A step-by-step guide covering every phase of a kitchen renovation, from budgeting and design through demolition, installation, and final inspection.
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Budget and Planning
Set a total renovation budget with 15-20% contingency
The average kitchen renovation costs $25,000-$50,000 for a mid-range project. A 20% contingency on a $35,000 budget means setting aside $7,000 for unexpected issues like hidden water damage or outdated wiring.
Research and hire a licensed contractor
Get at least 3 quotes and verify each contractor's license and insurance. Ask for 5 recent references and visit at least 1 completed project in person.
Verify contractor license and insurance
Check references and online reviews
Compare at least 3 written estimates
Create a detailed project timeline
Most kitchen renovations take 8-12 weeks from demo to completion. Add 2 weeks for permit approval and 3-4 weeks for cabinet lead times if ordering custom.
Pull necessary building permits
Permits typically cost $200-$500 and take 1-3 weeks to process. You'll need them for any electrical, plumbing, or structural changes. Working without permits can void insurance and create problems when selling.
Design and Material Selection
Finalize kitchen layout and floor plan
The work triangle (sink, stove, fridge) should have sides measuring 4-9 feet each. Total triangle perimeter should not exceed 26 feet for efficient movement.
Select cabinets and confirm lead times
Stock cabinets ship in 1-2 weeks and cost $75-$150 per linear foot. Semi-custom cabinets run $150-$650 per linear foot and take 4-8 weeks to arrive.
Choose cabinet style, finish, and hardware
Confirm delivery date before scheduling demo
Choose countertop material and edge profile
Quartz runs $50-$100 per square foot installed, granite $40-$80, and laminate $10-$30. Measure twice and order 10% extra material for cuts and waste.
Pick backsplash tile and grout color
Subway tile costs $2-$5 per square foot for materials. Budget $8-$15 per square foot for professional installation. Order 15% extra to account for cuts and future repairs.
Select flooring that handles moisture and traffic
Luxury vinyl plank ($3-$7/sq ft) and porcelain tile ($5-$10/sq ft) are the most durable kitchen flooring options. Both handle spills well and last 20+ years with normal use.
Choose appliances and confirm dimensions
Measure the exact cutout dimensions for each appliance before ordering. Standard fridge openings are 36 inches wide, but actual fridge widths vary from 28 to 36 inches.
Demolition and Preparation
Set up a temporary kitchen in another room
Plan for 6-10 weeks without a functioning kitchen. Set up a folding table, microwave, electric kettle, and mini fridge in a nearby room. Budget $200-$400 extra for takeout meals.
Shut off water, gas, and electrical to the kitchen
Label each breaker and shutoff valve before demo day. Take photos of all existing plumbing and wiring connections so the crew can reference them during reinstallation.
Remove old cabinets, countertops, and flooring
Renting a 20-yard dumpster costs $300-$500 for a week. Most kitchen demos fill one dumpster. Donate usable cabinets to a local salvage store for a tax deduction.
Inspect subfloor and walls for damage
Check for water damage, mold, and rot around the sink and dishwasher areas. Subfloor replacement costs $3-$6 per square foot. Fixing it now prevents expensive flooring failures later.
Rough-In and Installation
Complete plumbing rough-in for sink and dishwasher
Moving a sink more than 3 feet from its original location costs $500-$1,500 extra in plumbing work. Keep plumbing in its existing location when possible to save money.
Run electrical for outlets, lighting, and appliances
Code requires GFCI outlets every 4 feet along countertops. Adding a dedicated 20-amp circuit for a microwave or dishwasher costs $150-$300 per circuit.
Install under-cabinet lighting wiring
Add dedicated circuits for major appliances
Install cabinets starting with upper units
Upper cabinets go in first to avoid damaging base cabinets with tools and ladders. Use a ledger board at 54 inches from the floor as a temporary support rail during hanging.
Install countertops after cabinets are level and secured
Granite and quartz countertops need 48-72 hours after template measurement for fabrication. Schedule the template visit only after all base cabinets are fully installed and leveled.
Install sink, faucet, and garbage disposal
An undermount sink installation costs $200-$400 for labor. Test all connections with a full basin of water and check for leaks at every joint before moving on.
Set and connect all appliances
Leave 1 inch of clearance on each side of the fridge for airflow. Test every appliance for 24 hours before the crew leaves to catch issues while they're still on site.
Finishing and Final Inspection
Install backsplash tile
Start tiling from the center of the wall and work outward for a symmetrical layout. Use 1/16-inch spacers for a tight, modern grout line. Let thin-set cure for 24 hours before grouting.
Install trim, molding, and cabinet hardware
Crown molding above cabinets costs $3-$8 per linear foot installed. Knobs cost $2-$10 each and pulls run $5-$15. A 30-cabinet kitchen needs roughly 40-50 pieces of hardware.
Touch up paint on walls and ceiling
Use a satin or semi-gloss finish in kitchens for easy cleaning. One gallon covers about 400 square feet. Keep leftover paint for future touch-ups — label the can with the room and date.
Schedule and pass final building inspection
The inspector will check electrical, plumbing, and structural work against your permit plans. Fix any violations within 30 days to avoid re-inspection fees of $75-$150.
Do a walkthrough punch list with your contractor
Check every cabinet door for alignment, test all drawers, run every faucet and appliance. Write down every issue no matter how small. Most contracts allow 30 days for punch-list items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost on average?
A mid-range kitchen renovation costs $25,000-$50,000, while high-end remodels run $50,000-$150,000+. The national average is around $35,000. Cabinets take 30-35% of the budget, countertops 10-15%, appliances 15-20%, and labor 20-30%. A good rule of thumb is to spend 5-15% of your home's value on a kitchen remodel to maximize return on investment.
How long does a full kitchen renovation take?
A complete kitchen gut renovation takes 8-14 weeks from demolition to final walkthrough. The breakdown is roughly: demolition 1 week, rough-in plumbing/electrical 1-2 weeks, drywall and painting 1 week, cabinets and countertops 2-3 weeks (plus 3-4 weeks lead time for custom orders), and finishing work 1-2 weeks. Plan for 2-3 extra weeks of buffer for delays.
Can I live in my house during a kitchen renovation?
Yes, but set up a temporary kitchen in another room with a microwave, mini fridge, and electric hot plate. Water shutoffs typically last only 1-2 days during plumbing rough-in. Dust containment is the biggest challenge; contractors should install plastic barriers and use air scrubbers. Most homeowners report the first 3 weeks are the hardest, especially during demolition and rough-in phases.
What kitchen renovation has the highest return on investment?
A minor kitchen remodel (refacing cabinets, new countertops, updated hardware, new appliances) returns 72-81% of costs at resale, versus 50-60% for a major renovation. Replacing countertops alone returns about 75%. The single highest-ROI change is painting or refacing existing cabinets ($3,000-$8,000) rather than replacing them ($15,000-$30,000), since cabinets dominate the visual impact of a kitchen.
Do I need permits for a kitchen renovation?
You need permits for any work involving plumbing relocation, electrical circuit changes, gas line work, or structural modifications like removing walls. Cosmetic work like painting, new countertops, or cabinet replacement does not require permits. Permit costs range from $200-$2,000 depending on scope. Skipping required permits can result in fines and complicate future home sales when buyers request inspection records.