The Ultimate Checklist for Starting Your Kitchen Renovation

Are you thinking about kitchen remodeling? A new kitchen is exciting and a bit overwhelming. Between picking finishes, juggling timelines, and wondering how much it’ll all cost, it’s easy to feel stuck before you even start.

Whether you’re planning a full gut job or a simple refresh, this guide will walk you through the key steps to get started with clarity and confidence. 

Because let’s be honest: a kitchen renovation should be exciting. And when you’ve got a solid plan and the right team behind you, it absolutely can be.

Let’s dive in.

Set a realistic budget

Before you knock down walls or pick backsplash tiles, stop and think: What’s my budget, and what’s realistic for my space?

Start by deciding how much you’re comfortable spending, not how much someone says you should spend. Whether it’s $15K or $50K, your number should fit your lifestyle, not stress you out.

Break it down

A total budget is great, but it won’t get you far unless you split it up. Here’s a rough idea to get you started:

• Cabinets – 30–40%
• Labor – 20–30%
• Appliances – 10–20%
• Countertops – 10%
• Flooring, lighting, fixtures, paint – the rest

Don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure yet. These are ballpark figures to help shape your decisions.

Add a cushion for surprises

Stuff happens. A pipe might need replacing, or cabinets might get delayed. Plan to set aside 10–20% of your total for the “uh-oh” moments. You’ll thank yourself later, even if you don’t end up having many of those moments. 

Pro tip: Write it down

A quick budget list — on paper or your phone — makes everything easier. Update it as quotes come in or your plans change. You’ll stay on track without second-guessing every purchase.

Define your must-haves and nice-to-haves

Before you fall in love with a $12,000 fridge or commit to custom cabinets, hit pause and figure out what actually matters to you in this renovation.

Start by making two simple lists: must-haves and nice-to-haves.

Must-haves are the things your kitchen absolutely needs — no questions asked. That might be more storage, better lighting, or an updated layout that doesn’t make you want to scream every time you cook dinner.

Nice-to-haves are the things that would make it awesome but aren’t dealbreakers. Maybe it’s a wine fridge, open shelving, or that dreamy farmhouse sink you’ve had saved on Pinterest since 2019.

Here’s why this step matters:

Your must-haves guide your budget and help you make smart trade-offs when prices or timelines get tricky. And trust us: they will get tricky. Knowing what you care about most helps you stay grounded and avoid budget regret later.

Don’t overthink it. Be honest about how you live, what bugs you about your current kitchen, and what would make your daily life easier. Function first, then fun.

Gather ideas and inspiration

Now’s the fun part. Before anything gets torn out or installed, take some time to dream a little.

Start scrolling Pinterest. Save those Instagram reels. Walk through a few showrooms, flip through a magazine, etc. You don’t need to know exactly what you want yet. The goal here is to spot what you’re drawn to — colors, layouts, cabinet styles, lighting, and countertops.

Pro tip: Save everything in one spot. Create a folder on your phone or a Pinterest board called “Kitchen Stuff I Like.” That way, when it’s time to make real decisions, you’re not scrambling to remember where you saw that backsplash.

Don’t worry if your inspiration is all over the place. That’s normal. You’re exploring. You’ll start to see patterns over time, and that’s when your personal style starts to take shape.

And remember: you’re not trying to impress anyone. Your kitchen should reflect you, not a showroom. Pick what feels right, what fits your life, and what makes you excited to walk in every morning.

Measure your space

Don’t worry — you don’t need blueprints or fancy tools for this. A tape measure, a pencil, and a scrap of paper will work fine.

Start by getting some basic dimensions. Measure the length of each wall, note where the windows and doors are, and mark any major elements like your fridge, stove, sink, or island. You’re not designing yet — you’re getting a feel for what’s possible.

Draw a rough sketch as you go. Label where things are and jot down measurements. It doesn’t have to be pretty. You’ll use this later when talking with a contractor or designer, so everyone’s working with the same information.

Why this helps

Having a rough layout lets you figure out what might fit, what needs to move, and what’s staying put. You’ll also be way more prepared when someone asks, “How big is your current island?” or “Can that pantry wall come down?”

And don’t stress — your contractor will take detailed measurements later. This step is about giving yourself a head start and making sure your ideas match the reality of your space.

Find the right team

Unless you plan to handle every detail yourself, you’ll need a reliable crew to bring your kitchen to life. Depending on your needs, you have a few different options. 

If you want design help from start to finish, a full-service renovation company is the way to go. A general contractor is your best bet if you already have a clear vision but need someone to make it happen. 

And if you’re taking on most of the project yourself but need professional support for things like electrical or plumbing, hiring specialists for those specific tasks is the smartest move.

Here’s how to find the right fit.

Ask around

Friends, neighbors, or coworkers who’ve renovated recently are gold mines of info.

Read reviews

Look for folks with clear communication, great results, and happy clients.

Talk to a few people

It’s totally normal to meet with multiple pros before deciding.

Pay attention to how each team or contractor talks with you. Are they listening? Do they explain things in a way that makes sense? Do they feel like someone you could work with for the next couple of months?

This is your space and your investment. The right team will care about getting it done right.

Check permits and local rules

This part isn’t exciting, but skipping it can cause big headaches later.

Depending on the work you’re doing, your renovation might need a permit. If you’re moving plumbing, changing electrical, knocking down walls, or doing anything structural, there’s a good chance your city or county wants to know about it.

Ask your contractor about this. Most pros handle this for you or will tell you exactly what’s needed. Some permits take a few days, and others take a few weeks, so get the ball rolling early, especially if you’re on a tight timeline.

The bottom line is that pulling permits protects you. It keeps things up to code and avoids problems if you ever sell your home later. It’s not fun, we know, but it’s worth it.

Plan your timeline

Kitchen remodeling doesn’t happen overnight. Having a realistic timeline helps you stay sane and avoid frustration.

Start by thinking about when you want the project done. Is there a holiday, family event, or baby on the way? 

How much time can you live without a kitchen?

Are you flexible or on a tight deadline? 

The answers affect how you schedule things.

Then break your project into phases: planning and design, ordering materials, demo, construction, and final touches.

Each part takes time. Cabinets might take four to six weeks to arrive. A backordered faucet could throw off your whole schedule. Weather, inspections, or unexpected issues (like finding weird plumbing behind your wall) might also cause delays.

So build in a buffer. If you think it’ll take eight weeks, plan for 10. That way, if things go off-track, you’re ready — and if they don’t, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Prep your home and mindset

Renovations get messy. That’s normal — and totally manageable if you plan ahead.

Start by clearing out your kitchen. Pack up dishes, small appliances, and anything else you don’t want covered in dust. Store fragile stuff somewhere safe, and label boxes so you won’t have to hunt for your blender at midnight.

Set up a temporary kitchen if you can. A table with a microwave, toaster oven, and coffee maker goes a long way. Stock up on paper plates, easy meals, and your favorite snacks. 

Now for the mental prep: things will feel out of sync for a while. It might get loud. Some days will be smooth, others might throw you a curveball (hello, hidden water damage). That’s not a failure. It’s part of the process.

Stay flexible, breathe through the chaos, and keep your eye on the end goal. Your new kitchen is coming together, one dusty step at a time.

Renovate your kitchen with Crown Finish

Having a solid checklist is a great first step, but pulling it all together takes experience, creativity, and a team you can count on. That’s where we come in.

At Crown Finish, we handle new kitchen renovations with care and craftsmanship. Whether you’re reworking your layout, upgrading your cabinets, or going for a full top-to-bottom transformation, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Not sure where to start? Need a second opinion on your ideas? Want someone to walk you through the whole process from start to finish? We’ve got you.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation or ask us anything. Let’s turn your checklist into the kitchen you’ve been waiting for.