• Written by: gcqgg
• August 9, 2025

How to Plan a Successful Kitchen Remodel: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

A kitchen renovation is one of the most valuable home improvement projects you can undertake. You can see as much as a 7 return on your investment when selling your home with a mid-range kitchen remodel, according to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine. But more than the money, a good-looking, functional kitchen can become the heart of the home, and not just because you cook and eat there.

But kitchen remodeling is so much more than the choice of new cabinets or countertops. Without a solid kitchen remodel plan, costs can shoot up, delays can occur and the end result may not match your intentions.

This kitchen remodeling planning guide will teach you how to do it the right way—with a clear process, realistic budgeting, expert tips and practical advice that aim to minimize the homeowners remorse once the remodel is over.

Understanding Your Goals for a Successful Kitchen Remodel

Before you begin collecting paint chips or visiting appliance sales, you should have a vision for what you want to accomplish.

Define Your Kitchen Remodel Objectives

Start by asking yourself:

• Would you like a contemporary open kitchen for entertaining?
• Those with electromechanicals:Are you refurbishing for resale or making OVER FOR HIS HEAD GAMES?
• Are you just going for looks with this remodel, or do you want it to work better too?

💡 Example: Sarah, a homeowner in Austin, Texas, renovated her kitchen, because she wanted more storage and better lighting. In the process of defining success, she steered the project away from gut-level upgrades that aren’t always necessary, like relocating plumbing lines, and saved thousands of dollars in the process.

Assess Your Current Kitchen Functionality

Walk into your kitchen and jot down:

• Can you meal prep or will you have enough space on the counter?
• Do you have antiquated and power-sucking appliances?
• Is the flow among the sink, stove and fridge (aka the “kitchen triangle”) efficient?
• Any sections you feel are overcrowded or underused?

In doing so, you’ll home in on what’s really worth changing instead of being seduced by the latest trendy but unneeded upgrades.

Setting a Realistic Kitchen Remodeling Budget

No. 1: Jumping in without a budget One of the most frequent pitfalls in a kitchen remodeling project is beginning a project without a practical budget.

Determine Overall Costs

Average Cost of Kitchen Remodeling The cost of kitchen remodels ranges significantly:

• Small remodel: $10,000-$25,000 (paint, hardware, lighting)
• Mid-range remodel: $25,000–$60,000 (cabinets, countertops, flooring)
• High-end remodel: more than $60,000 (changes in structure, custom work and high-end materials)

💡 Example: A homeowner in Chicago who went with semi-custom cabinets and quartz countertops and didn’t make expensive layout changes spent about $38,000 on a midrange remodel, according to HomeAdvisor.

Allocate Funds for Specific Areas

Realistically, a budget breakdown might look like this:

• Cabinets: 30–40%
• Appliances: 15–20%
• Countertops: 10–15%
• Flooring: 10%
• Lighting and fixtures: 10%
• Labor and permits: 15–20%

Include Contingencies in Your Budget

Unexpected costs are almost guaranteed. Allocate 10–15% of your budget to cover unknowns and surprises, such as hidden water damage or hikes in the cost of materials.

💡 Pro Tip: One homeowner in Seattle found outdated wiring when they began demolition, which added $3,000 to the renovation. She had a little bit of an emergency fund, so it didn’t derail her remodel.

Creating a Kitchen Remodel Timeline

And even with a perfect budget, bad timing can stall your project. Here’s how to plan a kitchen remodeling timeline that works.

Define the Scope of Work

How Long Your Project Will Take The scope of your remodel will dictate your project timeline:

• Cosmetic updates: 2–4 weeks
• Mid-range remodel: 6–12 weeks
• Renovating and updating layout: 3–6 months If you’re doing a gut renovation with lots of changes in the layout.

Establish Key Milestones

A realistic timeline should include:

• Approving designs and permits (2–4 weeks)
• Order materials and fixtures (3 to 6 weeks)
• Demolition/rough-ins (2-4 weeks) The latter phase is necessary for any plumbing, electrical, or HVAC re-routing.
• Install new cabinets and countertops (2-3 weeks)
• Flooring and lighting (1–2 weeks)
• Wrap up inspections and touchups Final inspection (1 week)

Consider Potential Delays

It could be a weather delay, backordered materials, permit issues. Include a few splashes of flexibility into your kitchen remodel schedule so you stay comfortable.

💡 Real Life Example: Custom cabinets arrived three weeks late for a Denver homeowner. By ordering appliances early, she had a reprieve from further delays.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodel Design Elements

Now, the fun part — doing the work to make a kitchen that looks great and suits your life.

Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Lighting is the make-or-break of a remodel. Consider:

• Ambient lighting: Recessed lights or flush-mount fixtures provide overall lighting.
• Task lighting: Under-cabinet LED strips for chopping and cooking.
• Accent lighting: Want a designer look over islands or open shelving?

💡 Pro Tip: A New York homeowner added dimmable under-cabinet lights, which not only added much-needed visibility to the space, but also provided for a soft, cozy atmosphere during dimly lit evening meals.

Interior Design Ideas

Popular kitchen design trends include:

• Two-tone cabinets: White upper cabinets with navy or gray lowers for contrast.
• Open shelving Rather than pulling out your cabinets by placing open shelves.
• Minimalist design: Cabinets without handles and glossy finishes for a neat vibe.

Color Schemes for Kitchens

Color influences the feeling of your kitchen:

• White kitchens: Classic, light and re-sale friendly.
• Warm neutrals: Beige and greige to cozy up and welcome you home.
• Bold color: Dark green or navy for an up-to-date statement.

Selecting Appliances and Materials for Your Kitchen Remodel

A good remodel needs good products and materials.

Research Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy efficient appliances not only lower energy bills but might also be eligible for rebates:

• Refrigerators: Check for ENERGY STAR ratings.
• Induction cooktops: Some like it faster, safer and more efficient than gas.
• Dishwashers: Newer models which use less water and do a better job getting your dishes