Planning a Kitchen Remodel? Here’s What to Decide Before You Even Call a Contractor
One of the biggest mistakes I see in kitchen renovations is starting too late or starting without a plan. Clients often come to me mid-panic, trying to finalize layouts while tile samples are arriving and demo is already scheduled. That’s what I call building the airplane while flying it, and it leads to mistakes, delays, and overspending.
Start with Layout, Not Product
Before you call a contractor, take the time to understand the financial and functional impact of different layout choices. You need expert input early in the process to avoid costly detours later.
A good design-build team will help you compare layout options side by side and price them accurately. You’ll know what you’re committing to before anyone picks up a hammer.
Don’t Buy Appliances Too Early
Appliance sales can be tempting, but buying a 48-inch range before finalizing your layout limits your options. The best kitchens are tailored to how you live. Maybe you need a separate cooktop and wall oven instead of a range. Maybe breaking refrigeration into zones makes more sense than one oversized unit.
Design should come first. Always.
Start Early. Like, Really Early.
The clients who get the best results start early—ideally six to twelve months before construction. That gives us time to design, source materials, pull permits, gather estimates, and lock in product availability before demo begins.
When everything is planned ahead, there are fewer surprises, fewer delays, and fewer regrets
