Preparing for a kitchen remodel is one of the most exciting — and often most overwhelming — home improvement projects.
It’s a chance to transform one of your home’s most-used and loved spaces into something more beautiful, functional, and tailored to your lifestyle. But it also comes with dust, decisions, delays, and the temporary loss of your daily routine.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know before the first cabinet gets removed. Whether it’s your first remodel or your fifth, these practical tips will help you navigate the journey with confidence and clarity.
1. Define your goals and vision
Before demolition begins, it’s important to lock in some of the most essential design choices. Making these decisions early in the process helps prevent delays, budget surprises, and last-minute overwhelm. Here are the major elements you’ll want to plan for:
Cabinets
Will you opt for custom-built cabinetry or choose prefabricated options? Custom cabinets offer flexibility in design and fit but take longer and typically cost more. If you’re selecting wood cabinetry, now is the time to choose the wood species, stain color, door style, finish (like a glaze), and any specialty features.
Settling on these details early ensures smoother production and installation down the line.
Countertops
Whether you’re leaning toward natural stone, wood, or engineered materials, each countertop option has its own set of pros and cons. Natural stone, such as granite or marble, offers one-of-a-kind beauty but often involves longer lead times due to slab selection and fabrication.
You’ll also need to decide on finishes, edge profiles, sealants, and veining or pattern preferences. Make time to research materials thoroughly so your choice aligns with your lifestyle and design goals.
Layout and size
Unless you expand your kitchen, your footprint will dictate much of the layout. Take precise measurements and consider how to optimize the space you already have. Understanding your square footage and appliance placement ahead of time helps avoid costly revisions later.
Flooring
Kitchen flooring needs to strike a balance between durability and design. Hardwood remains a popular choice but may be vulnerable to moisture and wear. More resilient options like luxury vinyl, natural stone, or even sealed concrete are worth considering, especially in high-traffic homes. Keep in mind that flooring can be a major budget factor, so evaluate costs early in the process.
Lighting
Think about how you use your kitchen on a busy day — where will you chop, cook, and clean? Plan for task lighting over the sink, prep zones, and the stove and ambient lighting to brighten the overall space. Don’t overlook the practical aspects, like the placement of light switches or whether recessed lighting is worth the extra investment.
Appliances
Whether you’re keeping your current appliances or upgrading to new ones, appliance choices should align with your overall kitchen layout and style. Decide if you want your appliances to blend in with the cabinetry or stand out with finishes like stainless steel.
Think about your cooking habits, too — placement matters as much as appearance. Where you put your stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher should support how you actually use your kitchen day-to-day.
2. Set a realistic budget
Setting a realistic budget is one of the most important — and often most stressful — parts of a kitchen remodel. A well-planned budget ensures that your vision stays on track without unexpected financial surprises. It also helps you make informed choices about where to splurge and where to save.
Here’s how to approach it:
Start with the big picture
First, determine the maximum amount you’re comfortable spending on the entire project. Whether you’re funding the remodel with savings, a loan, or a home equity line of credit, this overall number will guide every other decision. Be honest about what you can afford and factor in any long-term value a new kitchen might add to your home.
Break it down by category
Divide your budget into key categories, such as:
- Cabinets (often 25–30% of the total)
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Flooring
- Lighting
- Labor and contractor fees
- Plumbing and electrical work
- Permits and inspections
- Unexpected expenses (more on that below)
Breaking your budget into sections gives you clarity and helps you prioritize spending. For example, if you’re dreaming of quartz countertops, you may decide to save on prefab cabinets or basic tile flooring to stay within budget.
Get multiple quotes
Don’t rely on one contractor or supplier. Gather multiple bids for labor and materials to compare pricing and timelines. This helps ensure you’re getting a fair deal and may also reveal hidden costs you hadn’t considered.
Plan for the unexpected
Remodels often uncover surprises—water damage, outdated wiring, or structural issues. Set aside 10–20% of your budget as a contingency fund to avoid panic and delays. It’s better to have it and not need it than to be caught off guard.
Track and adjust as you go
Use a spreadsheet or budget-tracking app to monitor spending throughout the project. This will allow you to make quick decisions if you start running over in one area, so you can adjust in another before it’s too late.
By setting a realistic, detailed budget upfront — and allowing room for flexibility — you’ll position yourself for a smoother, more satisfying remodeling experience. A clear budget is your best tool for turning big ideas into smart, manageable decisions.
3. Prepare your home and daily routine
Once you’ve finalized your plans and demolition day is on the calendar, it’s time to prepare your home — and your lifestyle — for the disruption a kitchen remodel will bring.
Remodeling your kitchen temporarily changes how you live. Getting organized beforehand will help minimize stress and keep your daily routine running smoothly.
Set up a temporary kitchen
Since your main kitchen will be out of commission, create a makeshift kitchen in another area of your home. This could be in the dining room, laundry area, or even the garage. Include essentials like:
- A small table or portable counter
- Microwave, toaster oven, or hot plate
- Mini fridge or cooler
- Coffee maker and electric kettle
- Basic utensils, paper goods, and a few non-perishable pantry items
Keep meals simple during this time, or plan to prepare and freeze food ahead of the remodel.
Plan for meals
Be realistic about how often you’ll be cooking. Many families rely more on takeout, meal delivery, or eating out during a remodel. Consider budgeting for this in advance so it doesn’t surprise you. If you prefer home-cooked meals, look into slow cooker or air fryer recipes that don’t require a full kitchen.
Protect other areas of the home
Remodeling gets messy, and dust and debris spread beyond the kitchen. Seal off adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting and lay down floor coverings or tarps in high-traffic areas. Remove breakables or valuables from nearby shelves or countertops to prevent accidental damage.
Store your kitchen items
Pack up dishes, cookware, utensils, and pantry items beforehand. Label boxes clearly, and group items by type so they’re easier to find if needed. This is also a great opportunity to declutter — donate or discard anything you don’t use regularly.
Expect noise and interruptions
Remodeling work usually starts early and often gets loud. Consider how the disruption might affect your schedule if you work from home or have young children. Noise-canceling headphones, flexible work hours, or temporary relocation (even to a quieter room) will help you maintain productivity.
Communicate with your family
Ensure everyone in the household knows what to expect and has input on adjusting. Set shared expectations about meal plans, routines, and schedules during the project. Clear communication reduces friction and makes staying on the same page easier.
With a little foresight and flexibility, you’ll maintain a functional household even while your kitchen is under construction. By preparing both your home and your daily routine, you’ll reduce stress and stay focused on the exciting end result — a brand-new kitchen designed for you.
4. Expected the unexpected
No matter how thoroughly you plan, kitchen remodels have a way of throwing surprises your way. Behind every wall or beneath every floor lies the potential for the unforeseen — and it’s best to approach your project with a flexible mindset from the start.
Hidden issues are common
Once demolition begins, contractors may uncover problems that weren’t visible during the initial walkthrough. These can include outdated wiring, leaky pipes, structural damage, mold, or even pest infestations.
While not ideal, addressing these issues during the remodel is actually beneficial — it’s the perfect time to bring your kitchen up to current safety and building standards.
Delays happen
Product backorders, shipping delays, labor shortages, and permitting slowdowns can all affect your timeline. Even small changes to your original plan may cause a ripple effect.
For example, choosing a custom countertop at the last minute might extend your project by weeks. That’s why it’s wise to build extra time into your schedule and mentally prepare for flexibility.
You might need design revisions
Sometimes, your initial layout or material choices may need to be revised once work begins. Maybe an appliance doesn’t fit as expected, or a feature you loved in theory doesn’t translate well in practice. Be open to suggestions from your contractor or designer. They’ve likely encountered similar situations and can help you find the right workaround.
Costs may shift
Unexpected issues or changes in scope will impact your budget, which is why having a 10–20% contingency fund is so important.
Ultimately, expecting the unexpected isn’t about being pessimistic—it’s about being prepared. The more flexible and solution-oriented you are throughout the process, the more likely you’ll stay on track emotionally and financially, and fully enjoy the beautiful new kitchen waiting at the finish line.
Contact Intermountain Stone & Marble today
As you plan your kitchen remodel, make sure you’re partnering with experts who can bring your vision to life with quality materials and dependable service.
At Intermountain Stone & Marble, we specialize in helping homeowners create stunning, functional spaces with premium countertops, expert guidance, and custom solutions tailored to your style and budget. Contact Intermountain Stone & Marble today to get started.
