In What Order Should a Kitchen Remodel Be Done?

Remodelling your kitchen can completely transform your daily life and the look of your home. While it might seem overwhelming at first, breaking the process down into manageable steps can make your project run smoothly. Let’s walk through each stage of a kitchen remodel, offering insights and tips to help you along the way.

1. Planning and Design

The success of your kitchen remodel hinges on thorough planning. Start by dreaming big – what do you want from your new kitchen? Consider how you use the space now and how you’d like to use it in the future. Are you an avid cook who needs more counter space? Do you love entertaining and want an open-plan layout?

Once you have a vision, it’s time to set a realistic budget. Research costs in your area and decide what you’re willing to spend. Remember to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses – around 10-20% of your total budget is a good rule of thumb.

Next, measure your space carefully. You might want to discuss this with a professional designer at this stage. They can help you maximise your space and suggest ideas you might not have considered. Choose your layout, keeping in mind the classic ‘work triangle’ between your sink, cooker, and fridge for efficiency.

Now comes the fun part – selecting your appliances, cabinets, and finishes. Take your time with this step. Visit showrooms, collect samples, and create mood boards. Consider not just the look, but also the practicality and durability of your choices.

Finally, create a timeline for your project. Be realistic about how long each stage will take, and factor in lead times for ordering materials and appliances.

2. Demolition

With your plans in place, it’s time to say goodbye to your old kitchen. Before you start swinging sledgehammers, there are a few important steps to take. First, turn off the water and electricity in your kitchen. Safety should always be your top priority.

Next, remove any items you want to keep or donate. You might be surprised by how many items in your kitchen can be reused or given a new home. Consider donating usable appliances and cabinets to charity.

Now it’s time for the actual demolition. If you’re doing this yourself, work methodically and carefully. Start by removing appliances, then take out the cabinets, countertops, and finally, the flooring if you’re replacing it. If you’re making structural changes, you might need to strip the walls back to the studs.

Don’t forget to hire a skip for all the waste. Demolition creates a lot of debris, and you’ll want an easy way to dispose of it all.

2. Structural Changes

If your remodel involves changing the layout of your kitchen, now’s the time to make those big changes. This might mean removing walls to create an open-plan space, adding windows for more natural light, or moving doors to improve flow.

These kinds of changes often require professional help. You might need a structural engineer to ensure that any walls you’re removing aren’t load-bearing. You’ll also likely need to get building regulations approval for significant structural changes.

If you’re extending your kitchen, this is when that work would happen too. Remember, extensions often require planning permission, so make sure you’ve got all the necessary approvals before you start.

3. Plumbing and Electrical Rough-In

With your space opened up, it’s time for the behind-the-scenes work that will make your kitchen function. Your plumber will install new pipes and possibly move existing ones to accommodate your new layout. If you’re changing the position of your sink or adding a new dishwasher or ice-making fridge, this is when those connections will be put in place.

Your electrician will be busy too, adding new wiring for lighting, appliances, and extra outlets. If you’re planning any smart home features, like under-cabinet lighting or a smart fridge, make sure your electrician knows about these plans.

This stage might not look very exciting, but it’s crucial for the functionality of your new kitchen. Take the time to discuss your plans in detail with your plumber and electrician to ensure everything is exactly where you want it.

4. Insulation and Drywall

Now it’s time to close up those walls. If your kitchen is an exterior room, you might want to add extra insulation to keep it cosy and energy-efficient. This is also a good time to soundproof if your kitchen is next to a bedroom or living area.

Once the insulation is in, it’s time for drywall. This transforms your space from a construction site back into a room. If you’re doing this yourself, take your time to get the joints smooth – it’ll make painting much easier later on.

After the drywall is up and finished, apply a coat of primer. This helps the paint adhere better and can hide any minor imperfections in the drywall.

5. Flooring Installation

Flooring usually goes in before the cabinets to ensure a seamless look. The type of flooring you’ve chosen will determine the exact process, but generally, you’ll start by preparing the subfloor. This might involve laying down underlayment for some types of flooring.

If you’re installing tile, you’ll need to allow time for the mortar and grout to set. For hardwood, you might need to let the wood acclimate to your home’s humidity levels for a few days before installation.

Take care to protect your new floor during the rest of the renovation process. A good contractor will lay down protective coverings, but if you’re managing the project yourself, don’t forget this important step.

6. Cabinet and Countertop Installation

Now your kitchen will really start to take shape. Cabinet installation requires precision to ensure everything is level and properly aligned. Start with the base cabinets, using shims to level them if your floor isn’t perfectly even. Then move on to the wall cabinets.

Once the cabinets are in, it’s time for countertop installation. For natural stone or quartz countertops, a professional will usually come to take precise measurements after the cabinets are installed. There might be a wait of a week or two while your countertops are fabricated.

7. Appliance and Fixture Installation

With the main elements of your kitchen in place, it’s time to add the functional pieces. Your sink and tap will be installed, major appliances like your oven and refrigerator will be connected, and your lighting fixtures will go up.

This is an exciting stage because your kitchen is becoming operational again. Make sure all your appliances fit properly in the spaces left for them, and that they’re correctly connected to power and water as needed.

8. Backsplash Installation

The backsplash is typically one of the last elements to be installed. This is because it needs to fit precisely around the outlets and under the cabinets. Whether you’re using tiles, glass, or another material, take care to apply it evenly.

Once your backsplash is in place, don’t forget to seal the grout if necessary. This will protect it from stains and make it easier to clean.

9. Final Touches

The last stage involves all the small but important details that really make your kitchen feel finished. Install your cabinet hardware, making sure it’s aligned properly. Add any trim or moulding to give your kitchen a polished look.

Now’s the time for final paint touch-ups too. Don’t rush this step – these little details can make a big difference in the overall look of your kitchen.

Finally, install switch plates and outlets. Consider choosing designs that complement your kitchen’s style – it’s a small touch that can add a lot of polish.

10. Final Inspections

Before you start using your new kitchen, it’s important to have final inspections done. Your electrician and plumber should check that everything is working correctly and safely. If your remodel involves any work that requires permits, you’ll need to have it inspected by your local building authority.

Don’t skip this step – it ensures your kitchen is safe and up to code, which is crucial for your family’s safety and your home’s value.

Typical Kitchen Remodel Timeline

Total estimated time: 6-10 weeks

FAQs

Can I live in my house during a kitchen remodel? 

It’s possible, yes. You’ll need to set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in your home and be prepared for dust and noise.

Should I hire a contractor or do it myself? 

 Unless you’re very handy, it’s best to hire professionals for most kitchen remodels. They can manage the project, ensure work meets regulations, and often complete the job faster.

Do I need planning permission for a kitchen remodel? 

Usually not, unless you’re extending your home or making significant structural changes. However, always check with your local council to be sure.

How long does a typical kitchen remodel take? 

 A full kitchen remodel usually takes 6-10 weeks, but this can vary based on the scope of work and any unexpected issues.

Can I reuse any parts of my old kitchen? 

 Possibly. If your cabinets are in good condition, you might be able to reface them instead of replacing them. Some appliances might also be worth keeping if they’re relatively new and energy-efficient.

Get a Free Quote from Cube Installation

A kitchen remodel can be both exciting and challenging. At Cube Installations, we’ve guided many homeowners through this process, from initial design to final touches. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation and need support at any stage, our team is here to help. We pride ourselves on turning your vision into reality, creating beautiful, functional kitchens tailored to your needs. 

Please reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with your kitchen project.