A Breakdown of All the Steps in a Full Gut Kitchen Remodel
Short of an addition, a kitchen remodel is one of the most significant projects a homeowner might experience at some point. My favorite contractors do many things right, but one thing I especially love is that they send me a schedule before construction starts so that the client and I know exactly what’s being done and when.
In general, kitchens follow the same schedule. However, depending on your kitchen design you might be omitting or adding some steps. That’s why it’s important to have a design completely figured out before jumping into construction. That being said, this is how a kitchen remodel schedule usually goes:
Before Construction
Go through the design process and finalize the design.
Get quotes from prospective contractors, review and choose the best contractor for your project.
Notify the contractor and follow their system for reserving space in their schedule. Good contractors are usually booked out at least a few weeks, often a few months!
Request a schedule so that all orders for cabinetry, lighting, hardware, tile etc. are placed so that they’re onsite when the contractor needs them.
Clear out all kitchen cabinetry and move as much as you can out of the contractor’s way. If living in the home during the remodel isn’t feasible, plan temporary housing elsewhere.
Construction
Demolition - this is when the contractor removes anything that will not be in the finished space. I recommend having as much donated as you can or dispose of items in the most sustainable way possible.
New Construction - if any walls are being added, this is when that would happen.
Rough-ins - this is when sub-contractors come in to update or put in systems per your new design. The rule of thumb is to start from the largest system to the smallest. Ideally, you want all your appliances onsite when this starts to ensure that everything will fit properly.
Cabinetry + appliances - all your new cabinetry and appliances get installed.
Countertops - Once all the cabinetry is in, the countertop company comes out to template. It depends on the countertop selected, but it’s usually about a week from template to installation of the countertop.
New flooring - this usually gets installed after the cabinetry goes in so that the material can meet the toe-kick of the cabinet without any gaps.
Home Stretch
Backsplash - the backsplash tile can begin after the countertops are installed.
Final electrical - the electrician needs to come back to install the light fixtures. This often happens towards the end of the project so nothing gets damaged.
Cabinet Hardware - Any cabinet hardware gets installed.
Touch-ups - Any nicks in the wall are patched and final coats of paint go on the walls and ceiling.
As you can see, there are a lot of things that need to happen in order in a timely manner for a kitchen remodel to run smoothly. If you’re thinking of a kitchen remodel, don’t hesitate to contact us.
