Planning a Kitchen Remodel? Start Here: A Simple Pre-Project Checklist

A kitchen remodel can completely change how you use—and enjoy—your home. But long before the first cabinet comes out or the new countertop goes in, there's an important phase that can make the difference between a smooth renovation and a stressful one: Planning.

The best kitchen remodels aren't simply collections of beautiful cabinets, countertops and fixtures. They're spaces designed around how you actually cook, gather, entertain, clean and live.

If you're considering a kitchen remodel in Milwaukee or Southeast Wisconsin, here's where to start.

Your Kitchen Remodel Pre-Project Checklist

Before you start selecting finishes or requesting estimates, work through these eight questions.

✓ 1. What Isn't Working in Your Current Kitchen?

Start with problems—not products.

Before deciding what your new kitchen should look like, make a list of what frustrates you about the kitchen you have today.

Consider:

• Is there enough countertop workspace?

• Do you have enough cabinet and pantry storage?

• Is the sink in the right location?

• Are people constantly crossing paths while cooking?

• Is your island useful—or just in the way?

• Is lighting inadequate in important work areas?

• Are outlets located where you actually need them?

• Is there enough room for your appliances?

• Is the kitchen difficult to clean or maintain?

• Does the kitchen work when you're entertaining?

• Are plumbing fixtures outdated or performing poorly?

This list becomes your project's functional wish list.

It's easy to get distracted by cabinet colors and countertop samples. But solving the problems you experience every day should come first.

✓ 2. Decide Whether You're Refreshing or Reconfiguring

Not every kitchen remodel needs a completely new floor plan.

If your existing kitchen functions well, keeping sinks, appliances and major plumbing in approximately the same locations can simplify the project and help control costs.

But if the existing layout is fundamentally wrong, remodeling is also your opportunity to fix it.

You might consider:

• Moving or enlarging an island

• Relocating the kitchen sink

• Adding a prep sink

• Changing appliance locations

• Removing or relocating cabinetry

• Adding pantry storage

• Creating better traffic flow

• Opening the kitchen to an adjacent room

• Adding seating or entertaining space

The important question isn't simply "What would look better?"

It's "How could this room work better?"

Layout decisions also affect plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinetry and countertops, so they should happen early in the planning process.

✓ 3. Establish a Realistic Budget—and Priorities

Rather than starting with a collection of dream products, establish an overall investment range first.

Then divide your wish list into three categories:

• Must Have: Problems the remodel absolutely needs to solve.

• Would Really Like: Features that significantly improve the kitchen but aren't essential.

• Nice to Have: Upgrades you'll consider if the budget allows.

This makes decisions much easier when you're comparing cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, flooring and other options.

Your remodeling budget should consider more than the obvious materials.

Depending on the scope of the project, costs may include:

• Design

• Demolition

• Cabinetry

• Countertops

• Plumbing

• Sink and faucet

• Electrical work

• Lighting

• Appliances

• Flooring

• Backsplash/tile

• Painting and finishing

• Installation labor

• Permits or inspections when required

• Unexpected conditions discovered during construction

It's also wise to maintain a contingency within your overall budget, particularly when remodeling an older home. Once walls, flooring or cabinets are removed, conditions may be discovered that couldn't be seen during initial planning.

✓ 4. Think About Plumbing Before You Fall in Love With the Layout

This is one area where working with a company that understands both kitchen design and plumbing can be especially valuable.

Moving a sink isn't simply a design decision. It can affect water supply lines, drains, venting and the construction required behind walls or beneath floors.

Your plumbing plan may also need to account for:

• Kitchen sink location

• Faucet configuration

• Garbage disposal

• Dishwasher

• Refrigerator water/ice line

• Pot filler

• Prep or bar sink

• Water filtration

• Instant hot-water dispenser

• Shutoff valves

• Existing pipe condition

If you're opening walls anyway, this can also be a smart time to evaluate aging plumbing rather than installing a beautiful new kitchen over infrastructure that may soon need attention.

The things you can't see after the remodel can be just as important as the things you can.

✓ 5. Plan Cabinets Around What You Need to Store

Cabinetry often defines both the appearance and functionality of a kitchen.

Don't plan cabinets based solely on how they look in a rendering. Think about what needs to go inside them.

Take inventory of:

• Pots and pans

• Small appliances

• Baking supplies

• Spices

• Food storage

• Trash and recycling

• Serving pieces

• Cleaning supplies

• Oversized cookware

• Everyday dishes and glassware

Then consider storage features such as deep drawers, pull-outs, pantry cabinets, tray dividers, organizers and dedicated storage for small appliances.

A good kitchen design gives frequently used items logical homes close to where they're used. That's the difference between more cabinets and better storage.

✓ 6. Choose Materials for Real Life

Pinterest-worthy is great. Practical is better.

Ask yourself how much maintenance you're realistically willing to do.

When evaluating countertops, cabinets, flooring, backsplash and fixtures, consider:

• Durability

• Stain resistance

• Water resistance

• Cleaning requirements

• Scratch resistance

• Heat resistance

• How finishes age

• How the material handles a busy household

A household with young children, pets and three meals being prepared every day may make different choices than someone who cooks occasionally and primarily wants the kitchen for entertaining.

Your kitchen should be designed for your life, not just the photograph.

✓ 7. Think About Lighting and Electrical Needs Early

Today's kitchens require more power—and more types of lighting—than kitchens built decades ago.

Consider where you'll need outlets for countertop appliances, charging devices and specialty equipment.

Then think about lighting in layers:

• Ambient lighting provides general illumination.

• Task lighting illuminates counters, sinks and food-preparation areas.

• Accent lighting can highlight cabinetry, architectural features or design elements.

Under-cabinet lighting can also make a significant difference in how a kitchen functions after dark.

These decisions should happen during planning—not after cabinetry has already been ordered.

✓ 8. Make Your Selections Before Construction Starts

One of the best ways to reduce remodeling delays is to make major product and finish decisions before demolition.

That can include:

• Cabinet style and finish

• Cabinet hardware

• Countertops

• Sink

• Faucet

• Appliances

• Flooring

• Backsplash

• Lighting

• Paint colors

These pieces are interconnected.

Your appliance dimensions can affect cabinetry. Your sink can affect the countertop. Your faucet can affect the sink configuration. Your cabinet layout can affect plumbing and electrical locations.

A kitchen is a system. Planning everything together helps prevent one decision from creating a problem somewhere else.

What Should You Expect During a Kitchen Remodel?

Every project is different, but most successful kitchen remodels follow the same general progression.

Phase 1: Discovery and Consultation

This is where the project begins. You'll discuss your existing kitchen, problems you want to solve, style preferences, budget, priorities and desired timeline.

Bring inspiration photos if you have them—but don't worry if you don't know exactly what you want yet.

That's what the design process is for.

Phase 2: Measurements and Existing-Condition Review

Accurate measurements are critical.

The existing space needs to be evaluated for dimensions, doors, windows, appliance locations, plumbing connections and other conditions that could affect the design.

For more extensive projects, this is also when the team begins identifying potential construction or infrastructure considerations.

Phase 3: Layout and Kitchen Design

Now the puzzle starts coming together.

The design process establishes where cabinets, appliances, sinks, islands and major features should go.

This is the time to evaluate traffic flow, countertop workspace, storage and how multiple people will use the kitchen.

Make changes on the plan—not after construction starts.

Phase 4: Product and Finish Selections

Once the layout is taking shape, you'll begin coordinating the materials that give your kitchen its personality.

This can include cabinetry, countertops, hardware, sinks, faucets, tile, flooring and other finishes.

Seeing materials in person can be extremely helpful. Colors can look different on a phone or computer screen, and it's difficult to judge texture, scale and quality from a photograph.

Phase 5: Final Scope, Budget and Schedule

With the major selections identified, your remodel can be scoped much more accurately.

You should understand:

• What's included

• Who is responsible for each part of the project

• What products are being ordered

• The anticipated project sequence

• Your estimated investment

• Payment expectations

• How changes will be handled

Ask questions now. Clarity before construction is far better than assumptions during construction.

Phase 6: Ordering and Pre-Construction

Many kitchen components are ordered specifically for your project.

Cabinets, countertops, fixtures and specialty materials can have different lead times, which is why a well-coordinated project doesn't necessarily begin demolition immediately after you approve the design.

Waiting until critical materials are accounted for can help reduce unnecessary downtime.

Phase 7: Demolition

Now your old kitchen comes out.

Depending on the project, this may include removing cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, backsplash and portions of walls.

This is also when previously hidden conditions can sometimes become visible.

Phase 8: Rough Plumbing, Electrical and Other Behind-the-Wall Work

Before the new kitchen gets pretty, the infrastructure has to be right.

If plumbing, electrical or other mechanical components are being relocated or updated, that work generally happens while walls and floors are accessible.

It's one of the least glamorous phases of a remodel—and one of the most important.

Phase 9: Walls, Flooring and Preparation

After required rough work is completed, surfaces are repaired and prepared for the new kitchen.

The exact sequence varies depending on the materials and project design.

Phase 10: Cabinet Installation

Cabinets establish the physical framework of your new kitchen.

Careful installation is critical because countertops, appliances, hardware and other components depend on cabinets being positioned and leveled correctly.

Phase 11: Countertops, Sink and Plumbing Fixtures

Countertops can then be installed according to the project's specific process and measurements.

The sink, faucet, disposal and other plumbing components are connected at the appropriate point in the installation sequence.

Phase 12: Backsplash, Hardware, Lighting and Finishing Details

This is when the project starts feeling like the kitchen you imagined.

Tile, cabinet hardware, lighting, paint and other details bring all of the individual decisions together.

Phase 13: Final Review

Before calling the project complete, walk through the finished kitchen.

Check doors and drawers. Test fixtures. Review finishes. Ask questions.

Then comes the best phase: Use your new kitchen.

How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?

There's no single timeline that applies to every kitchen renovation.

A straightforward kitchen refresh can be significantly different from a major renovation involving new cabinetry, layout changes, plumbing relocation, electrical work, flooring and structural changes.

Product lead times can also affect the overall schedule.

That's why homeowners should be cautious about choosing a remodeler based solely on the shortest promised timeline.

A better question is:

"What is the plan for my specific kitchen, and how will you coordinate all the moving pieces?"

Good planning before construction can prevent significant headaches later.

Frequently Asked Kitchen Remodeling Questions

What should I do first when planning a kitchen remodel?

Start by identifying what doesn't work in your existing kitchen, then establish your priorities, approximate budget and desired scope. Layout and infrastructure decisions should generally come before choosing decorative finishes.

Should I choose cabinets or countertops first?

The overall design should be considered together, but cabinetry typically needs to be established early because cabinet dimensions and layout influence countertop measurements, appliance placement, storage and the overall configuration of the kitchen.

Is it expensive to move plumbing during a kitchen remodel?

Moving plumbing can increase remodeling costs because sinks, dishwashers and other water-using fixtures require appropriate supply, drainage and sometimes venting. The actual cost depends heavily on your home's construction and how far plumbing needs to move.

Should I replace old plumbing during a kitchen remodel?

If a remodel exposes aging, corroded, leaking or otherwise problematic plumbing, it can be an excellent opportunity to address it while the area is already accessible. A professional plumber can evaluate the existing system and recommend whether updates make sense.

When should I hire a kitchen designer or remodeler?

Earlier than many homeowners think.

Bringing a professional into the process before you've purchased cabinets, fixtures or appliances can help ensure your selections work with the space, plumbing, layout and overall project budget.

How much should I budget for a kitchen remodel?

There isn't one useful number for every kitchen. Project cost varies significantly based on kitchen size, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, plumbing changes, flooring, electrical work, material choices and whether you're keeping or changing the existing layout.

Rather than building your expectations around a national average, define the scope of the kitchen you want and have a professional develop a project-specific estimate.

Planning a Kitchen Remodel in Milwaukee or Southeast Wisconsin? Start With a Conversation.

You don't need to have every answer before talking to a professional.

In fact, that's one of the best reasons to start the conversation early.

At Viking Bath & Kitchen, we can help homeowners move from "We're thinking about remodeling the kitchen" to a clear plan for what comes next.

Our Bath & Kitchen Design Center in Oak Creek gives you the opportunity to see materials and finishes in person, explore cabinetry and fixtures, compare options and work with experienced design professionals to build a kitchen around your space, priorities and budget.

And because Viking's expertise goes beyond what you see on the surface, we can help you think through the plumbing and installation considerations that are critical to making your finished kitchen perform as beautifully as it looks.

Whether you're ready to remodel now, six months from now or you're simply starting your research, planning is the right place to begin.

Visit the Viking Bath & Kitchen Design Center at 6968 S. 13th St. in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, or schedule a kitchen remodeling consultation to start exploring what's possible.

You Deserve Good Water—and a Kitchen Designed for the Way You Live.