Kitchen Remodel — Decision Checklist

Every major decision in a kitchen remodel — budget, layout, cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing, and lighting — before demolition starts.

Budget

• Set your total budget before meeting with any contractor — the average mid-range kitchen remodel runs $25,000–$50,000; high-end runs $75,000+
• Allocate budget by category: cabinets (30–40%), labor (20–35%), appliances (15–20%), countertops (5–10%), flooring (5%), lighting and fixtures (5%), and contingency (10–15%)
• Get a home equity loan or HELOC pre-approval before committing to a scope — don't rely on post-bid financing

Layout

• Decide early whether you're changing the layout — moving plumbing or walls multiplies cost and timeline
• Measure the 'work triangle' (sink, stove, refrigerator) — aim for each leg to be 4–9 feet; shorter creates congestion, longer creates fatigue
• Plan an island only if you have at least 42 inches of clearance on all sides for a single cook; 48 inches for two cooks

Cabinets

• Decide on stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets — stock from IKEA or Home Depot are 40–60% cheaper but offer limited sizing; custom runs $500–$1,500+ per linear foot
• Choose door style and finish before getting cabinet bids — shaker style is the most universal and durable
• Specify soft-close hinges and drawer glides — they add a small cost and dramatically improve daily usability
• Plan interior storage: pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, drawer organizers, and a dedicated trash pull-out

Countertops

• Compare countertop materials by durability, maintenance, and cost: quartz (low maintenance, $60–$120/sq ft), granite (sealing required, $40–$100), laminate ($10–$40), butcher block ($30–$60)
• Order countertop samples before committing — view them in your kitchen's natural and artificial light throughout the day

Appliances

• Decide on appliance finishes as a set — fingerprint-resistant stainless is the most practical for families; matte black shows water spots
• Choose between gas and induction before finalizing the countertop layout — induction requires a 240V circuit; gas requires a gas line
• Measure appliance openings precisely before ordering — a 35.75-inch refrigerator does not fit a 36-inch opening once cabinet trim is added

Plumbing & Electrical

• Hire a licensed plumber for any work on supply lines, drain lines, or gas lines — this is not a DIY task
• Pull permits for electrical and plumbing work — unpermitted work creates problems at resale and can void homeowner's insurance claims

Lighting

• Layer three types of lighting: ambient (overhead), task (under-cabinet), and accent (toe kick or inside glass cabinets)
• Install under-cabinet LED lighting on a dimmer — it's the single highest-impact, lowest-cost lighting upgrade in a kitchen