The Only Kitchen Remodeling Checklist You Need in 2020

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen? A kitchen remodel can make your home look beautiful. It also provides additional space for you and your family to enjoy while cooking, eating, and entertaining.

But whether you’re updating your existing kitchen or moving into a new home, you’ll need a kitchen remodeling checklist to get things right. 

In this checklist, you’ll learn everything you need to make your kitchen remodel a success. Without further delay, here is the checklist you need for your 2020 kitchen renovation.

1. Identify What Needs to be Remodeled

The first thing you need to do on the list is to take a good look around your kitchen. See what you want to change. Are you going to gut the whole room and put up new walls or leave the walls intact and make a few changes?

Make a list of things you want to replace. Here are some examples:

• Do you want to install new kitchen cabinets?
• Thinking of knocking down a wall to create an open-concept look?
• Want to replace existing countertops?
• Do you want to add a kitchen island?
• Are you thinking of updating electric or plumbing lines?
• Does the flooring need to be replaced?

If you’re taking down a wall to open the space, you’ll need to find out if it’s a load-bearing wall. These walls support your structure. If they can be removed, you’ll need to put up beams or reinforce your home in another way.

Does the wall you want to replace have electrical outlets on it? Then you’ll need to call in an electrician. They’ll need to rewire the outlets on another wall or move them to the part of the wall that will remain if your bathroom wall is attached.

Depending on the work needed and your experience with construction will determine if you need to call in a professional. A licensed contractor will tell you if what you have in mind is possible.

2. Research Contractors

Now that you know what you’d like to do, it’s time to research contractors for the work you can’t do on your own. Your contractor will also help you get any permits that your township requires. You’ll need to get them before you start the work.

When looking for contractors, look for people who have experience in kitchen upgrades. Hiring someone unskilled in the job you need done can push back your timeline.

It can also cost you more money. That’s because you’ll need to hire another professional to do the work properly. Check the contractor’s website for photos of kitchen remodels. You can also check Google for customer reviews.

Start looking early since many good contractors may be working on other jobs and may not be available for a month or so. The sooner you start your research, the sooner the project will be completed.

3. Decide on a Budget

You can work with your contractor to determine how much the materials will cost. They range in a variety of prices.

For instance, a Formica countertop can cost a couple of hundred dollars. But one made out of high-end quartz, granite, or stone can run into the thousands.

Flip through some interior design magazines to choose a style. If you like the ever-popular farmhouse style, check out these helpful tips from Magnus Home Products.

It’s always a good idea to leave extra money in the budget for unexpected costs. For example, if your contractor finds the plumbing pipes need to be rerouted in the wall, that adds more to the total project price.

Sometimes contractors find electrical problems during the demolition stage. Having an extra cushion is a good idea in case an issue comes up. And it usually does.

4. Create a Timeline 

After speaking with your contractor and pricing materials and labor costs, you’re ready to move ahead. Now you’ll need to create a timeline–one of the most important items on your kitchen remodeling checklist.

You’ll need to shop for the materials, place your order which can take more time if you’re buying customized products. The government requires you to get permits for any structural, electrical, or plumbing work.

Check with your township to see what’s required. Getting permit approval typically takes a week to a month, so it varies depending on your municipality.

You’ll need to pay a fee for the permit as well and provide your contractor’s license and insurance information. Your contractor can also get the permit for you and add the fee to the cost of renovation. Or you can reimburse them.

5. Choose a Convenient Time to Remodel

Kitchen renovations can disrupt your home life. That’s why it’s a good idea to pick a time that’s convenient for you and your family.

Are you planning to live in your home during construction? Or do you have a place to stay until the work is complete? Here are some tips to help you decide.

Speak with your spouse and family members to decide on the best time for all. Perhaps you’d like to wait until the kids are in summer camp or out of the house before you begin the project.

Check Your Kitchen Remodeling Checklist List Twice

These five tips on your kitchen remodeling checklist are all you need to get started on your kitchen renovation.  Check off each item. When you’re project’s finished you’ll have a dream kitchen to enjoy.

Want to learn more helpful tips on home-related topics? Check out more content on our blog.