Kitchen Re-Modeling Checklist

Remodeling your kitchen is a good way to increase the usability and beauty of your kitchen as well as add value to your home. Before you start buying supplies for your kitchen re-model you should create a checklist. This checklist should include things like what information you need to collect, what changes you want to make, what items you need to buy, and what professionals you need to hire.

Category 1 – Information That I Need

The first category on your checklist should be “Information That I Need.” The items under this category should include things like: what permits do I need, what safety precautions do I need to take, what DIY manuals are available, etc. This part of the checklist will help you during the planning phase of your kitchen re-model.

Category 2 – My Kitchen Goals

The second category on your kitchen re-modeling checklist should include items that relate to what your remodeling goals are. For example do you want to improve the flow in your kitchen, do you want to make your kitchen more accessible for a person in a wheelchair, or do you simply want to update the look of the kitchen.

Category 3 – What Changes Need to Be Made

This category on your re-modeling checklist will need to focus on the specific changes that you want to make to your kitchen. This section of the list will help you determine what materials you will need to buy and what professional help you will need to hire. Sample items that can be found under this heading include: update appliances, re-tile the backsplash, put in wood floors, build a center island, and re-route gas line for gas range.

Category 4 – What Materials Do I Need to Buy

This list should include items that you will need for your remodel. Remember to include the items that will be needed to install your appliances, flooring, and backsplash, as well as hardware. Some of the items that may be found under this heading include: dishwasher, sink, faucet, tubing, nail, bolts, screws, washers, range top, tile, hard wood planks, flooring underlayment, adhesive, calking, calking gun, grout, spatula, grouting tool, tile cutter, wood, wood glue, refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, etc.

Category 5 – What Professional Do I Need to Hire

This category will help you to identify the projects that you can’t handle yourself. For example you will probably need a plumber, an electrician, and someone who has experience working with gas lines if you are planning an extensive re-model. This category will also need to include information about inspections that will need to be made. You may want to include phone numbers and referral information under this heading.

Category 6 – Budget and Time Table

Under this heading you will want to address your budgeting duties. For example you will want to include steps that you need to take to create your re-model budget. Make sure that you leave room for unexpected expenses and miscellaneous costs. You will also want to include a tentative time table for your re-modeling project. Break down your project by major stages and set a complete by date. You can adjust this schedule as the work progresses.