Renovations

19 Steps To A Successful Kitchen Renovation

Feb 02, 2021

“Everything You Need To Know And Not To Miss In A Kitchen Renovation!”


By Van Sturgeon

Real Estate Investor


Kitchen renovations are one of the most common projects that homeowners and real estate investors complete on their properties. Before you get to the point of hosting that Thanksgiving dinner, there are some things that you need to consider before you get started on that kitchen renovation.


There are some elements to the kitchen renovation that must be started before the project begins, and there are some elements that can’t be started until the end of the project.


For example, countertops of natural stone or any other material must be measured and fabricated, AFTER the installation of the new kitchen cabinets. So many times, I have seen silly kitchen renovations where the general contractor or the homeowner decide to order countertops, before the cabinets have been installed. There is no way to be able to calculate the variances that exist in the walls and how far out or in the new cabinets will be installed. 


Ordering countertops before an accurate measurement is made... is just a recipe for a disaster.


Let’s avoid disasters...shall we?


Other things like a kitchen backsplash can’t be installed before a countertop, as well.


Now...There are certain elements that need to occur before a kitchen renovation starts. For example, if you are getting new appliances, you should have identified which ones you want and place that order. All the contractors working on your kitchen renovation will need to know the models of appliances being installed, as some will require certain requirements to work.


Dishwashers need electricity and need a water supply. Depending on the model, some dishwashers need an increased power supply and need a water supply in one specific area to work. Without that information, how does the electrician or the plumber know what to do to make the appliance work properly?


Since we understand the importance of preparing a list and putting together a schedule, here is a step by step run down of what a typical kitchen renovation should look like :


Step 1: Make a list of what you want to see renovated within the kitchen.

Step 2: Sketch out a drawing of the new kitchen with a kitchen manufacturer.

Step 3: Decide on the makes and models of appliances and place that order.

Step 4: Remove the old kitchen.

Step 5: Get the plumber to rough in for new water faucets and appliance positions.

Step 6: Get the electrician to rough in for new wiring, lighting and appliance positions.

Step 7: Get the HVAC to rough in for a new exhaust pipe for the cooktop.

Step 8: Complete any repairs to the walls and floors, and get them ready.

Step 9: Purchase any additional items that might be needed like extra skirting boards, crown molding etc.

Step 10: Paint the walls and any other molding.

Step 11: Install new flooring throughout.

Step 12: Have appliances delivered to the site before the cabinets are installed, unless you have ordered built in appliances, then it’s the other way around. Install new cabinets and then built in appliances.

Step 13: Measure up for kitchen countertop.

Step 14: Install countertop.

Step 15: Install and connect appliances and all water fixtures by the plumber.

Step 16: Do touch ups on the painting, skirting board, cornice work, etc 

Step 17: Install a kitchen backsplash.

Step 18: Check if any other items are required to complete the job

Step 19: Clean the whole kitchen!

A typical kitchen renovation will require the following suppliers/contractors :

  • kitchen manufacturer
  • appliances
  • electrician
  • plumber
  • hvac
  • tile installer
  • handyperson to remove kitchen, do the any wall repairs, preparation work and completion of smaller items outside the scope of work for other contractors
  • cleaner

Please understand that the above list is meant for the majority of kitchen renovations, and there might be some deviation for your particular project. As you can see, it is important to prepare a list of items that you want renovated in your kitchen, and the sequencing of work will vary.


For more information on house renovations and real estate investing, visit www.vansturgeon.com to help you in your real estate investment journey.