For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home. A work space and gathering place, it deserves a little more love than just a quick wipe down every once in a while. But if you’re planning to renovate your kitchen and are not quite sure where to start the first time around, this list of must-haves might be helpful.

 

Before you begin, make a detailed list of all of your kitchen’s current flaws. If you know you need a new cabinetry, don’t be afraid to invest in them now, before the kitchen is redone. Think ahead! Taking these into consideration before the start of the project will help guide you and will make things easier in the long run.

 

Start by renovating your cabinets or replacing them completely. This will be a huge decision, and you’ll want to make sure you have your plans planned out properly before you start. A good contractor can help guide you in the right direction, but it’s your kitchen and it should be designed around what YOU want.

 

If you are going to change out your cabinets, install them in their final places prior to painting. If they are already installed, paint them first to give yourself a better idea of how everything will look when it is done.

 

Next, you will want to tackle the flooring. If you’re planning on installing new ones, it would be a good idea to start with the cabinets and walls first, so that you don’t have to move pieces of heavy furniture around once it is complete. Again, if your kitchen has a tile floor that is cracked or damaged in any way, consider replacing it prior to painting but after the cabinets are installed. This will allow for less work and cleaning.

 

Always take into consideration the size of your floor tiles. They should fit perfectly, both on top and underneath. If the tiles are too small, they will look strange and may be difficult to cut to fit the remaining space. If you only have a few tiles left and they are too long for the space, prepare for a lot of pressure to get them into place without breaking or cracking them.

 

Once your kitchen renovation has been completed and you’re ready to move in, remember to be sure to take a look around to make sure everything is perfect. You never know – you might even find a few little things that you forgot about. (I did.)

 

Kitchen Renovation Checklist:

 

• Replace countertops or install new ones.

 

• Replace appliances, especially those that run on gas.

 

• Replace cabinets and countertops.

 

• Replace kitchen flooring. (If you have tile, it may be best to replace it before painting. If you have hardwood, it may be best to replace it after painting, as the dust can make a mess.)

 

• Buy new appliances, such as ranges and refrigerators.

 

• Dispose of old appliances and other kitchen items that are no longer useful.

 

• Install an island or build one yourself if you don’t already have one. This can serve as a prep counter, dining table, or home base for various appliances. Consider adding a breakfast bar/counter as well.

 

• Install a breakfast bar or prep area. This space is usually built into the kitchen and can double as a dinner table if needed or as a countertop area for preparing food. It’s an excellent use of space, especially if the kitchen isn’t very large.

 

• Replace countertops and backsplashes. This can be done in one large sweep or in stages. Staging it will allow you to be more careful with the items you remove from your kitchen (to give them time to find new homes).

 

• Replace light fixtures, especially if they are old or don’t work properly.

 

• Remove any holes in the ceiling and replace with drywall (if you want). Create a design that compliments the rest of the room. DO NOT put in fluorescent lights – they will not match your new kitchen! They look horrible and work poorly.

 

• Paint the walls. Make sure it’s a color you like and that it will go well with your appliances, cabinets, countertops and other items.

 

• Organize and clean up the kitchen. You don’t want to leave leftover packaging or take out old appliances that are still usable – unless they are being donated to someone else! If you want to donate old but functional items, make sure they’re in good condition and ready for their new homes.