If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, this checklist will help you keep your renovation on track. The following list focuses on the work that needs to be done before the renovation can take place. The second part focuses on the demolition and construction phase of the kitchen remodel.

I. Pre-Renovation Planning:

• Schedule a Home Appraisal: The purpose of a home appraisal is to help you set an upper limit for your renovation money. A general rule of thumb is that about 15% of your home’s total value can be spent on kitchen renovations (but that doesn’t mean you have to spend that much). Call your real estate agent or home appraiser for advice.
• Schedule a home inspection: A home inspector, general contractor or renovation consultant will help you determine if there is any additional work that needs to be done in your home to support your kitchen renovation. For example, you want to know if you have any structural issues that need attention before proceeding with the renovation, as these will need to be accounted for in the estimate.
• Schedule an energy audit: There are several new incentives right now to increase your energy efficiency, however, to qualify for those subsidies, your home must have an energy audit before you begin your renovation. Call an energy auditor to start the process.
• collect design ideas: Before you meet with your architect, designer or contractor, gather some photos and magazine images of the kitchens you love and be able to say what you like about them. Being able to mentor your professional trades staff will save you time and money and help your designer have a clear understanding of how you envision your new space.
• Consider the different functions of your new kitchen: Why are you renewing? Is it because the space is not ideal? Are the appliances old, is everything outdated? As you dream of your new space, keep a list of what you want to accomplish.

II. Renewal schedule:

• Set a budget: Make sure your budget is realistic in terms of the types of finishes you want or can afford (ie stone or laminate countertops, wood or laminate flooring, subway or hand-painted tile backsplash, etc.) and if your budget includes new appliances. These costs can eat up a significant amount of your budget, and that’s before local labor, design, and permit costs. You can get an idea of ​​how much finishes and appliances will cost by visiting appliance stores and tile and flooring stores.
• Hire Professionals– Kitchen designers, architects, interior designers, interior decorators, and general contractors all need guidance on what you want your new space to accomplish and whether your budget can accommodate marble countertops and high-end appliances. The more preparation you do before meeting with them, the easier the renewal process will be. When you have the professionals quote a project, make sure they all quote to the same specifications. If they aren’t, ask them to break down their quotes so it’s easier to compare with others.
• Plan to timeline: Once you’ve hired your professionals, work with your designer or contractor to arrange when construction will take place and how long you’ll need to be out of your kitchen. It will help you make the necessary arrangements during construction.
• Obtain building permits: You can have your contractor get the permits, or if you have the time, you can save some money by getting them yourself. Ask your contractor if obtaining building permits is included in your fee.
• Install a temporary kitchen: If you don’t have to move to do the renovation, set up a temporary kitchen in another part of the house. It could be in the garage or in the laundry room. In summer a barbecue can become your stove.

The second part of the kitchen planning checklist focuses on the steps that were taken during the renovation.