Kitchen Renovation Checklist: Everything You Need to Plan Before Construction Starts

# Kitchen Renovation Checklist: Everything You Need to Plan Before Construction Starts A well-planned kitchen renovation runs on time and on budget. A poorly planned one doesn't. After completing 200+ kitchen renovations in Rockland County, Bergen County, and Westchester, here is the checklist we walk every client through before a single wall comes down. ## Phase 1: Planning & Budget (6–12 Weeks Before Construction) ### Set Your Total Budget — With a Contingency - Determine your total budget including a 10–15% contingency for unforeseen conditions - Typical Rockland County kitchen remodels: $25,000–$75,000+ - Budget ranges: small kitchens $25K–$35K | mid-size $35K–$55K | large/open-concept $55K–$80K+ - If your budget is firm, communicate that clearly to your contractor — we can design to any budget ### Define Your Goals - [ ] Are you keeping the same layout or changing it? - [ ] Are you removing walls for open concept? - [ ] Do you want a kitchen island? Where? - [ ] What appliances are staying? Which are being replaced? - [ ] Do you need more storage, more counter space, or both? - [ ] Do you have accessibility requirements (ADA, aging-in-place)? ### Interview and Select Your Contractor - [ ] Verify NY license (CP-H-24014 for Rockland Design Factory), NJ, and CT credentials - [ ] Review project portfolios — specifically projects similar to yours - [ ] Ask for fixed-price quotes, not time-and-materials estimates - [ ] Confirm: who handles permits? Who is on site daily? - [ ] Check references from projects in your county or municipality ## Phase 2: Design Decisions (4–8 Weeks Before Construction) ### Cabinets - [ ] Cabinet style: shaker, flat-front, raised panel, glass-front? - [ ] Cabinet finish: painted (white, off-white, navy, green), stained wood, or two-tone? - [ ] Layout: same footprint or reconfigured? - [ ] Upper cabinets to ceiling or crown molding finish? - [ ] Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, drawer organizers? ### Countertops - [ ] Material: quartz (non-porous, no sealing) or granite (natural stone, sealing required)? - [ ] Color and pattern — visit a showroom to see actual slabs, not just photos - [ ] Edge profile: eased, beveled, ogee, waterfall? - [ ] Island countertop: same material or contrasting? - [ ] Full-height backsplash or tile backsplash? ### Appliances - [ ] Are all new appliances ordered before demo begins? (Long lead times can delay projects) - [ ] Refrigerator: counter-depth or standard? French door? Width? - [ ] Range: gas or electric? 30" or 36"? - [ ] Dishwasher: panel-ready to match cabinets? - [ ] Microwave: over-range, drawer, or built-in in cabinetry? - [ ] Hood: recirculating or vented? Is a duct path confirmed? ### Plumbing & Electrical - [ ] Is the sink moving? (Requires plumbing rough-in permit) - [ ] Adding a pot filler? (Requires plumbing rough-in) - [ ] Adding outlets (code: GFCI within 6 ft of sink)? - [ ] Under-cabinet lighting: LED strip, puck lights, or line voltage? - [ ] Pendant lights over island: is electrical in the right location? - [ ] Do you have a dedicated 20-amp circuit for small appliances? ### Flooring - [ ] Keeping existing floor or replacing? - [ ] If replacing: hardwood, LVP, tile, or engineered wood? - [ ] Does flooring extend into adjacent dining or living area for open-concept flow? ## Phase 3: Permits & Prep (2–4 Weeks Before Construction) ### Permits (Your Contractor Files These) - [ ] Confirm which permits are required for your Rockland County municipality - [ ] Plumbing permit if sink, dishwasher, or gas line moves - [ ] Electrical permit if new circuits, panel work, or recessed lights added - [ ] Building permit if walls are removed or structural changes made - [ ] HVAC permit if range hood venting requires new ductwork ### Pre-Construction Home Prep - [ ] Clear out all kitchen cabinets — pack contents in labeled boxes - [ ] Remove artwork and fragile items from adjacent rooms - [ ] Set up a temporary kitchen (hot plate, microwave, mini fridge) - [ ] Identify a staging area for material deliveries - [ ] Confirm parking and access for the crew truck ### Material Confirmation - [ ] All cabinetry ordered and confirmed delivery date - [ ] All countertop slabs selected and deposit paid - [ ] All tile selected and ordered (order 10% extra for cuts and future repairs) - [ ] All appliances ordered with confirmed delivery window - [ ] All plumbing fixtures and hardware selected ## Phase 4: During Construction - [ ] Expect dust — install temporary dust barriers with your contractor - [ ] Confirm daily cleanup expectations in your contract - [ ] Establish a communication schedule (daily text update, weekly walkthrough) - [ ] Do not make major changes mid-project — change orders cost 20–30% more than pre-planned decisions - [ ] Inspect rough work (plumbing, electrical, framing) before walls close ## Phase 5: Completion - [ ] Walk through with your contractor — create a punch list of anything incomplete - [ ] Confirm all permits are closed and inspections passed - [ ] Receive all appliance manuals, warranty documents, and paint codes - [ ] Get your contractor's workmanship warranty in writing (Rockland Design Factory provides a 2-year warranty) ## Ready to Start Planning? Rockland Design Factory guides every client through this exact checklist before construction begins. Call **(845) 682-3076** or request a consultation to schedule your in-home design meeting — we measure your kitchen, walk through your goals, and provide a fixed written quote within 5–7 business days.