How to Remodel a Kitchen: Your Comprehensive Guide and Steps

How to Remodel a Kitchen: Your Comprehensive Guide and Steps

There are several steps when you’re figuring out how to remodel a kitchen. You can smash down walls, change the kitchen layout, purchase new appliances, and the cost of the kitchen remodel will still rise to a soaring $35,000 – $50,000 or more. 

Before you hire a professional or do the job yourself, read our tips on how to remodel a kitchen. From simple design changes to a complete gut remodel–you can now build the kitchen of your dreams by following our latest guide. 

 

How to Remodel a Kitchen: Hiring A Professional 

 

You can hire a general contractor to manage other subcontractors, or you can hire each individual yourself. However, a professional may charge you up to 30% of the total project cost. Although if you are hoping to save, this is where you can. Here, the fundamental difference is — the general contractor will save you time by overseeing the tasks and circling after delayed or no-show laborers.

However, you need to ensure that you hire certified, licensed, and insured contractors only. They should also have the right permits and be aware of the local building code requirements. 

Moving on, develop a payment plan with your workforce. It is normal to pay only 10% in advance, 50% at the halfway point, and the balance at the end.

 

Complete Rough-in Plumbing and Structuring

 

One of the most important steps on how to remodel a kitchen is the completion of rough-in work along with any structuring and plumbing. Assume this stage as something having to do with walls and what will go inside of the walls.

Sometimes, this phase might be as straightforward as shifting walls around a brand-new kitchen island. This can lead to the movement and expansion of the plumbing fixtures from where they were originally sitting in the room in large projects. This step is extensive and usually best left to a highly-skilled squad.

 

Professional Inspection and Evaluation 

Post a complete rough-in work; it is time for a professional evaluation. In most cases, this simply involves calling the town to get a kitchen remodel permit. There may even be a reasonable fee for certain locations.

If you’ve followed all relevant building regulations for your jurisdiction, this phase shouldn’t be of concern, and you can consider moving onto the next stage. If you don’t? Well, then you can learn from your shortcomings and move forward.

Also, if you’ve recruited a professional remodeling contractor, they will probably handle both the evaluation and various remodeling phases simultaneously. Moreover, they will rectify any blunders right away. But if you have managed the remodel yourself and did not pass the evaluation, it could be wise to hire a certified professional to help you achieve it. 

 

Hang The Drywall and Restructure Doors and Windows

 

Once an inspection process goes successfully, it is time to complete the walls. Hang, tape, and finish drywall as per your project plan, including any drywall required for a kitchen island or any other area of the kitchen. Alternatively, consider hiring a contractor to finish up the remodel faster if you aren’t skilled in this area.

Post drywall, it is time to build and install any doors or windows. If you’re okay with the previous structure as your existing kitchen, you may do nothing for this phase. Just take a moment to scrub your existing ones off with a good cleaner and seal any dated cracks with caulking around the windows to improve ventilation.

However, if you choose to add new doors or windows to the room, ensure that the whole room is ventilated properly. The overwhelming amount of a home’s energy fee comes from wasted hot and cold air every year. Not only do unsealed kitchen windows make your room less comfy, but they can also cost you a good chunk of money in energy bills.

You’ll also want to ensure you install trims to make cabinet installation more precise. If you cannot do so, it can create gaps, which might cause bigger problems further on.

 

Install Faucets, Sink, And Countertops

The installation of cabinets and plumbing fixtures follows the kitchen remodeling process. It is time to install new countertops as well. Countertops are often the most fun part of the process, as it finally gives you a view of your dream project taking shape. Especially when you had your eyes on a spacious apron sink for months, and it can finally make a statement in your remodeled space!

Moving on, include a sink, faucet, cabinet hardware, and trash disposal to your kitchen during this period. It’s also a time when specific minor plumbing problems could come to light. Contact an expert for advice or help if necessary.

 

Bring In New Appliances

Moving on, it is time to add your new kitchen appliances when you remodel a kitchen. These include items like the built-in microwave, stovetop, fridge, and more. You can also finish these installations by adding luxury items–such as a wine chiller or water purification system.

Your new kitchen is almost taking shape in this process. Also, you may have to check in with your contractor to estimate if they will complete your overall project within the timeline. On the contrary, if you intend to DIY, list down all the pending tasks to help keep everything on schedule. Double-check always! Lastly, throw in some accessories and decor items, and your kitchen will start to feel like your own. Congratulations! Your kitchen remodel is complete. 

Now is the time to sit down and cherish your fabulous new kitchen. Pour yourself a glass of champagne or invite friends over for a nice dinner. Regardless of how much you did it alone or hired a contractor for, you’ve got a brand-new kitchen to make memories and enjoy.