Starting a kitchen remodel is an exciting venture, but the sheer number of decisions can be overwhelming. A common question homeowners ask is what to buy first. Having a clear kitchen remodeling checklist is crucial to ensure the process goes smoothly, stays on budget, and results in the kitchen of your dreams. The key is to make foundational decisions and purchases before moving on to the finishing touches. This guide will walk you through the proper order of operations for your kitchen remodel purchases.
Phase 1: The Foundational Elements
Before you buy anything, the absolute first step is to finalize your kitchen layout and design. Working with a professional kitchen designer during this phase can save you from costly mistakes. Once the layout is set, you can begin purchasing the items that form the backbone of your kitchen.
1. Kitchen Cabinets
Your kitchen cabinets are the most significant part of your remodel, both in terms of cost and visual impact. They should be the very first item you order. Custom or semi-custom cabinets have long lead times—often 8-16 weeks—and your entire project timeline will revolve around their delivery date. Finalizing your cabinet style and finish early is essential.
2. Large Appliances
Appliances like your refrigerator, oven, range, and dishwasher must be selected and ordered immediately after your cabinets. Your cabinet maker and countertop fabricator will need the exact dimensions of these appliances to ensure a precise, built-in fit. Don’t wait until the last minute, as appliance availability can also have long lead times.
Phase 2: Surfaces and Structures
Once your cabinets and appliances are on order, you can move on to the surfaces that will define your kitchen’s look and feel.
3. Countertops
After your base cabinets are installed, a professional will come to your home to create a template for your countertops. This ensures a perfect fit. Only after this template is made can the stone be fabricated. This process can take a few weeks, so it’s important to have your material—whether it’s quartz, granite, or another surface—selected well in advance. For inspiration, check out the countertop pairings in Architectural Digest.
4. Flooring
The type of flooring you choose should be decided early on, but the actual purchase can happen during this phase. In most cases, it’s best to install the flooring *before* the cabinets are set in place. This provides a clean, continuous surface under your entire kitchen.
Phase 3: The Functional Details
With the major components in place or on their way, it’s time to focus on the functional elements that make your kitchen work.
5. Sink and Faucet
Your countertop fabricator will need the specifications for your sink to make the correct cutout. Select and purchase your sink and faucet so they are on-site when the countertops are installed. This is a detail that is easy to overlook but critical for the timeline.
6. Backsplash
The backsplash is installed after the countertops are in place. While you should have a design direction early on, you can wait to make the final purchase until you can see a sample of the tile in your space with your cabinets and countertops. This allows you to confirm that the colors and textures work well together.
Phase 4: The Finishing Touches
These are the final elements that complete the look of your new kitchen. They are the last items to purchase and install.
7. Lighting
Your lighting plan should be part of the initial design phase, but the physical fixtures are one of the last things to be installed. This includes recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and any decorative pendant lights. Waiting until the end prevents them from being damaged during construction.
8. Cabinet Hardware
The very last “jewelry” of your kitchen is the cabinet hardware. Pulls and knobs are installed after the cabinets are in place and the doors are hung. This is a great opportunity to add a personal touch, whether you choose modern brass or classic polished nickel. Seeing the full kitchen will help you make the perfect choice. You can explore a variety of kitchen cabinet hardware trends to find what fits your style.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I hire my contractor?
You should hire your contractor or design-build firm at the very beginning of the process. They will be instrumental in creating the layout, managing the timeline, and coordinating all the purchases and installations.
Do I need to have everything on-site before we start?
Ideally, yes. Having your cabinets, appliances, flooring, and sink on-site before demolition begins is the best way to prevent delays. A project should not start until the majority of the materials have arrived.
What’s the most common mistake homeowners make?
The most common mistake is not ordering cabinets and appliances early enough. The long lead times for these items are the number one cause of kitchen remodeling delays. Plan ahead!