It can be a little overwhelming to think about all the steps involved before you remodel your kitchen. We decided to outline them for you so you have an idea of what’s in store as you get started. First off, you’ll have budget limitations to keep in mind. Luckily, there are many wonderful appliances and kitchen features that are available for you at all price points.

If you’re excited to start dreaming all about your kitchen renovation, let’s ride that energy into the planning phase...

Create the Master Plan

Planning is key when remodeling your kitchen. The process itself is sure to keep you busy because kitchens are the most complicated rooms in your home. They serve so many functions on top of being the most social room in the house. Fortunately, if you follow the considerations below for kitchen renovation ideas, you’ll have a checklist that will cover everything you need.

Kitchen Floor Plan

Draw it out, or use a kitchen remodeling software program to design your kitchen. You’ll need measurements for appliances, cabinetry and counters. You’ll also want to measure your existing kitchen.

Large ticket items such as counters, floors and tile are typically priced by square foot. That means you should take measurements in your current kitchen, and place them against your new plan. Doing the math here will give you great clarity at how much you’re going to spend.

While we're on the subject, keeping appliances where they are, beyond just your sink and refrigerator, can also save a lot of money if they’re replaced in the same location.

Choose Kitchen Color Scheme

Do you want neutral colors like black, white or gray? Do you want a vibrant contrast by pairing aqua marine with fuchsia? Think about painting or tiling walls too. What color do you want the cabinets? Consider how your appliance will cooperate with that color scheme -- will they be stainless steel, black or white?

Kitchen Floors

Hardwood floors have long been the most popular, but vinyl and tile are making a huge comeback. You can opt for one color with or without a pattern, or have a design that brings your floor to life.

Kitchen Cabinets

Do you have room for a pantry? If not, cabinets will be your main source of storage. Cabinets come in many options and price points, so you should consider how they’re shaped, color, hardware and ultimately, how many you can have installed.

Kitchen Plumbing

This is usually the part where even the DIY homeowners call in an expert. Just remember that placing your sink and refrigerator in a different location will require more time and money.

Your kitchen plumbing is already set up for your sink and refrigerator right where they are. If you’re planning on moving them to a new location, that’ll cost a lot more money (and time).

Kitchen Backsplash and Finishing Touches

Color is important here. The backsplash is a great opportunity to throw in some tile work. Then there’s also molding, windows and the opportunity for more tilework throughout the kitchen.

Kitchen Counters

Engineered quartz is the most popular type of kitchen counter right now, but granite countertops are classic and popular as well. It’s also a popular trend to use a butcher block as a countertop on kitchen islands. Which might suit you best?

Kitchen Lighting and Electrical

This is the part where a DIY homeowner will definitely call in an electrician. A kitchen needs to be well lit at the right angles, areas and corners. Even just one or two pendant lights looks great.

Budget for Your Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Now it’s time to decide what materials, or types of appliances you can afford. The average kitchen remodel price is $25,000. Whether you’re above or below that average, you’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for.

If there’s a refrigerator that you just must have, or you plan on spending more on tile and finish work, cut corners in different areas. Here are some ideas that can help you trim your budget while maximizing all of your kitchen renovation ideas.

Consider a Luxury Pre-Owned Kitchen

Yes, there is a market for buying a luxury pre-owned kitchen, from the cabinets and counters to the finish work. This will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Hire a Contractor to Bring Your Kitchen Renovation Ideas to Life

Finding the right contractor to bring your kitchen renovation ideas to life can be a bit tricky. Contractors come in all shapes and sizes (not literally), so the good news is you can definitely find one that works well with you and communicates too.

One thing to keep in mind is your timeline. Sometimes it’s impossible to find a contractor and other times they're readily available. It’s something you should look into at the very start of your planning, so you make sure your kitchen is delivered on time.

Other than that, communication is very important, and you’ll get a good sense of how they’ll communicate during the project based on how they respond during the hiring process. For this, it’s recommended that you ask contractors questions, and do research on the following items:

How Many Years of Experience Do They Have Renovating Kitchens?

Do They Have the Correct Contracting Licenses?

Do They Have a Certificate of Insurance?

Is There a Report On Your Contractor with the Better Business Bureau?

What is the Payment Schedule Going To Be?

Does Your Contractor Have References?

Nothing will make you feel better than a contractor that comes recommended by a friend, so keep in mind anyone you know who’s had a kitchen renovation recently.

Finally, when considering which contractor you want, it’s a good idea to use the business triangle -- Do you want your project done fast, cheap or quality? The general rule of thumb with contractors is that you can only pick two of those three. So go ahead and put them on the spot and ask which ones describe them best.

Prepare for Kitchen Demolition

Preparing for the demolition of your old kitchen will probably be the least fun part of the kitchen renovation process. But this is where open and fluid communication with you contractor will pay major dividends, as knowing when you will lose certain functionalities such as refrigeration, cooking or the use of the kitchen sink, is crucial.

If not, you could be left high and dry, and hopefully, you can order food nearby. For others, keeping the kitchen partially functional is ideal, and if you know when certain appliances will be torn out, and then reinstalled, or which ones are staying through the whole process, you can plan around those moves.

Pack Up Your Current Kitchen

Pack up your waffle maker, cake mixer and other non-essential equipment, and be prepared to go without it for a month or two. Contractors are not paid to box up your stuff, and besides, you’ll want to be in charge of packing up your valuable kitchen equipment.

You’ll need storage space for your boxes, and it’s not recommended to throw them in another room during the renovation process. Keep in mind that you’ll probably be using other rooms in your house more as space becomes limited by construction. Make space in your garage or attic instead.

Create a Temporary Kitchen

Creating a temporary kitchen in another room or outside can be fun. This is a good time to break out that camping stove, or to lean on your outdoor barbecue heavily. Mini-fridges, or your extra refrigerator in the garage will come in handy, and keep in mind that you’ll need the ability to obtain water, and throw away trash.

You’ll also need to make some strategic decisions about what kitchen equipment you’ll box up. You don’t need all of your pots and pans, but keeping out one of each is ideal. Switching to paper plates and plastic utensils temporarily is also a good idea. Other than that, knives, a trusty cutting board and bigger cooking utensils are also good items to keep handy during the kitchen renovation process.

With these steps taken, your kitchen renovation ideas are ready to come to life! Homeowners often equate a kitchen remodel to obtaining a short-term part-time job, but it doesn’t have to feel that way if you follow these steps before remodeling your kitchen.

Still unsure how you want to renovate your kitchen? Get help finding all the best kitchen equipment with Little Green Kitchens.

Steps to Take Before Remodeling Your Kitchen