Planning a Kitchen Remodel


by Bill Prudehome - Date: 2007-03-05 - Word Count: 992 Share This!

A total kitchen remodel is by far the most expensive and most complex home improvement that one can undertake, with the exception of adding additional living space. Proper planning is the key to a successful kitchen remodel.

A kitchen remodel usually involves a multitude of trades and tasks. No other remodel requires more planning. In most jurisdictions, a building permit is required for a kitchen remodel. This requires that you submit a reasonably detailed plan to your local building department. Numerous software packages are now available will allow you to create plans and see 3D views of your planned kitchen remodel. Inspections will be required for any changes to electrical and/or plumbing connections, drains, water supply, and routing.

If you are ordering cabinets and countertops, remember that delivery can be anywhere from eight to twelve weeks.

Demolition: The current kitchen's cabinets and floors must be removed. In order to accomplish this task, all kitchen cabinets, and drawers must be emptied of their wares. Major appliances must be relocated and in some cases, if new appliances are being purchased, the old appliances must be disposed of, remembering that you will probably require that the refrigerator be operational during the remodel.

Once the cabinets and drawers are emptied, they can be removed from the walls. The base cabinets will have plumbing connections, drains for sinks and water supply to taps, will most likely have to be disconnected and capped during the remodel. If there is currently a dishwasher, it will also need its water supply, drain and electrical connections disconnected. Garbage disposals have an electrical connection that will have to be disconnected. Then remove the kitchen floor.

Light fixtures will need to be removed and some method of temporary lighting installed.

All of this demolition creates an enormous amount of dust and debris. It is important to shield the rest of the home from the dust and considering the amount of debris it is usually wise to rent a home dumpster, rather than counting on the local refuse pick-up. In some cities and towns, a by-law requires that you rent a dumpster for any major remodel.

It is important to do all of the demolition before you start any new installation work.

Now that you have an empty room, you can start the remodel. Although there are exceptions, in general you want to do the remodel in a specific order (not all kitchen remodels will have all of these items):

Walls: If you are removing, changing door positions, or modifying the walls in any manner all of this work should be the first item on your list. If you are adding walls, install the studs but do not apply sheetrock or other finishing material to both sides of the wall until you have completed the ventilation, plumbing and electrical changes.

Ventilation: Any changes or additions to exhaust systems for stovetops and heating or cold air returns should be done next.

Central Vacuum System: If you are installing, adding to, or changing the location of central vacuum system outlets this is the third item to be done.

Plumbing: Any changes or additions to drain lines should be done first, followed by hot and cold water lines.

Electrical: Run the wiring for all new switches and receptacles. Don't forget power and switches for exhaust fans, dishwashers, and garbage disposals. Wire for the power and switches for under-counter, recessed, cabinet, and ceiling lighting. Any new appliances or changes to the locations of those appliances, such as microwave ovens, must be installed. Large and small kitchen appliances require more receptacles and power than any other room in the home. GFCI circuits are required in the kitchen.

Walls: Once all the plumbing, electrical and ventilation changes and additions are completed new walls and any damage done to old walls can be covered and taped. Doorframes should be installed at this time, but not the doorframe trim.

Painting: This is the best time to paint, as you don't have to worry about paint splatters, spills, or trying to cut in the paint next to cabinets. As well, many base cabinets do not have backs and it makes for a nicer finished project it the walls behind the base cabinet are freshly painted. Start with the ceiling and then do the walls.

Floor: I am a firm believer that kitchen flooring should go under cabinets, with one exception. If you are using hardwood, vinyl, ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tile, I would install it wall-to-wall before the installation of the base cabinets. The exception is vinyl sheet flooring, which I have listed as a separate item.

Cabinets: Once the floor is completed you can install the base cabinets and then move on to the wall cabinets and cabinet trim. Remember to pull all electrical, drain and water lines through cabinets prior to final installation.

Countertop: Once the cabinets are installed you can install the countertop, sinks, and associated plumbing. This is also a good time to install the dishwasher and garbage disposal.

Backsplash: If you are installing a ceramic tile backsplash it should be done after the countertop is installed. Once the backsplash is complete, any trim or sealing to the backsplash should be done.

Light fixtures: All of the light fixtures can be installed at this time.

Sheet Flooring: If you are using vinyl sheet flooring, now is the time to install it.

Floor & Door Trim: Install all of the baseboards, and door trims. It is generally a good idea to paint or stain all the baseboards and trim before installation. After they are installed, you can fill nail holes and touch-up any paint.

Major Appliances: Put all major appliances into position. Note: If you are installing a countertop cook-top it should be installed at the same time as the sink.

Touch-up Paint: The final step is to touch-up any paint that may have been scratched or damaged during the installation of the cabinets or moving in the major appliances.

Planning is the key to any successful kitchen remodel.


Related Tags: planning, kitchen, floor, remodel, plan, cabinet, appliance

For additional information on remodeling your kitchen and other home improvement or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

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