Kitchen Remodeling Checklist: The Complete Planning Guide for 2025

A successful kitchen remodel requires careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. After completing hundreds of kitchen renovations across Monmouth County and Ocean County, we've developed this comprehensive checklist to help homeowners navigate every step of the process.

Use this kitchen remodeling checklist to stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

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Phase 1: Initial Planning (6-8 Weeks Before Construction)

Define Your Goals

• [ ] List your must-have features (e.g., larger island, more storage, better lighting)
• [ ] Identify pain points with your current kitchen
• [ ] Determine if layout changes are needed
• [ ] Decide on your design style (modern, transitional, traditional, coastal)
• [ ] Consider how you use your kitchen (cooking, entertaining, family hub)

Set Your Budget

• [ ] Research average kitchen remodel costs for your area

- New Jersey averages: - Budget refresh: $15,000-$30,000 - Mid-range remodel: $35,000-$75,000 - Upscale renovation: $75,000-$150,000+ - Luxury custom: $150,000-$300,000+

• [ ] Determine your comfortable spending limit
• [ ] Add 15-20% contingency for unexpected issues
• [ ] Decide on financing if needed (home equity, personal loan, contractor financing)
• [ ] Create a spreadsheet to track all costs

Budget Allocation Guide

| Category | Percentage | Example ($75,000 budget) |
|----------|------------|-------------------------|
| Cabinets & Hardware | 30-35% | $22,500-$26,250 |
| Labor & Installation | 20-25% | $15,000-$18,750 |
| Appliances | 15-20% | $11,250-$15,000 |
| Countertops | 10-15% | $7,500-$11,250 |
| Flooring | 5-10% | $3,750-$7,500 |
| Lighting & Electrical | 5-8% | $3,750-$6,000 |
| Plumbing & Fixtures | 4-6% | $3,000-$4,500 |
| Backsplash | 3-5% | $2,250-$3,750 |
| Contingency | 15-20% | $11,250-$15,000 |

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Phase 2: Design & Inspiration (4-6 Weeks Before Construction)

Gather Inspiration

• [ ] Create a Pinterest board or folder with kitchen images you love
• [ ] Visit kitchen showrooms in your area
• [ ] Browse kitchen remodeling ideas online
• [ ] Collect magazine clippings or digital saves
• [ ] Note specific elements you like (cabinet style, countertop material, hardware finish)

Measure Your Space

• [ ] Create a floor plan with current dimensions
• [ ] Measure and note:

- [ ] Total square footage - [ ] Wall lengths - [ ] Window and door locations and sizes - [ ] Ceiling height - [ ] Location of electrical outlets - [ ] Location of plumbing lines - [ ] Location of gas line (if applicable)

• [ ] Take photos of current kitchen from multiple angles

Consider Layout Options

• [ ] Evaluate current work triangle (sink, stove, refrigerator)
• [ ] Consider traffic flow patterns
• [ ] Determine if walls can/should be removed
• [ ] Plan for adequate counter space
• [ ] Consider island placement (minimum 42" clearance on all sides)
• [ ] Plan storage locations

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Phase 3: Contractor Selection (4-6 Weeks Before Construction)

Research Contractors

• [ ] Ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals
• [ ] Read online reviews (Google, Yelp, Houzz, Angi)
• [ ] Check contractor license status (NJ Consumer Affairs database)
• [ ] Verify insurance coverage
• [ ] Review portfolio of past work
• [ ] Narrow list to 3-5 contractors for quotes

Interview Questions for Contractors

Ask each contractor:

• [ ] Are you licensed? (Get license number and verify)
• [ ] Are you insured? (Request certificate of insurance)
• [ ] How long have you been in business?
• [ ] Can you provide 3-5 references from recent kitchen projects?
• [ ] Do you have a showroom I can visit?
• [ ] Who will be the project manager?
• [ ] Who will be on-site daily?
• [ ] What is your typical timeline for this scope of work?
• [ ] How do you handle change orders?
• [ ] What is your payment schedule?
• [ ] Do you pull all necessary permits?
• [ ] What warranty do you offer?
• [ ] How do you handle problems or disputes?

Compare Quotes

• [ ] Get detailed written quotes from at least 3 contractors
• [ ] Ensure quotes include:

- [ ] Itemized list of all work - [ ] Materials and specifications - [ ] Labor costs - [ ] Timeline - [ ] Payment schedule - [ ] Warranty information

• [ ] Compare apples to apples (same scope, similar materials)
• [ ] Be wary of quotes significantly lower than others

Make Your Selection

• [ ] Check references (call at least 2-3)
• [ ] Review contract thoroughly before signing
• [ ] Ensure contract includes:

- [ ] Detailed scope of work - [ ] All materials specified - [ ] Start and completion dates - [ ] Payment schedule (never pay more than 10-15% upfront) - [ ] Change order process - [ ] Warranty terms - [ ] Lien waiver provisions

• [ ] Get everything in writing

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Phase 4: Material Selection (4-8 Weeks Before Construction)

Cabinets

• [ ] Choose cabinet style (Shaker, flat panel, raised panel, etc.)
• [ ] Select cabinet material (solid wood, plywood, MDF)
• [ ] Choose door finish (painted, stained, natural)
• [ ] Select hardware style and finish
• [ ] Decide on special features:

- [ ] Soft-close hinges and drawers - [ ] Pull-out shelves - [ ] Lazy Susans - [ ] Drawer organizers - [ ] Trash pull-outs

• [ ] Finalize cabinet layout with designer

Countertops

• [ ] Choose material:

- [ ] Quartz (most popular, low maintenance) - [ ] Granite (natural stone, unique patterns) - [ ] Marble (luxury, requires maintenance) - [ ] Quartzite (durable, natural beauty) - [ ] Butcher block (warm, requires sealing)

• [ ] Select color and pattern
• [ ] Choose edge profile
• [ ] Decide on backsplash integration (full slab or separate)

Appliances

• [ ] Measure spaces for appliances
• [ ] Select:

- [ ] Refrigerator (counter-depth, built-in, French door) - [ ] Range or cooktop + wall oven - [ ] Ventilation (hood, downdraft, microwave combo) - [ ] Dishwasher - [ ] Microwave - [ ] Optional: wine cooler, warming drawer, second dishwasher

• [ ] Confirm delivery lead times (can be 4-16 weeks)
• [ ] Coordinate delivery with construction schedule

Flooring

• [ ] Choose material:

- [ ] Hardwood - [ ] Tile (porcelain, ceramic) - [ ] Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) - [ ] Natural stone

• [ ] Select color and pattern
• [ ] Consider durability and maintenance requirements
• [ ] Decide if flooring extends into adjacent rooms

Lighting

• [ ] Plan task lighting (under-cabinet)
• [ ] Select pendant lights for island
• [ ] Choose recessed lighting layout
• [ ] Consider accent lighting (in-cabinet, toe-kick)
• [ ] Select fixture finishes (should coordinate with hardware)
• [ ] Ensure adequate light switches and dimmer controls

Plumbing Fixtures

• [ ] Select sink style and material
• [ ] Choose faucet (finish, style, features)
• [ ] Decide on pot filler (if desired)
• [ ] Select garbage disposal
• [ ] Consider water filtration system
• [ ] Choose soap dispenser, air switch, etc.

Backsplash

• [ ] Choose material (tile, stone slab, metal, glass)
• [ ] Select pattern (subway, herringbone, stacked, mosaic)
• [ ] Choose grout color
• [ ] Determine backsplash height

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Phase 5: Pre-Construction Prep (1-2 Weeks Before)

Permits & Approvals

• [ ] Confirm contractor has pulled necessary permits
• [ ] Understand inspection schedule
• [ ] Check HOA requirements (if applicable)

Prepare Your Home

• [ ] Set up temporary kitchen:

- [ ] Microwave - [ ] Toaster oven - [ ] Electric kettle - [ ] Paper plates/cups/utensils - [ ] Cooler for refrigerated items - [ ] Coffee maker

• [ ] Clear out all kitchen cabinets and drawers
• [ ] Pack and label all items
• [ ] Remove wall decorations and fixtures you're keeping
• [ ] Protect adjacent floors with drop cloths
• [ ] Create clear path for workers and materials
• [ ] Plan for dust containment (plastic sheeting)

Communication Setup

• [ ] Exchange contact information with project manager
• [ ] Establish preferred communication method
• [ ] Set up regular check-in schedule
• [ ] Designate decision-maker for on-site questions
• [ ] Create shared folder for project documents

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Phase 6: During Construction

Week 1-2: Demolition & Rough Work

• [ ] Demolition of existing kitchen
• [ ] Removal of old cabinets, countertops, flooring
• [ ] Rough plumbing adjustments
• [ ] Rough electrical work
• [ ] HVAC modifications (if needed)
• [ ] Any structural changes
• [ ] Inspection checkpoint

Week 3-4: Infrastructure

• [ ] Drywall repair/installation
• [ ] Priming and painting
• [ ] Subfloor preparation
• [ ] Flooring installation (if hardwood, often done first)

Week 5-6: Cabinets & Countertops

• [ ] Cabinet delivery and inspection
• [ ] Cabinet installation
• [ ] Countertop templating (after cabinets installed)
• [ ] Countertop fabrication (1-2 weeks)

Week 7-8: Countertops & Fixtures

• [ ] Countertop installation
• [ ] Sink and faucet installation
• [ ] Appliance delivery and installation
• [ ] Backsplash installation

Week 9-10: Finishing

• [ ] Cabinet hardware installation
• [ ] Light fixture installation
• [ ] Touch-up painting
• [ ] Final electrical work
• [ ] Final plumbing connections
• [ ] Flooring trim and transitions

Throughout Construction

• [ ] Daily or weekly check-ins with project manager
• [ ] Review progress against timeline
• [ ] Address questions and decisions promptly
• [ ] Document any change orders in writing
• [ ] Take photos throughout process
• [ ] Report concerns immediately

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Phase 7: Final Walkthrough & Completion

Punch List Inspection

Walk through with contractor and note:

• [ ] Cabinet doors align properly
• [ ] Drawers open and close smoothly
• [ ] All hardware is secure
• [ ] Countertop seams are acceptable
• [ ] Sink and faucet work properly
• [ ] All appliances function correctly
• [ ] Lighting works on all circuits
• [ ] Outlets and switches function
• [ ] Paint touch-ups completed
• [ ] Flooring is even with no gaps
• [ ] Backsplash grout is complete and clean
• [ ] Caulking is neat and complete
• [ ] All debris removed
• [ ] Final cleaning completed

Documentation

• [ ] Obtain all warranties:

- [ ] Contractor workmanship warranty - [ ] Cabinet warranty - [ ] Countertop warranty - [ ] Appliance warranties

• [ ] Collect manuals for all appliances
• [ ] Get copies of all permits and inspections
• [ ] Obtain lien waivers from contractor and subcontractors
• [ ] Get paint colors and touch-up paint
• [ ] File all documents for future reference

Final Payment

• [ ] Verify all punch list items are complete
• [ ] Confirm all inspections have passed
• [ ] Receive final lien waiver
• [ ] Make final payment per contract terms

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Post-Construction Tips

Care & Maintenance

• [ ] Review care instructions for all materials
• [ ] Set up regular maintenance schedule:

- [ ] Seal granite countertops annually - [ ] Clean range hood filter monthly - [ ] Check under-sink for leaks monthly - [ ] Clean refrigerator coils every 6 months

• [ ] Keep spare materials (grout, paint, tile) for future repairs
• [ ] Register appliance warranties

Enjoy Your New Kitchen!

• [ ] Host a dinner party to show off your new space
• [ ] Leave a review for your contractor if satisfied
• [ ] Take "after" photos for your records
• [ ] Consider sharing your project with others

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Downloadable Checklist

Want a printable version of this kitchen remodeling checklist? Contact us and we'll send you a PDF version along with our budget planning spreadsheet.

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Need Expert Help with Your Kitchen Remodel?

At Custom Kitchens by Lopez, we guide homeowners through every step of the kitchen remodeling process. Our 50+ years of experience means we've anticipated the questions, challenges, and decisions you'll face—and we're here to help.

Ready to start planning? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your kitchen remodeling project.

Serving: Monmouth County, Ocean County, and all of New Jersey

License: #13VH04175700 | Rating: 5.0 Stars | Experience: 50+ Years