The order of work in a kitchen remodel

A kitchen remodel goes in this order: design and ordering, demolition, rough framing, plumbing and electrical with inspections, insulation and drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, then fixtures, appliances and trim. Every step depends on the one before it, which is why a missing decision early holds up everything after.

Step by step

1. Design and drawings. Layout, cabinets, appliances, lighting and finishes are chosen and drawn, and you get a written price.
2. Ordering. Cabinets and appliances are ordered so they arrive before they are needed.
3. Permit, when plumbing, wiring or walls change.
4. Protection and demolition. The rest of the house is sealed off; old cabinets, counters and finishes come out.
5. Framing. Walls moved or opened, headers added, blocking for cabinets and shelves.
6. Rough plumbing and electrical. Pipes, outlets, circuits and lights where the drawings put them, then inspection.
7. Insulation and drywall, once inspection passes.
8. Flooring. We usually install the floor first, so it runs under the cabinets and can be changed later without pulling them.
9. Cabinets. Set level and square; this decides how well everything after fits.
10. Countertops. Stone is templated after cabinets are in, then made and installed.
11. Backsplash after the counters.
12. Fixtures, appliances, lighting, trim and paint, then the punch list and a walkthrough.

Where you make decisions

Most choices happen in step 1. The few that come later, such as final paint color or hardware, can wait without holding anything up. Moving a sink or outlet after rough-in is where time and money go.

Why the order matters

Doing a step early or skipping ahead looks fast and costs time later: a counter templated on cabinets that aren't level, tile set before the outlet boxes are right, or a floor laid around cabinets that later can't be replaced.

If new floors run beyond the kitchen, our Flooring site covers that work.

Our work is covered by a 2-year workmanship warranty, in writing.

Book a free design consultation or call Tim, (503) 597-8520.