A kitchen remodel is an exciting way to refresh one of the most vital spaces in your home.

But before you get lost in choosing colours and designs, it’s crucial to understand the right order for your project.

Knowing the steps in the proper sequence ensures a smoother process, fewer delays, and no unexpected costs. Keep reading to learn how to get started!

When Remodeling a Kitchen, What Comes First?

When remodeling a new kitchen, it’s best to start with planning the layout and functionality. After that, proceed with structural work, electrical and plumbing, followed by cabinetry and countertops.

Key Takeaways

Planning and Design: Start with a solid plan to ensure a smooth remodel process.
Structural Work First: Address any major layout changes or structural work before focusing on aesthetics.
Essential Systems: Update plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems early in the process to avoid delays.

Start with Planning and Design Renovation

Before selecting materials or bringing in contractors, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out plan for your kitchen remodel. If your project is part of a full house remodel in Town of Hempstead, taking a holistic approach to the design can help ensure a cohesive and functional space.

Define Your Goals

If you're planning to remodel your kitchen in Suffolk County, the first step is identifying your goals. Are you aiming for a more open layout, enhanced storage space, energy-efficient appliances, or a sleek, modern design? Clarifying your objectives will help shape the project and ensure that the final result aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.. As you plan, having a 12x12 kitchen renovation cost estimate in mind can help shape your decisions—most mid-range renovations for this size fall between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on materials and layout changes. Consider:

Do you want an open-concept kitchen?
Is there a specific style you’re aiming for (e.g., full house remodel in Nassau county, contemporary, farmhouse, or industrial)?
Are there specific appliances or features you want to include (e.g., a double oven, larger fridge, or a kitchen island)?

Set a Realistic Budget

Budgeting is essential before you start any work. Set a realistic budget for the remodel, factoring in everything from materials to labour costs.

A good rule of thumb is to allocate 10-20% of your home’s value to the kitchen remodel.

Keep in mind that things like high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, or structural changes can increase the overall cost.

Create a Design and Layout Plan

Once you have your goals and budget in mind, it’s time to design the space.

A layout plan will help you visualize the flow of the kitchen, and it’s crucial for ensuring that everything fits and works efficiently.

If you’re considering moving plumbing or electrical systems, now is the time to plan for those changes.

You may want to consult with a kitchen designer or architect to make sure everything works from both a functional and aesthetic standpoint.

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Address Structural Changes Step-by-Step

Now that you have a solid plan, it’s time to focus on any structural changes.

Whether you’re knocking down walls, shifting the layout, or adding windows, these changes need to come before anything else.

Addressing structural work early on is essential because it sets the foundation for everything else.

Demolition

If you’re tearing down walls, cabinets, or even the entire kitchen, demolition comes first. Removing old cabinets, countertops, and flooring clears the way for the new layout and design.

During demolition, expect a bit of noise, disruption, and debris—it's all part of the process. If you're planning a basement remodel in City of Long Beach, this stage is also a great chance to spot hidden issues like water damage or old wiring that should be taken care of before moving forward

Structural Adjustments

If your remodel includes altering the kitchen’s layout (such as opening up the space or expanding it), now is the time to make those changes. This could involve:

Removing or moving walls.
Reinforcing beams.
Installing or shifting plumbing and electrical systems.

These structural adjustments can be complex, so it’s essential to have professionals on hand. A contractor or structural engineer will ensure that any changes are safe and compliant with building codes.

Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Work

Once the structural work is done, it’s time to move on to the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

These are the "behind-the-scenes" elements that are crucial to a functional kitchen but often go unnoticed.

It’s important to update these systems early in the process to ensure everything works properly when the kitchen is complete.

Plumbing and Gas Lines

If you’re adding or relocating sinks, dishwashers, or refrigerators, plumbing needs to be addressed early on.

This might involve installing new pipes, moving fixtures, or adding gas lines for stoves or ovens. It’s essential to work with a professional plumber to ensure everything is up to code.

Electrical Work

Updating electrical systems is another critical step. This can include adding new outlets for appliances, upgrading your circuit breaker to handle new devices, or installing lighting fixtures.

Depending on the scope of the remodel, it may also involve re-routing wiring for new appliances, under-cabinet lighting, or overhead lights. One important consideration is where to put the microwave in a kitchen remodel—common options include over the range, built into cabinetry, or within a kitchen island. Each placement depends on your kitchen’s layout, convenience, and available power sources.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

If your remodel involves changing the layout significantly or adding new equipment, you may need to update the HVAC system to ensure proper airflow and climate control. Installing a range hood, for example, may require adjustments to your ventilation system.

Framing and Insulation

After addressing all the essential systems, it’s time to move on to framing and insulation. This is especially important if you’re expanding the space or altering the layout.

Framing

If you’ve made significant changes to the kitchen’s layout, like knocking down or building new walls, framing will be required.

This step involves constructing the walls, creating openings for windows and doors, and ensuring the space is structurally sound for the next steps.

Insulation

Insulation plays a critical role in regulating the temperature and efficiency of your kitchen.

Whether you’re expanding your kitchen or updating the existing space, ensure the area is properly insulated.

Good insulation helps reduce energy bills and keeps the kitchen comfortable year-round.

Drywall, Flooring, and Painting

Now that the space is structurally sound and insulated, it’s time to move on to the finishing touches that will bring the kitchen to life.

This is when you can see your vision start to come together.

Drywall Installation

Once the framing and insulation are complete, drywall can be installed. This is the stage where walls and ceilings start to take shape.

Drywall is the canvas for your kitchen's design and will be painted and finished before you move on to the next steps.

Flooring Installation

Flooring is an important part of any remodel and should be installed after the drywall. Whether you’re opting for hardwood, tile, or laminate, installing flooring at this stage will ensure it’s not damaged by future construction or painting. It's also a good time to think about new construction home inspection timing—inspections are typically recommended after key phases like framing, drywall, and just before the final walkthrough to make sure everything meets code and is built to standard.

Painting and Finishing Touches

Now that the space is starting to look finished, it’s time to add colour! Painting the walls before installing cabinets and appliances ensures that no areas are missed.

Choose a high-quality, washable paint that can handle the inevitable spills and splashes that happen in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What comes first when remodeling a kitchen?

Start with planning and design, followed by structural changes, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. Only after these should you install drywall, flooring, cabinets, and finishes.

2. How long does a kitchen remodel take?

A kitchen remodel typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and how much work is involved.

3. Can I remodel my kitchen in stages to spread out the cost?

Yes, taking a staged approach to renovations is a great way to keep costs under control. If you're planning a kitchen remodel in Nassau County, begin with structural upgrades and key systems before moving on to aesthetic enhancements as your budget permits.

Keep in mind that you do need permits to remodel a kitchen in most cases—especially if you're changing plumbing, electrical, or making structural modifications. Always check with your local building department in Nassau County to ensure your remodel complies with current regulations and code requirements. This step can help you avoid costly delays or fines down the line.

Conclusion

A kitchen remodel can be a complex project, but understanding the order in which to tackle each step can make a huge difference in the process.

Starting with careful planning and design ensures that your remodel stays on track, while addressing structural changes and essential systems early on prevents delays down the road.

By following the right sequence, you’ll be able to transform your kitchen into the heart of your home without unnecessary complications. Whether you're working with a contractor or handling the remodel yourself, taking the right approach from the start will set you up for success.

When Remodeling a Kitchen What Comes First? Expert Tips