets are usually attached to the sink before final installation when connections are easier to reach. Backsplashes are installed last to avoid damage to tiles. Finally, door knobs and pulls are attached.
Final Step – Inspection, Punch List, and Clean-Up
Have a punch list, or a final project list of tasks, fixes, or adjustments, for the kitchen remodel contractor to meet before completion can be signed off. Made as the project comes to a close, a punch list corroborates quality and prevents contractor call-backs.
For the final walkthrough, open every door/drawer, inspect all finishes, and test storage features. Touch all surfaces for unseen flaws. Run water to look for leaks. Use every switch and have a phone and charger to test outlets. Test ventilation, check for leaks if there is a gas range, and look for loose flooring. Make sure you get all manuals and warranties.
For a final clean up, wear a N95 mask and gloves. Start dry with a HEPA vacuum for surfaces, and then use a damp, slightly soapy cloth (microfibre is best) on all surfaces. Repeat until rinse water is clean. Vacuum and mop floors with an appropriate cleanser in water. Give it a day or so, and do a quick cloth cleaning for any settled dust.
Now, you are good to get back to cooking.
Kitchen Remodel FAQs
Conclusion: Your Kitchen Remodel Project Plan in Summary
To save money and delays in your kitchen remodel, follow the steps that make up this guide.
- Outline your end goals for your kitchen. Design/plan to meet those goals.
- Set a realistic budget with a 10-20% contingency fund. Get your permits.
- Follow the plan from demolition to structural work through the installation and modification of utilities.
- Make sure you receive inspections and approvals throughout the process.
- Floors, cabinets, appliances are installed with lighting and fixtures last.
- It ends with a final inspection with a punch list to ensure everyone is happy.
To keep this remodeling ship on an even keel, strongly consider bringing on a kitchen remodel contractor to make the process stress free for you. You are always guaranteed quality with Top Home Kitchens – your one-stop shop for superior kitchen remodeling in San Jose. Contact us today for a free consultation.