7 things to do before you start remodeling your kitchen

After deciding to overhaul their kitchens, many homeowners get so swept up in the excitement of choosing new state-of-the-art appliances or stainless steel kitchen sinks that they can forget about some of the important preliminary first steps in a redesign. While it’s fun to jump right into the process, the first planning steps of any remodeling project are integral to its success. Take a look at these seven things you should take care of after deciding to overhaul your kitchen – before the demolition even starts:

1. Finalize a budget
The first step in your kitchen remodel should be to finalize your budget. This will allow you to start making decisions about the countertops, appliances, flooring, cabinets and so on that you’re able to afford, and will also help you plan for extra costs like a contractor, labor, electrical and plumbing work and anything else that comes up. Your budget will also help you prioritize which kitchen factors are most important to you: Would you rather spend extra money on an oil rubbed bronze kitchen faucet or cut back slightly on faucets to make room for a new farmhouse sink?

“The contractor you hire can make or break your kitchen remodel.”

2. Hire a contractor
The contractor you hire can make or break the success of your kitchen remodel, so make sure you don’t rush into it or hire the cheapest one you can find. Do your research, ask friends for recommendations and always ask to see references for potential candidates. While many people choose to take a DIY approach to kitchen remodeling, hiring a licensed contractor may be a good idea for bigger jobs. They can handle getting appropriate permits, setting up inspections and many other tasks that some homeowners don’t know how to do.

3. Make a plan
Making a plan is more than just deciding which materials, fixtures and appliances you’ll be using. You need to determine your exact layout, any changes in plumbing and electricity and a timeline that works for you. You also need to predetermine which aspect of the kitchen you’ll remodel first. Most home remodelers recommend starting with plumbing and electricity, then installing doors and windows, followed by cabinets, countertops, sinks, other fixtures and appliances, and then finishing with new flooring.

4. Research municipal codes and set up inspections
If you do decide to do your kitchen overhaul yourself, you’ll need to handle procuring permits for any electrical and plumbing changes you make. Permits are important for proving that the work you do is up to code and typically require inspections after the electric and plumbing work is finished (and before the rest of the remodel starts). Do research before you begin your remodel to make sure your plans will be approved when they’re inspected. While you don’t need to schedule inspections right away, it’s a good idea to plan for them early so you know you can begin the rest of your remodel as soon as they’re completed.

5. Pack up
Before demolishing your kitchen, you need to remove all food, cookware and anything else stored in it. This process can be really tough on people with families, so make sure you have a plan for how you’ll live without a working kitchen during the remodel. If that means moving in with a friend or to a hotel, it may mean making room in your budget for lodging, eating out and other costs associated with not being at home.

Plan what kind of faucet you’ll use in your kitchen remodel.

6. Protect your belongings
Set up a home security system, lock up your valuables and make sure all construction zones will be closed to children and pets before the remodel starts. Often, remodeling means doors are left wide open as workers move in and out of the house for tools and supplies, which could make it easy for strangers to enter your home as well. If you’re staying at home during the remodel, talk to the contractors and laborers about keeping dangerous tools and equipment out of designated family areas to keep everyone as safe as possible.

7. Plan for chaos
Any remodel, whether it’s for a tiny bathroom or guest bedroom or a large kitchen, will be chaotic, so make sure you’re prepared. Before demolition begins, gather any important day-to-day documents, work items or other necessities and keep them in a specific area so that you can keep things as normal as possible.