How to Start a Kitchen Renovation: 7 Steps to Success
Before selecting kitchen cabinets or tile samples, it’s important to first learn how to start a kitchen renovation. Understanding these 7 key steps in the beginning of the process will save you a lot of headaches at the end. Let’s get started!
Kitchen renovations can be daunting. From hiring contractors to getting permits and making design selections, there’s no shortage of things to do!
I was so lost when I renovated my first kitchen in 2008. I knew what I wanted my kitchen to look like, but I had no clue where to start when remodeling a kitchen. It felt like I was constantly making design decisions on the spot, and decision fatigue hit me like a train.
I learned the hard way that a bit of planning in the front end can save a lot of stress in the back end. So, if you are thinking of renovating your kitchen, I put together a list of kitchen remodel ideas I wish I knew before I started my renovation.
Here are 7 easy steps to learn exactly how to start a kitchen renovation so you can move through the process with confidence.
1. Make a List of Things You Like About Your Kitchen
Whether you’re an avid cook or a microwave meal aficionado, we can all agree that the kitchen is one of the most used spaces in a home. It’s a natural gathering spot where family and friends come together to enjoy meals, learn new recipes, and form lasting memories.
After spending so much time in your kitchen, you have become an expert of the space. Before starting a renovation, take time to think about all the elements of your kitchen that you enjoy. Does the layout make sense? Are the appliances in good working order? Does the color scheme and style align with your personal style? Do you love how the natural light pours into the room from the window above sink?
Identifying what works for you today is a crucial first step when learning how to start a kitchen renovation. This will guide the rest of your renovation decisions and the kitchen remodel cost as you plan the scope of your project.
2. Make a List of Things You Don’t Like About Your Kitchen
Clearly, your kitchen is not where you want it to be. That’s why you’re learning how to start a kitchen remodel, right? It’s essential to identify all the elements of your kitchen that aren’t working for you and brainstorm ways to improve them.
Write down everything you don’t like, and be specific. From functional to aesthetic changes, list all the problem areas and possible alternatives.
Questions that often help in this brainstorm process are:
- Do you have enough countertop space to accommodate your work area? If not, how can the kitchen layout adapt to maximize countertop space?
- Are there sufficient kitchen appliances? Does the kitchen appliances layout accommodate your workflow and the traffic flow of the kitchen?
- Do you want to have a kitchen island? Will the kitchen island function as a workspace or eating area?
- Are the cabinets and hardware in good shape? Do you like the style and layout of your cabinets?
- Do you like the style of your kitchen? Does it complement the style of your home and your personal style preferences?
3. Discover Your Kitchen Design Style
Without an interior design degree, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact design style you want for your kitchen. But identifying your design preferences doesn’t have to be complicated.
I recommend you look at as many kitchens as possible. Scroll through Pinterest, Instagram, and interior design blogs (we like Studio McGee, Amber Interiors, Joanna Gaines, and Athena Calderone) and get a sense of the different kitchen styles out there. You’ll start to notice patterns in the kitchens you’re attracted to and the ones you’re not, which will help form your design vision.
Pay attention to the different colors and styles of cabinets, countertops, and hardware. Look closely at the kitchen layouts and try to envision how those layouts would function in your space. Notice how different light fixtures can either accentuate an element of the kitchen or provide task lighting.
Save the pictures of the kitchen you like and note exactly what draws you to them. This will help you create a clear point of view that will guide your design selections during your renovation.
4. Prioritize Your Choices Based on Your Budget
Whether you’re embarking on a full-scale kitchen renovation or partial remodel, it’s important to list your priorities. Otherwise, your budget will be much higher than you expected.
Think of your renovation priorities as your nonnegotiables. These are things that need to change in your kitchen. You might be tempted by fancy hardware or expensive light fixtures during the project, but these optional upgrades can’t interfere with your priorities.
If your priorities list is bigger than your ideal budget, think of cost-saving solutions. For example, if your cabinets look outdated but the quality and condition are still top-notch, consider painting them. Paint can have a huge impact, and you can do it yourself in a matter of days.
Another option is to keep the cabinet boxes and replace the cabinet doors for a fresh new look. Here are a few companies to explore if you choose this route: Cabinet Doors “N More, Nieu Cabinet Doors, and Semihandmade. These are just a few examples of ways to stretch your budget and make the most of your kitchen renovation.
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5. Visit Local Kitchen Showrooms
Visiting kitchen showrooms is a great way to learn about the different options of cabinets, countertops, hardware, lighting and tile available for your kitchen design. You can feel the different materials, test the cabinet hinges, and get a sense of the product quality. Plus, you’ll have access to kitchen experts in the showroom who can answer your questions and provide quotes.
Feel the different countertop options (natural stone, man-made, wood, and formica) and pay attention to the different types of kitchen cabinets in the showroom. Inset cabinets are the most high-end, custom option. The doors fit inside the cabinet frame, creating a seamless look. In contrast, with partial and full overlay cabinets, the cabinet door lies on top of the frame. These are generally less expensive and have a quicker lead time.
You can also ask about cabinet details like soft-close hinges and dovetail joints, and explore more custom cabinet options like a spice cabinet, cutting board cabinet, and pull-out shelves. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about your full range of options before committing to your final selections.
6. Prepare for the Lifestyle Shift
A kitchen renovation can be very disruptive to your daily routine. Take time beforehand to anticipate and prepare for the changes that come with being kitchen-less.
Set expectations early on with your contractor. This is the best way to prepare your family for the upcoming project. Discuss a realistic timeline for your renovation so you can plan accordingly. Remember, some materials have lead times that extend to weeks or months, so the planning process should start months before the construction phase begins.
Even a minor kitchen update will complicate your routine for a period of time. If possible, try to stay with family or friends during the renovation. Alternatively, you can stay home and isolate the working area with plastic to protect your family from the fumes and construction dust.
7. Hire a Contractor You Can Trust
This is an important step. Ask friends and family who have recently done renovations for referrals. Alternatively, you can interview different contractors in your area and ask for names of people they have worked with in the past. Call the previous clients and ask about their experience working with those contractors. This is a common practice. We’e had people in our area call us to ask for our opinions, and we’re always happy to share.
Take your time doing your research, and be sure to vet at least a few options so you have different quotes to compare. Check out my post on the 6 Essential Steps to Hire the BEST Home Improvement Contractor to steal the exact method I use for all my renovation projects.
Wow, we covered a lot! A kitchen renovation may seem like a daunting task but the end results are so worth it. Learning how to start a kitchen renovation will save you so much time and money during the process. I can’t wait to see how your kitchen transforms with these steps. Happy renovating!
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