Hey there, design enthusiasts! Today, I'm diving into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes wacky world of kitchen renovations. Buckle up because this journey is like riding a roller coaster with a spatula in one hand and a paintbrush in the other!

To get you started below is the low down on ALL the many things you need to know and do.

A. Planning and Design

1. Vision: Gather ideas from design magazines, Pinterest, or other internet sites.
2. Budget: Set a realistic budget and include a buffer for unexpected expenses.
3. Selections:  ALL the choices you need to make.  You must have your appliances and plumbing fixtures selected in order to move to the next step.  The cabinet designer will need the sizes and types of appliances and plumbing fixtures in order to plan properly.
4. Layout the  Plan: Your designer will create a detailed layout.
5. Colors, Finishes, Door Styles, Hardware:This is the fun stuff. Picking all the crucial items.
6. Permits: Check with local authorities to see if you need any permits for structural changes or electrical/plumbing work.
7. Timing:  Know going in how long the process with take and unfortunately, expect delays.

B.  Key Construction Steps in the Renovation Process

The order of construction work is detailed below.  

1. Demolition: Remove old cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances.  Trades are involved in the demo pulling electric and plumbing fixtures.  Then they will  come back to wire and plumb for the new layout. 
2. Framing and Drywall: Frame and or modify or repair walls and ceilings as needed.
3. Electrical and Plumbing Work: Update wiring and plumbing as needed and specified in the plan.
4. Flooring Installation: Flooring must be completed before installing cabinets.
5. Cabinet Installation: Install cabinets and ensure they are level and secure.

Note:  The delivery time for most cabinets is 8-10 weeks from the date of the order.  Your order should not be place before the contractor verifies all the dimensions to insure the cabinets will fit properly. 

ALL OF THE ABOVE NEEDS TO HAPPEN BEFORE THE NEXT STEPS CAN OCCUR

6. Template: Once the cabinets are in templates can be made for the new countertops.  Expect a couple of weeks between template and installation for fabrication.
7. Countertop Installation: Installation of the new countertops.
8. Backsplash Installation: Add your chosen backsplash.  If you  choose a full splash of the countertop material it will be installed by the counter top fabricator.  If you choose a tile splash it will be installed by another trade, the tile installer.  
9. Appliance Installation: Set up and connect all new appliances.
10. Lighting Installation: Install and connect all lighting fixtures.
11. Finishing Touches: Paint walls, install hardware, and make final adjustments.

That’s all there is to it!  It’s a delicate dance orchestrated by the contractor and overseen by your designer.  In order to get to the physical installation many of the steps below must be completed. 

Below is a list of professional trades that will be involved in the remodel.  

Professional Service You Will Engage

1. Designer:  I may be bias, but the designer is one of the most important professionals to include in your project.  We have the overall picture and guide the contractor and the homeowner through the entire project.
2. Contractor: Hire a general contractor to manage the project.  He’s the ring leader who schedules all the other subcontractors.
3. Electrician: For wiring, installing lights, and connecting appliances.
4. Plumber: For installing sinks, faucets, and dishwashers.
5. Cabinet Supplier: There’s many choices of cabinet companies or you might opt to use a local cabinet maker.  This is a good option at time for a speedier turn around.
6. Carpenter / Cabinet Installer: For custom cabinets or detailed woodwork.
7. Countertop Installer:  A specialty trade that works with a variety of materials.
8. Tile Installer: If you choose a tile backsplash 
9. Painter: For a professional finish on walls and ceilings.

Here are a couple of videos of Kitchens I've worked on. A drastic before and after and an in progress kitchen.

Step 1: Dream Big, Plan Bigger

First things first: let’s talk dreams. Picture your perfect kitchen. Is it sleek and modern with shiny marble countertops, or do you lean towards a cozy farmhouse vibe with rustic wood accents? Got that vision? Great! Now, let’s jot it all down.

Planning is like making a grocery list but for your kitchen’s soul. You need to work with a designer to create the layout.  Where will everything go and what size will they be?   Appliances, plumbing fixtures, insta hot perhaps?  There’s also the location for the switch for the garbage disposal.  Electrical requirements, yup… you have to take that into account as well when planning.  Remember, folks, this is where you can let your inner designer go wild, but keep a pinch of practicality (like, do you really need that mini-fridge just for your wine collection? Okay, maybe you do).

Step 2: The Budget Tango

Ah, the budget. It’s the part of the process that brings us back to earth from our design cloud. Setting a realistic budget is crucial. If you haven’t priced cabinets and appliances lately, you may be in for a shock!  And trust me, it’s easy to get carried away with all the fabulous options out there. Pro tip: always add a little wiggle room for unexpected expenses. 

Step 3: Picking the Perfect Pieces

Here comes the part that makes my designer heart sing – selecting the finishes! From cabinet doors styles, finishes and hardware, to faucet styles, this is where you get to add your personal flair. Remember that dream kitchen you envisioned? This is where it comes to life. Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures and colors. It’s your kitchen, after all! 

Here is a check list I’ve made of all the items you need to consider in a Kitchen Renovation.

Materials and Supplies

1. Cabinets: Choose styles, materials, and finishes that match your vision.
2. Countertops: Select from options like quartzite, quartz, or marble.
3. Backsplash: Tiles, glass, or full stone/quartz for a stylish and functional backsplash.
4. Flooring: Decide on hardwood, tile or stone based on your preference and budget.
5. Appliances: Stoves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves.
6. Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting, plug mold, ceiling fixtures, and pendant lights.
7. Hardware: Knobs, handles, and drawer pulls for cabinets and drawers.
8. Sink and Faucet: Choose styles that fit with your overall design.
9. Disposal & Air Switch: Another item on the list
10. Filtration & Insta Hot: Items that needs to be considered.
11. Paint and Wall Finishes: Colors and textures for walls and ceilings.

Here is a cheat sheet check list I've made to make sure I make all the selections necessary.

Step 4: Demolition Day – Bye Bye, Old Kitchen

Now, this is where the fun begins! And I can promise you, you don’t want to live through this mess.  Demolition, which can take several day, depending on the size of the project is like ripping off a Band-Aid – quick and (hopefully) painless process. Grab your sledgehammer and safety goggles (and maybe some earplugs if you have noise-sensitive neighbors). Watching those old cabinets come down can be oddly therapeutic. 

Step 5: The Construction Circus

Once the dust settles, it’s time for the construction phase. See section B above for all the things that go  on in the Construction phase.  This is where your kitchen starts to take shape. Think of it as assembling a giant 3D puzzle. You’ll see the framework for new kitchen of your dreams when the walls start going up.

Step 6: The Final Flourish

As the construction crew packs up and the dust finally settles, you’ll start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s time for the finishing touches – installing appliances, adding hardware, and styling your new space. And voila! In about 8 weeks if all goes well, your dream kitchen is ready for its close-up. Pour yourself a glass of wine (from that mini-fridge, naturally) and toast to a job well done.

Final Steps

1. Inspection: Have all work inspected if required by local codes.
2. Cleanup: Thoroughly clean the renovated space.
3. Final Walk through: Ensure everything is as planned and make any last-minute tweaks.

Step 7: Enjoying Your New Space

After all the hard work, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Cook up a storm, host a dinner party, or simply bask in the beauty of your new kitchen. Remember, this space is a reflection of you, so make it your own and enjoy every minute of it.

Renovating a kitchen can be a roller coaster ride, but with a little planning, a dash of patience, and a sprinkle of humor, you’ll come out the other side with a space you love. Happy renovating, everyone!

With Jill Shevlin Design, your Kitchen will come to life and represent your personal taste to the fullest! Want to receive my interior design emails for tips, tricks, and highly coveted design inspiration? Sign up here!

Until Next time....

Read this BLOG POST on the 4 crucial things you need to know before you start a home renovation.

Or take a look at this BLOG POST with some before and after photos of projects I have done.

HERE is a full post on a complete home renovation.

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