Kitchen Renovation Planning Checklist: Step by Step

A kitchen renovation goes most smoothly when the big decisions are made in the right order: budget and scope first, then layout and appliances, then cabinets and countertops, then scheduling. This checklist walks through each stage so nothing important gets decided too late.

1. Define the Scope and Budget

• Decide whether this is a refresh (keeping the layout) or a full remodel.
• List what isn't working: storage, counter space, lighting, flow.
• Set a budget range and a contingency for surprises.
• Look at real cost data. For Atlanta, the 2025 Cost vs. Value report puts a midrange minor remodel at about $28,359 and a midrange major remodel at about $79,591. See kitchen remodel cost in Atlanta.
• Remember the biggest line: HomeAdvisor estimates cabinets make up nearly 30% of a remodel budget.

2. Measure and Plan the Layout

• Measure the room: walls, windows, doors, utilities and ceiling height. See how to measure your kitchen.
• Decide whether the sink, range and refrigerator stay where they are. Moving them adds plumbing, electrical and possibly permits.
• Consider an island or peninsula, and check the clearance around it.
• Photograph every wall for your designer or installer.

3. Choose Appliances Early

Family Handyman's design expert recommends deciding on appliances first, because it's easier to fit cabinets around appliances than the reverse. Get the exact model dimensions for the range, refrigerator, dishwasher and any wall oven or microwave, and check door clearances.

4. Choose Cabinets

• Pick a grade: stock, semi-custom or custom. See custom vs. semi-custom vs. stock.
• Check construction: box material, drawers, glides and hinges. See how to choose quality cabinets.
• Choose door style and color, and plan storage: drawers, pull-outs, pantry.
• Confirm the lead time. Fixr cites 6 to 12 weeks for custom cabinets.

5. Choose Countertops and Backsplash

• Pick a material: compare countertop materials.
• See the actual slab for natural stone, and reserve it.
• Choose the edge profile, sink type (undermount or drop-in) and backsplash.
• Test the color combination with your cabinet sample. See color combinations.

6. Plan Lighting, Electrical and Plumbing

• Under-cabinet lighting and pendants over an island
• Outlet locations along the backsplash and on the island
• Any plumbing moves for the sink, dishwasher or a pot filler
• Licensed electricians and plumbers for that work, and permits where required

7. Get and Compare Quotes

• Get written, itemized quotes covering the same scope.
• Check what's included: removal, trim, hardware, cutouts, reconnection.
• Verify licensing and insurance. See contractor licensing in Georgia and South Carolina.
• Agree on a payment schedule tied to progress.

8. Schedule the Work

1. 1Order cabinets (allow for lead time).
2. 2Demolition and any plumbing or electrical rough-in.
3. 3Cabinet installation: Fixr puts it at about 1 to 3 days for most mid-size kitchens.
4. 4Countertop templating after the base cabinets are installed; Fixr puts granite at about 2 to 3 weeks from templating to installation.
5. 5Countertop installation, then backsplash, plumbing and appliance hookups.
6. 6Final walkthrough.

9. Prepare to Live Through It

• Set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the house.
• Plan parking, access and any HOA rules for crews and deliveries.
• Protect floors and nearby rooms from dust.
• Keep pets and children away from the work area.

For timing details, see how long a kitchen remodel takes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Plan Cabinets and Countertops?

Mega Solutions sells and installs kitchen cabinets and installs granite, quartz, quartzite and marble countertops, the two biggest parts of most kitchen renovations. Request a personalized quote for both, planned on one schedule.

Before requesting your quote, it helps to have:

• Your measurements or a simple sketch
• Photos of your existing kitchen
• Your appliance sizes
• The cabinet styles, colors and stones you like

Sources

• Journal of Light Construction, "2025 Cost vs. Value Report: Atlanta, Georgia": jlconline.com
• HomeAdvisor, "How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?" (updated June 2026): homeadvisor.com
• Family Handyman, "A Guide to Standard Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions" (updated September 2024): familyhandyman.com
• Fixr, "How Much Does It Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets?" (updated January 2026): fixr.com
• Fixr, "Granite Countertop Installation Cost" (updated January 2025): fixr.com