Kitchen remodeling: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What kitchen remodeling is

A kitchen remodel takes out old cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting, then rebuilds the room with new layout, plumbing and wiring as needed. People need one when the kitchen is worn out, does not work for how they cook, or has outlets, lighting and drainage that no longer meet current needs.

Signs you need it

  • Cabinet doors are warped, drawers sag or the boxes are pulling away from the wall
  • The sink drains slowly, the faucet leaks at the base, or the supply lines are old and corroded
  • There are not enough outlets for small appliances, or the lighting leaves dark work areas
  • The countertop is chipped, stained or lifting at the seams near the sink
  • The work triangle between sink, stove and fridge is awkward, and you want to move appliances or the sink

What the pro does

  • Measure the room, check the walls and floor, and mark the location of plumbing, gas and wiring before design is final
  • Remove the old cabinets, counters, backsplash and appliances, then cap or reroute water and gas lines as the plan requires
  • Run new drain, supply and electrical lines to the locations on the plan, with the required inspections completed
  • Install base and wall cabinets level and plumb, then set the countertop template and fabricate the surface
  • Set the sink and faucet, connect the dishwasher and appliances, and seal the countertop joints and sink edges
  • Install the backsplash, lighting and trim, then clean the work area and walk through the finished kitchen with you

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the layout stays in place or the sink, range or fridge has to move
  • The cabinet line, from stock to semi-custom to custom, and how many linear feet of cabinets are installed
  • The countertop material and edge profile, along with the number of seams and the cutouts for sink and cooktop
  • How much plumbing, gas and new electrical work is needed, and whether a permit is required for it
  • Whether walls, ceilings or flooring under the old cabinets have to be repaired or leveled first
  • The appliance package, the faucet and hood selection, and any panels that match the cabinets

What a written quote should spell out

  • The cabinet make, the box material, the door style and the finish, listed separately
  • Countertop material, thickness, edge profile, sink model and the number of seams expected
  • Plumbing, gas and electrical work spelled out, with the permit and inspection steps included
  • Who removes and hauls the old cabinets, flooring and appliances, and where the debris goes
  • Dates for ordering cabinets and counters, because those lead times often control the schedule

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will the sink, range or refrigerator stay in the same place, and what changes if we move them?
  • What cabinet line are you quoting, and how do the box construction and drawer hardware compare to the next option up?
  • How do you template the countertop, and how long between template and install?
  • Who does the electrical and plumbing work, and do they pull their own permits?
  • What happens if you find water damage or rot under the old sink or behind the range?
  • Can you show me a finished kitchen you did with a similar layout and cabinet line?

Red flags

  • The quote lists only cabinets and countertops, with no line for plumbing, electrical or hauling
  • The pro wants a large deposit before ordering cabinets, with no written payment schedule
  • Countertop templating is skipped or done before the cabinets are fully set and leveled
  • The pro offers to move the range gas line or the main electrical panel without a licensed trade on the job

What you can do yourself

Emptying the cabinets, clearing the counters and disconnecting the dishwasher and small appliances are safe homeowner tasks before the crew arrives. Gas lines, electrical circuits, and drain changes should be done by licensed professionals, and gas appliance hookups should go to a licensed gas trade where one is required.

Licenses and permits

Kitchen remodels often involve licensed plumbing and electrical work and a building permit, particularly when the layout changes. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building department to confirm what applies where you live.

Kitchen remodeling questions

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

The main drivers are cabinet lead time, countertop templating and fabrication, and how long the inspections take. Ask for a schedule that lists the order dates, and ask what would happen if the cabinets arrive late.

Can I keep using the kitchen during the work?

Usually only partly. Expect the sink and stove to be unavailable for stretches. Ask the pro to set up a temporary sink and a small cooking station, and to plan the plumbing shutoffs for specific days.

Should I buy the appliances myself?

You can, but ask the pro to confirm the exact model sizes and venting or gas requirements first. Appliances bought before the cabinets are measured often do not fit the opening.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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