A finished craftsman kitchen with navy shaker cabinets, a white counter, brass pulls and a pendant over a wood-topped island

Kitchen remodeling

From layout and cabinets to counters, lighting and the last coat of paint.

What this covers

A kitchen remodel can be a refresh of the finishes or a full rebuild of the room. The work runs in a set order: design and layout, demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, drywall, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, fixtures, lighting and paint. A certified company plans the sequence, brings in licensed plumbers and electricians where the law requires them, and keeps the schedule on your job page.

When to call

  • Cabinets, counters or appliances that are worn out or no longer work for the way you cook.
  • A layout that blocks movement between the sink, stove and refrigerator.
  • A water loss or fire that already requires the kitchen to be rebuilt.

What to expect

  1. Design and scopeLayout, materials and appliances are chosen and written into a scope of work before demolition.
  2. Demolition and rough-inOld cabinets and finishes come out. Plumbing, electrical and venting are moved or added by licensed trades, then inspected.
  3. Cabinets, counters, finishesCabinets are set and leveled, countertops templated and installed, then backsplash, flooring, fixtures and lighting.
  4. Walk-throughYou walk the finished kitchen with the company and a list of corrections is completed before the job closes.

Get a certified company

Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.

Questions people ask

Can I use the kitchen during the remodel?

Not the main kitchen. Most families set up a temporary one with a microwave, a kettle and the refrigerator in another room. The company tells you how long the water and power will be off.

Do I need permits?

Moving plumbing, gas or electrical, or changing walls, usually requires permits and inspections. The company pulls them and schedules the inspections.

What should I decide before work starts?

Layout, cabinet style, countertop material, appliances, sink and faucet, flooring, lighting and paint. Changing them after the order is placed delays the job.

Related: Bathroom remodeling · Cabinet installation · Quartz countertops · All remodeling

This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.