Kitchen Remodeling Guide
What to Do Before a Kitchen Remodel
Before a kitchen remodel, settle the budget and every selection, check your contractor's credentials and permits, and set up a temporary kitchen. The checklist below runs from three months out to two weeks out. For the full job sequence, see our remodeling process.
Three Months Before: Plan and Budget
Four steps come first:
- List what works and what does not in your current kitchen.
- Set a budget with a 10% to 20% contingency.
- Get itemized estimates, not lump sums.
- Check each contractor's state credentials, insurance, and EPA lead-safe certification.
Six Weeks Before: Selections and Permits
Make every selection before demolition, because late choices are the most common cause of delay. Then confirm permits. Who files depends on where you live: Montgomery County DPS and WSSC, the City of Rockville, or a town such as Chevy Chase or Kensington. See the permit guide.
Two Weeks Before: Prepare the House
Five jobs to finish:
- Empty the cabinets.
- Set up a temporary kitchen.
- Plan for pets, kids, and parking.
- Tell neighbors or the condo office.
- Protect floors along the crew's route.
Things People Wish They'd Known
Five lessons come up again and again:
- Decide outlet locations early.
- Plan the lighting, not just the fixtures.
- Confirm appliance sizes before cabinets are built.
- Plan storage for small appliances.
- Ask how changes are priced before you sign.
In What Order Is a Kitchen Remodeled?
Demolition, framing, rough-in work, inspections, drywall, flooring and cabinets, counters, backsplash, fixtures and appliances, then a final walk-through.
What Is the 30% Rule in Remodeling?
It is a guideline to spend about 30% of your home's value or less on a kitchen. See the 30% rule explained.
Need a kitchen remodeler in Montgomery County? Call (301) 953-6768
Next step
Start With a Free In-Home Estimate
We visit, measure, and send a written estimate. Request your visit or see the full remodel service.