Simple Kitchen Remodeling

A typical kitchen remodeling involves updating some or all surfaces and often upgrading one or more appliances. We keep the cabinets in place but may replace the countertops and backsplashes, as well as the flooring. We maintain the same appliance locations and essential utilities—plumbing and electrical.

Cabinets: We start by emptying and cleaning the cabinets. If we plan to paint them, we remove the doors, drawers, and all hardware pieces, then paint the doors and cabinet boxes separately. A more extensive makeover may involve refacing the cabinet boxes or replacing the cabinet doors. We also replace cabinet hardware.

Walls and Ceiling: We scrub and paint wall and ceiling surfaces, often doing this alongside the cabinet work. We replace old light fixtures after completing the painting and cabinet installation. We usually remove the backsplash before fixing or painting the walls.

Countertop and Sink: If we replace the countertop, we typically wait until we finish the painting and cabinet work. We install a new sink or faucet with the countertop installation, often using an integrated sink made from the same material as the countertop.

Appliances and Flooring: Major kitchen appliances slide into cabinet and countertop spaces, so we usually install them after placing the countertop. Most types of kitchen flooring can extend under the appliances. If we plan to replace the flooring, we complete that work before installing the new appliances.

Finishing Touches: We add finishing elements, such as switch plates, undercabinet fixtures, towel bars, and window treatments, at appropriate times in the process. We install backsplash tiles made from the same material as the countertop and other wall treatments after placing the cabinets and countertop, as these finishes typically require custom fitting into the backsplash space.