You’ve heard the phrase “don’t put the cart before the horse”. One misstep in the order of your kitchen remodel could lead to time and money lost. Here’s the Floor & Decor guide to planning your kitchen remodel efficiently from start to finish.
Step 1: Budget
Creating a budget is an essential part of the planning process. Minimize costly surprises and include everything from the cost of labor, hardware and materials in your budget. Aside from appliances, cabinetry is often the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. Start with the non-negotiable and costliest elements, then make your other selections.
Step 2: Remodel Timeline
Delivery dates dictate timelines. When shopping for materials, keep shipping times in mind and add a cushion to the calendar. Delays are inevitable, consider purchasing in stock items.
Step 3: Demolition
After planning is over, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Remove all old materials and debris from the kitchen and start demolition. Completing demolition first prevents damage to new products or appliances you’re installing.
Step 4: Professional Inspection
Electrical wiring and pipes are most accessible to experts after demolition. Get an inspection to ensure the unseen mechanics are in tip-top shape so you don’t face surprises like unexpected water damage to your new flooring.
Step 5: Paint Walls & Cabinetry
Next, paint your kitchen walls so you don’t have to navigate around appliances, tile and trim. No drop cloth is needed if your new flooring isn't installed yet. Remember, you can spare yourself the time and skip painting the backsplash area. It will be covered by the finished product.
Step 6: Install Kitchen Floors
Plentiful options for flooring allow you to get the perfect fit for your lifestyle. So many options are DIY-friendly with convenient locking technology. Give careful time and attention to your flooring underlayment installation before placing the finished pieces.
Step 7: New Cabinetry
If you’re installing new cabinetry, wait until the flooring is installed to ensure the ground is level. If you’re simply refinishing existing cabinets, complete this project when you paint your walls. Note, you’ll need your new appliances onsite for proper cabinet and countertop measurements.
Step 8: Install Kitchen Countertops
At this point in the renovation, the structure of your cabinetry is well-fitted and can uphold the beauty and weight of the natural stone or durable material you’ve chosen.
Step 9: Install Kitchen Backsplash
Installing your backsplash after the countertops gives you the flexibility to make design adjustments. You’ll also be able to precisely apply grout and tile sealer where the tile meets the countertop. When selecting your material, consider the installation pattern and choose a style to complement your countertop tones, whether warm or cool.
Step 10: Add Appliances & Hardware
If you choose to keep your existing appliances, now you can carefully put them back into place or bring in your shiny new purchases. Add final touches like hardware and fixtures. Install these elements as the last step to protect them from accidental damage, dust or paint.
