Kitchen remodel planning checklist

Your ticks stay on this device, and the print button gives you a clean copy. You do not need every answer to ask for an estimate. “Not sure yet” is a fine answer, and a good remodeler will help you decide.

Print this checklist

Goals and frustrations

• I can name the three things about the kitchen that bother me most.
• I know what the new kitchen must do that the old one cannot.
• I have written down what I like about the current kitchen and want to keep.
• I know whether I am thinking of a refresh, a replacement in place or a rebuild. See the full remodel page and small kitchens.

The kitchen and the house

• I know when the house was built, and whether that was before 1978.
• I have measured each wall, window and door, as in the layout guide.
• I have marked where the sink, range, refrigerator, gas line, vent and electrical panel are.
• I have photos of every wall, the ceiling and the floor.
• I have checked whether the house is in a historic district or a flood zone. See older houses.
• If it is a condo or shared building, I have asked about the association’s rules and hours.

Household and habits

• I know how many people cook at the same time.
• I know how the kitchen is used besides cooking: homework, entertaining, coffee, a work spot, pet feeding.
• I have thought about anyone in the household who needs reach, height or access considerations.
• I know what I use every day and what I rarely use.

Layout and features

• I know which appliances I keep and which I replace, and their sizes.
• I know whether I want a range or a cooktop with a separate oven, and where the hood should vent.
• I have decided where the dishwasher, microwave, trash and recycling go.
• I know whether I want an island or a peninsula, and whether the room has space for one.
• I have thought about lighting for work areas as well as the general light.
• I have counted the outlets I want, and where.

Style and atmosphere

• I have saved three to five photos of kitchens I like.
• I can describe the feeling I want in a few words, such as warm, bright, crisp or calm.
• I know the colors I like and the ones I do not.
• I know what should stay as it is, such as the floor or the trim.

Materials and finishes

• I know whether I want new cabinets, refacing or refinishing. See kitchen cabinets.
• I have a shortlist of countertop materials. See the materials comparison.
• I have thought about the backsplash, the flooring and the fixtures. See finishes.
• I have asked how long my choices take to arrive.

Budget and priorities

• I have a range in mind, and I know what I would spend more on and what I would save on.
• I have a ranked list of what matters most.
• I know what I would give up first, and what I would not.
• I have set aside a reserve for surprises.
• I know how I plan to pay. See what drives the cost.

Timing and constraints

• I know the dates I would like the work to start and finish, and what is driving them.
• I have listed events to plan around, such as holidays, a move or a school schedule.
• I know how the household will manage during the work. See living at home.
• I know who will be there for visits and decisions.

Contractor, contract and permits

• I will look up the remodeler’s registration number. See how to check a remodeler.
• I will ask for a written contract with the required dates. See the contract guide.
• I will ask who pulls the permits. See the permit guide.
• I will ask who the licensed trades are, and look them up.
• If the house is older than 1978, I will ask for EPA lead-safe certification.

What to bring to the first visit

1. Your measurements and the sketch of the room.
2. The photos of every wall, and the inspiration photos.
3. A list of the appliances you plan to keep.
4. Your must-haves, your nice-to-haves and your priorities.
5. Your questions, and the checklist you have just completed.