Major Kitchen Remodel – Steps in Order

1. Pre-Construction & Planning
• Finalize design, layout, and selections (cabinets, appliances, finishes)
• Verify appliance specs (gas vs electric, venting, clearances)
• Obtain permits (building, electrical, plumbing, gas)
• Order long-lead items (cabinets, windows, custom appliances)

2. Site Prep & Protection
• Protect floors, adjacent rooms, and pathways
• Set up dust control and debris removal plan
• Shut off water, gas, and electrical as needed
 
3. Demolition
• Remove cabinets, countertops, backsplash
• Remove appliances
• Demo drywall/plaster as required
• Remove flooring (if replacing)
• Open walls/ceilings for new services
 
4. Rough Framing & Structural (If Needed)
• Wall removals or additions
• Header installation
• Soffit removal or construction
• Floor leveling or reinforcement
 
5. Rough-In Utilities (Services)

Plumbing
• Relocate sink, dishwasher, fridge water line
• New drain, vent, and water supply lines 

Gas
• New or relocated gas lines for range or dryer
• Pressure test & inspection

Electrical
• New circuits (appliances, lighting, outlets)
• GFCI/AFCI as required
• Under-cabinet lighting rough-in
• Island outlets
• Panel upgrades (if needed)

HVAC / Venting
• Range hood ducting (roof or exterior wall)
• Make-up air (if required by code)

➡️ Rough inspections
 
6. Insulation
• Exterior wall insulation
• Sound insulation (optional)
 
7. Drywall
• Hang drywall
• Tape, mud, sand
• Texture (if applicable)
 
8. Prime & Paint (First Coat)
• Prime all walls and ceilings
• Paint ceilings and first wall coat  
 
9. Flooring
• Install new flooring
(Some contractors install flooring after cabinets—depends on material)
 
10. Cabinet Installation
• Set base cabinets
• Set wall cabinets
• Install panels, fillers, crown molding
 
11. Countertops
• Template after cabinets are installed
• Fabrication period
• Countertop installation
 
12. Tile Backsplash
• Tile installation
• Grout and seal
 
13. Finish Plumbing
• Install sink
• Install faucet
• Install garbage disposal
• Install dishwasher connection
 
14. Finish Electrical
• Install outlets and switches
• Install lighting fixtures
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Install microwave / hood
• Appliance hookups
 
15. Appliance Installation
• Range
• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher (if not already installed)
• Microwave / hood
 
16. Cabinet Hardware
• Install handles and knobs
• Adjust doors and drawers
 
17. Final Paint & Touch-Ups
• Final wall paint coat
• Caulking
• Trim touch-ups
 
18. Final Inspections & Walkthrough
• Final inspections (building, electrical, plumbing)
• Test appliances and fixtures
• Punch list completion
• Final cleaning