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Kitchen Renovation Checklist

Everything you need to plan a kitchen renovation: materials to estimate, project steps in the right order, cost tiers, and quick links to material calculators.

Material Calculators for This Project

Use these calculators before you buy. Enter your room dimensions to get bag, sheet, gallon, and box estimates you can take to your supplier.

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Tile Calculator
Estimate tile →
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Mortar & Grout
Estimate mortar →
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Drywall Calculator
Estimate sheets →
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Paint Calculator
Estimate gallons →
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Vinyl Flooring
Estimate boxes →
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Baseboard / Trim
Estimate trim →
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Lumber / Studs
Estimate framing →
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Wallpaper
Estimate rolls →

Project Steps in Order

Kitchen renovations follow a strict sequence. Trades must happen in the right order or you end up tearing out finished work.

  1. 1
    Planning and permits: Finalize layout, get cabinet quotes, order appliances (lead times can be 6–12 weeks), and pull required permits for electrical, plumbing, or structural changes.
  2. 2
    Demo and removal: Remove cabinets, countertops, flooring, and any walls marked for removal. Disconnect and cap utilities before demo begins.
  3. 3
    Rough-in trades: Electrician runs new circuits (refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, GFCI outlets). Plumber moves or extends supply and drain lines. HVAC adjusts duct runs if layout changed.
  4. 4
    Insulation and drywall: Insulate any exterior walls that were opened. Hang, tape, mud, and sand drywall. Prime all drywall surfaces before painting.
  5. 5
    Cabinet installation: Install upper cabinets before lower cabinets. Level and plumb everything carefully — countertop fit depends on it.
  6. 6
    Countertop template and install: After cabinets are set, templating for stone or quartz countertops takes 1–3 days; fabrication takes 1–2 weeks.
  7. 7
    Tile backsplash: Install after countertops are set. Measure carefully — use the tile calculator and mortar & grout calculator for material counts.
  8. 8
    Flooring: Install flooring after cabinets but before appliances. Use the vinyl flooring calculator for LVP or tile calculator for porcelain floors.
  9. 9
    Paint and trim: Paint walls and ceilings. Install baseboard and door trim. The paint calculator and trim calculator give you exact material amounts.
  10. 10
    Appliances and fixtures: Slide in and connect appliances, install sink, faucet, lighting, and hardware. Final electrical and plumbing trim-out.
  11. 11
    Inspection and punch list: Schedule any required rough-in or final inspections. Fix punch-list items — caulk gaps, touch up paint, verify all appliances and fixtures work correctly.

Cost Tiers

Kitchen renovation costs vary significantly by region, scope, material grade, and labor market. These tiers describe what each level typically includes — not specific dollar amounts, which vary too widely to be useful without local quotes.

Budget / DIY

Repaint existing cabinets, replace hardware and faucet, new lighting, tile backsplash, fresh paint. No layout changes. Most work done by homeowner. Minimal permit requirements.

Mid-Range

New semi-custom cabinets, laminate or quartz countertops, new appliances, tile backsplash, LVP flooring, and updated lighting. Professional installation for cabinets, countertops, and electrical.

High-End / Full Gut

Custom cabinets, stone countertops, high-end appliances, layout changes, new plumbing runs, professional tile, custom lighting, and full general contractor management. Permits required.

Costs vary significantly by location, contractor availability, and material choices. Get at least two to three contractor quotes before committing to a scope or budget.

Find a Kitchen Contractor

Get free quotes from local kitchen renovation contractors. Compare reviews, licenses, and estimates before hiring.

Get Free Quotes on Angi →

Frequently Asked Questions

In what order should a kitchen renovation be done?
The standard sequence for a kitchen renovation is: demo and removal first, then rough-in work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), followed by insulation and drywall, then cabinets, countertops, tile backsplash, flooring, trim, painting, and finally appliances and fixtures. Painting usually goes near the end to avoid damage, but primer and first coat can happen right after drywall is finished.
How much tile do I need for a kitchen backsplash?
Measure the length of your backsplash area and multiply by the height (typically 18 inches between countertop and cabinets). Convert to square feet and add 10 to 15 percent for cuts and waste. A standard kitchen backsplash often runs 30 to 50 square feet. Use the tile calculator on this site for an exact count based on your tile size and layout.
What drywall do I use in a kitchen?
Standard half-inch drywall works for most kitchen walls and ceilings. For areas near the sink or any wall that may get occasional moisture contact, use moisture-resistant (green board) drywall. If there is an exterior wall in the kitchen that was opened during renovation, check insulation and air sealing before closing it with new drywall.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation?
Permit requirements vary by municipality. Cosmetic work like repainting, replacing cabinet doors, or swapping fixtures usually does not require a permit. Structural changes, moving or adding electrical circuits, relocating plumbing drains or gas lines, and adding HVAC runs typically do require permits. Check with your local building department before starting any work that involves these trades.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A minor kitchen refresh (paint, hardware, backsplash) can be completed in a weekend to two weeks. A mid-range renovation with new cabinets, countertops, and flooring typically takes four to eight weeks. A full gut renovation moving walls, relocating plumbing, or adding electrical panels can take eight to sixteen weeks or longer, depending on permit timelines and contractor availability.
Can I stay in my home during a kitchen renovation?
Yes, most homeowners stay in place during a kitchen renovation, but it requires planning. Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, mini-fridge, and hot plate in another room. Protect adjacent rooms from dust with plastic sheeting. During the most disruptive phases — demo, rough-in, and cabinet installation — expect two to four weeks with limited kitchen access.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?
Cabinets are typically the largest single cost in a kitchen renovation, often representing 30 to 40 percent of the total budget. Countertops are the second-largest expense. Labor costs — especially for plumbing and electrical work — can exceed material costs in some regions. Appliances, flooring, and backsplash tile usually represent smaller portions of the total budget.
Disclaimer: This checklist provides general planning guidance only. Project requirements, permit rules, and costs vary significantly by location and scope. Always consult licensed contractors and your local building department before beginning renovation work. See all renovation tools.