Imagine you're standing in your outdated kitchen, yearning for a fresh and functional space. You envision a modern, inviting kitchen where you can cook, entertain, and create lasting memories. But as you delve into the world of kitchen remodeling, the myriad of steps and stages can quickly become overwhelming.
At Custom Built, we understand the unique challenges and aspirations of homeowners embarking on a kitchen remodel journey. With over 15 years of experience in crafting exceptional living spaces, we're here to guide you through every milestone of your project.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll unveil the intricate timeline of a kitchen remodel, breaking down the process into 12 crucial milestones.
From envisioning your dream kitchen to the final unveiling, you'll gain insights into each step of a typical kitchen remodel timeline, ensuring your project stays on track and becomes a seamless, enjoyable experience. So, let's embark on this transformative journey together and make your dream kitchen a reality.
Milestone 1 — Plan development begins with the homeowner and can take years, months, or weeks and should include:
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Defining Your Project Scope of Your Kitchen Remodeling Project's Work
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Budgeting
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Creating a "Wishes, Wants & Needs" List
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Selections Process: like choosing the high-quality cabinets and flooring you like best
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A review of potential design remodeling companies
Our article on "How to Plan Your Dream Kitchen Remodel" provides the big picture and will help you get started on your journey to a new kitchen.
Milestone 2 — Meet with your chosen designer, share your plan information and ideas, and develop an initial design.
This initial design should then be used to refine your budget against the design, make changes and move to a final design.
Milestone 3 — Based on the final design you can now choose and order the exact cabinetry, flooring, countertops, appliances, and lighting desired.
Keep in mind that custom-made components will take longer than ready-made to have built and delivered. Your remodeler will keep tabs on what is due and when so that if something is back-ordered, you can either make a new choice or change the project timeline to accommodate it.
Milestone 4 — As components arrive, it’s time to pack up your kitchen and move only the needed portions to your predetermined temporary kitchen area.
This should be near a water source, like a bathroom, and may have space for your refrigerator, a hot plate, a microwave, and other cooking needs. Everything you do not use in your temporary kitchen should be packed and moved out of the kitchen to prepare for demolition and construction.
Milestone 5 — The actual remodeling begins with the removal of everything that is to be changed, which may include walls and ceilings, depending upon your final design.
Other items to be removed will include cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, and lighting and plumbing fixtures. Demolition may also reveal things that need to be remedied before construction can begin, such as unlevel floors, ceilings or walls. When this is the case, a change order may be required to perform the necessary construction to fix the problem.
Milestone 6 — Now it’s time to mark the locations of all new electrical appliances, lighting, and outlets according to the final design.
This enables the electrician to do his or her work efficiently and know exactly where everything goes without the risk of making costly mistakes. This step will also be appreciated during kitchen cabinet and appliance installation when there are no worries about working around outlets or switch plates (this includes charging stations for kitchen islands).
Milestone 7 — Next comes the installation of the electrical, as well as any new plumbing and HVAC-related modifications.
This is also the best time to install or upgrade technology like cable and speaker wiring if desired.
Milestone 8 — Now it’s time for drywall, priming, and flooring installation, in that order. The time required to complete these steps varies depending on the project size and type of flooring.
Milestone 9 — When the flooring and walls are finished it's time to install the new cabinets and countertops.
Keep in mind that some high-end countertops like granite require meticulous measurements for fabrication, which can take time to complete. Once, installed, however, this attention to detail will show in the fit and luster of your new counters.
Milestone 10 — By now the end is in sight as plumbing fixtures are installed along with items like special moldings, final floor finishes, and decorative trim.
Milestone 11— Last of all comes the lighting fixtures, electrical/gas appliances, and any minor touch-ups (aka punch list items) followed by the cleanup.
The 12th and FINAL Milestone — Unpack your kitchen and enjoy!
As we've traversed the steps of a kitchen remodel timeline, it's evident that remodeling your kitchen is a journey with numerous stages. We understand that the prospect of navigating these steps might have seemed daunting at the beginning. Questions about where to start, how long each phase takes, and what to expect during a kitchen remodel can weigh on your mind.
However, with each milestone we've explored, you've gained valuable insights and a roadmap to help you through the process. You now have a clearer picture of the path ahead, from the initial planning stages to the final, delightful reveal of your newly renovated kitchen.
At Custom Built, we recognize the importance of a well-executed kitchen remodel and the difference it can make in your home and life. Our team of experts is ready to walk with you through every step, ensuring your remodeling journey is as smooth as possible.
To learn all of the costs and design considerations in the luxury kitchen remodeling process, download our all-inclusive ebook, "A Complete Guide to Luxury Kitchen Remodels," via the image below:
