Starting a kitchen remodel can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time planning a major home improvement project. Many homeowners want a successful redo but aren’t sure where to start remodeling a kitchen, what to plan first, or how much the entire project will cost. At Toscana Remodeling, we help homeowners in Dallas, Texas, and nearby areas take the guesswork out of the process so they can remodel their kitchen with confidence.
Below, you’ll find the essential steps, the correct order to follow, and simple tips to help you build a clear and stress-free plan for your kitchen remodeling project.
Step 1 — Look at Your Current Kitchen and Decide What You Want to Change
Before you jump into the remodeling process, take time to study your current kitchen. This helps you understand what works, what doesn’t, and what you want your new kitchen to look and feel like.
Think about:
- How you use the space
- Problem spots in your kitchen layout
- Old cabinetry or kitchen cabinets you want to replace
- Outdated appliances
- Damage on the floor, tile, or backsplash
- Poor lighting or limited storage
It’s helpful to write everything down. This list becomes your starting point and guides the next steps in your remodeling plans.
Step 2 — Create a Clear Remodel Budget
One of the most critical early steps when you start remodeling a kitchen is creating a budget you’re comfortable with.
Your remodel budget should consider:
- The size of your kitchen
- The average cost of materials in Dallas
- Labor from a contractor or general contractor
- New appliances, fixtures, or custom cabinets
- Any surprise repairs, like plumbing and electrical work
A substantial budget keeps the entire project on track and helps you avoid overspending.
Tip: Many homeowners use the “30% rule” during a remodel. This means not spending more than 30% of the home’s value on a major kitchen remodel to avoid losing money in the long term.
Step 3 — Build a Solid Remodeling Timeline
A kitchen remodeling timeline makes the entire project easier to manage. Most kitchens follow a similar order:
- Careful planning
- Kitchen demolition
- Changes to plumbing and electrical
- Insulation and drywall
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Backsplash
- Painting
- Fixtures and final touches
Your timeline may change depending on the complexity of the kitchen renovation, the size of your kitchen, or the number of features you want in your custom kitchen.
Step 4 — Decide on Your Kitchen Layout and Design
This is where your kitchen starts to take shape. Work with a kitchen designer or an experienced contractor to build a layout that fits your lifestyle. A smart floor plan is the heart of every successful kitchen remodel.
When planning your layout, think about:
- Space for cooking, cleaning, and storage
- How many kitchen features do you want
- Whether you will keep the existing cabinets instead of replacing them
- Your dream kitchen style—modern, classic, or open-concept
This is also the time to choose materials for your kitchen countertops, cabinetry, tile, floor, and more.
Step 5 — Hire a Contractor You Trust
Choosing the right team is one of the biggest steps in the remodeling process. A skilled general contractor can guide the design process, help manage your renovation budget, and handle every part of the project management.
When hiring a contractor, ask about:
- Experience with full kitchen remodel jobs
- Whether they handle plumbing and electrical
- Their process for managing the entire kitchen
- Past projects
- Warranty and service options
Working with an expert removes stress and helps ensure your remodeled kitchen turns out the way you pictured.
Step 6 — Prepare a Temporary Kitchen
Once demolition begins, your kitchen will be out of service for a while. The best way to make this time easier is to set up a temporary kitchen in another part of your home.
Your temporary setup can include:
- A small table
- A portable cooktop or microwave
- A few dishes and utensils
- A water source
- A cooler, if needed
This keeps your life running smoothly while the remodeling project continues.
Step 7 — Start the Remodeling Work
This is when your kitchen finally starts changing. Here’s a simple look at the remodeling steps:
-
Demolition
Removing old cabinets, flooring, kitchen walls, and appliances.
-
Plumbing and Electrical
Running new lines or updating old ones.
-
Drywall and Insulation
Prepares the kitchen for tile, paint, and cabinets.
-
Flooring and Cabinet Installation
Installing your chosen floor, kitchen cabinet style, or custom cabinets.
-
Countertops and Backsplash
Adds color, texture, and personality.
-
Final Touches
Painting the cabinets, installing fixtures, adding lighting, and placing appliances.
Once these steps are complete, you’ll finally get to enjoy the kitchen of your dreams.
Step 8 — Review Every Detail and Do a Final Walkthrough
After the work is done, inspect your kitchen with your contractor. Make sure:
- All appliances work
- Cabinets open and close smoothly
- The backsplash and tile work match your design plan
- There are no gaps around counters or floors
- All plumbing works with no leaks
- Paint and finishes look clean
This final step ensures your new kitchen meets your expectations.
Conclusion
Planning where to start remodeling a kitchen doesn’t have to be confusing. When you take time to study your space, plan your budget, choose your layout, and work with the right team, the entire project becomes much easier. Toscana Remodeling is here to help Dallas-area homeowners create a clean, modern, and functional kitchen they’ll love for years.
FAQs About Starting a Kitchen Remodel
1. In what order should you renovate a kitchen?
Most kitchens follow this order: planning, demolition, plumbing/electrical, drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and finishing touches.
2. What is the 30% rule in remodeling?
It means you should avoid spending more than 30% of your home’s value on the renovation to protect your investment.
3. Where to begin with a kitchen remodel?
Start by evaluating your current kitchen, then set your budget, plan your timeline, and meet with a contractor.
4. What is the cost of a kitchen remodel?
The cost varies depending on the size of your kitchen, the materials used, and the labor. The average kitchen remodel cost changes from city to city, but Dallas homeowners usually base it on the features they choose.
5. How long does a major kitchen remodel take?
A major kitchen remodel can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, as it varies upon the design, materials, and complexity of the job.
6. Do I need a contractor to remodel my kitchen?
Most homeowners choose a contractor because a kitchen reno involves plumbing, electrical, demolition, and city permits.
7. Should I keep my existing cabinets instead of buying new ones?
You can if they’re in good shape. Some homeowners choose painting the cabinets to save money.
Ready to remodel your kitchen with a team you can trust? Toscana Remodeling offers Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Cabinets, Home Improvement, and Commercial Remodeling.
We proudly serve Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Fairview, and Lucas.
You can visit us at 14902 Preston Rd #406, Dallas, TX 75254 or call us at (972) 406-8881 to book an appointment. Let us help you build the kitchen you’ve always wanted. Contact us today!
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