Remodeling a kitchen can take anywhere from a couple of months to a year or more, depending on the size and scope of the project. Further, the kitchen remodeling process is similar for most of the projects but can differ based on the scale of the renovation.
If you hire a general control to manage a significant job that expands the footprint of your kitchen, costs can quickly skyrocket to a six-figure range. Contrarily, if you dare to tackle it yourself, the job may take many more months to complete. So, unfortunately, you may need to live without a kitchen for a reasonable amount of time.
However, a gleaming new kitchen will make your house more livable, and it will drastically increase your real estate value. A fully remodeled kitchen is worth the time, effort, and money, and you can avoid being overwhelmed if you completely understand the kitchen remodeling process before you set on your journey.
Before Starting the Project
Before starting a remodel, you have to make decisions such as hiring a professional contractor or following the DIY route.
1. Set Realistic Goals
Begin by envisioning your final goal. Gather photos and inspirations from magazines. Will you replace countertops or cabinets? Add a second sink or upgrade your appliances? Dream big, and ask yourself what is a must-have and what is a nice-to-have.
2. Create a Budget
Regardless of the total amount, it is crucial to create a budget. This will prevent overspending. It would help if you learned about kitchen remodel costs and what you can expect within your budget.
Note: Keep your budget flexible by setting aside 10 to 20 percent for unplanned expenses or surprises.
3. Research and Hire a Contractor
If you plan to hire a general contractor, thoroughly research and set aside some time to interview at least three. You must start this process as early as possible because professional, well-qualified contractors are often booked to 4 to 10 months out.
Phase 1: Planning Your Kitchen Remodel
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Planning your kitchen remodel process is the foundation for a successful project. Further, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Also, it will depend on when you plan to remodel your kitchen.
1. Measuring Your Space
Taking a few simple measurements of your kitchen space is all you need to start a free kitchen design. If you are working with a contractor, they will help you collect detailed measurements.
2. Order Cabinet Samples
Selecting a cabinet door style and colors will set the tone of your kitchen. Moreover, it helps to choose countertops, flooring, and more. Furthermore, ordering samples early in the kitchen remodeling process will give you enough time to decide on a favorite.
3. Talk with a Kitchen Designer
Talking with a kitchen designer will help you transpose your ideas and inspiration into a beautiful and functional kitchen. After discussing your needs, wants, and budget, your designer will create an initial design that you can review together until it matches your goals and vision.
4. Apply For Building Permits
You will need a building permit for making structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical alterations to your house. However, if you have a contractor, they will take care of this part.
Unfortunately, this process can take weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the project and the municipality. Therefore, your best bid would be to apply early.
5. Finalize Your Plans
Finalize your kitchen cabinet design, timeline, and contracts. Then, create your scope of work detailing who is responsible for each part of the kitchen remodeling process.
Most importantly, set a date for when you estimate to complete the kitchen remodeling process. This will help you to avoid delays and miscommunication.
Phase 2: Order Your Supplies
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Ordering and shopping for your products needed in the kitchen remodeling process can take a few months.
1. Order Appliances
While choosing appliances, keep in mind that their sizes affect cabinets. Discuss any changes, if any, about the appliances with your designer before ordering cabinets in order to confirm that they will fit with your final design.
2. Order Cabinets
After finalizing the design of your kitchen, you will order the cabinets. The delivery time of cabinetry will vary depending on the cabinet manufacturer. Most of the manufacturers usually take around four to six weeks to build and deliver.
3. Order and Store Products
With your cabinet selection complete, it is time to shop for complementary products such as flooring, countertops, lighting, faucet, sink, etc.
You should also prepare a space in the garage or other dry areas where you can inspect and store the new products. Many products such as wooden cabinets and flooring will need to be stored in a climate-controlled area.
4. Establish a Temporary Kitchen
Before proceeding with the demolition, establish a temporary kitchen. This may be as simple as a refrigerator and microwave. On the other hand, an outdoor grill is a perfect solution.
5. Pack up Your Kitchen
Before the sledgehammers start swinging, you will need to pack up everything inside your kitchen. If you haven’t already, this would be the best time to declutter your kitchen.
Phase 3: Rough Construction
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Rough construction is demolishing your existing kitchen, building out structural features, and framing the room. In case you wish to keep the layout intact, you could complete this step in a week or less.
1. Demolish Your Kitchen
After all the new materials arrive and are inspected, it is time to demolish your current kitchen. If you are handling the demo yourself, have a plan about disposing of the waste,
2. Make Structural Changes
Now you can make structural changes like adding new news, walls, or doorways. DIYers must consult a professional to ensure that any structural changes like removing walls are done safely.
3. Rough-in Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical
Most utility rough-in work needs to be done before the drywall and flooring are installed. Further, this gives access to the wiring for inspection and placing outlets, switches, and fixture boxes.
4. Install Drywall and Paint
If needed, hang and finish new drywall and insulation. Prep, prime, and paint any surface that you need to complete before installing flooring.
5. Install Flooring
You can install many types of flooring, such as hardwood and tile, before cabinetry. Alternatively, some floating floor types, such as luxury vinyl flooring and laminates, must be installed after the cabinets.
Phase 4: Finish Construction
Finish construction is when all new products are installed in the kitchen. This is the final and probably the most satisfying phase of the kitchen remodeling process.
1. Install Cabinets
Now it is time to install the largest part of the kitchen remodel, new cabinets. Again, DIYers must consult professionals for help before proceeding with the installation.
2. Measure, Fabricate and Install Countertops
Once you install the cabinets, you can take measurements for countertops. Fabrication, or making the countertop, can take place after that. Further, installation of countertops can take up to one month, depending on the type of material.
3. Install Appliances and Fixtures
You will be installing the kitchen lighting after adding countertops. Besides, you can install appliance and plumbing fixtures at this time. However, be careful while moving heavy appliances so they do not scratch new flooring or cabinets.
4. Finishing Details and Hardware
The finishing touches of the kitchen include cabinet hardware, paint touch-ups, crown molding, and any other details. You also need to level all appliances and check their connections.
5. Install Backsplash
A backsplash is the last major item for installation. It typically takes two days but could take longer if you are creating a detailed design.
6. Clean the Construction Zone
Cleaning includes:
- Clearing the room and ventilation system for dust and debris.
- Wiping down cabinets.
- Scheduling haul-away of any garbage dumpsters.
Phase 5: Unpack and Enjoy
Congratulations, you have completed your kitchen remodeling process, and now your kitchen is fully functional. Now it is time to sit back and celebrate your beautiful new kitchen.
