What Comes First When Remodeling A Kitchen

What Comes First When Remodeling a Kitchen? Let’s Cut Through the Chaos

Hey there, fellow home improvement warriors! Let’s talk kitchen remodels. You know, that project we’ve all fantasized about while staring at our outdated cabinets or tripping over a fridge that’s seen better decades. But before you start swinging a sledgehammer like you’re on a reality TV show (spoiler: that never ends well), let’s break down what actually comes first. And hey, since we’re Verified Builders—a Denver-based remodeling company that’s survived more kitchen chaos than we’d care to admit—we’ve got your back.

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Step 1: Plan Like Your Sanity Depends on It (Because It Does)

Let’s get real: jumping into a kitchen remodel without a plan is like trying to bake a cake without a recipe. Sure, you might end up with something edible, but it’ll probably cost twice as much and take three times as long.

First things first: define your goals.

• Are you after a full-blown luxury home renovation with marble countertops and smart appliances?
• Or a practical refresh that makes your kitchen functional without breaking the bank?
• Maybe you’re eyeing a whole house remodeling project and the kitchen is just phase one?

Pro tip: Start with a budget. We know, we know—budgets are about as fun as washing dishes. But trust us, nothing kills a remodel faster than running out of cash mid-project. Allocate 10–20% extra for surprises (because there are always surprises).

Got your numbers sorted? Next, think layout. Do you love where your sink is, or are you dreaming of an island big enough to host a taco Tuesday spread? This is where hiring a home renovation contractor (hey, that’s us!) pays off. We’ll help you balance aesthetics, function, and not accidentally knocking down a load-bearing wall.

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Step 2: Assemble Your Dream Team (No, Not the Avengers)

Unless you’re a general contractor with a decade of experience, you’ll need pros. And not just any pros—the right pros. Here’s the lineup:

1. Designer or Architect: For custom remodels, especially if you’re reconfiguring walls or plumbing.
2. Contractor: A remodeling company like Verified Builders handles permits, timelines, and wrangling subcontractors.
3. Specialists: Electricians, plumbers, or a bathroom renovation contractor if your kitchen project spills into other areas.

FYI: Always check reviews and ask for referrals. “Near me” Google searches are great, but a neighbor’s glowing recommendation? Priceless.

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Step 3: Demolition Day (AKA Controlled Chaos)

Now for the fun part—ripping stuff out! But hold up: demolition isn’t just smashing cabinets with a crowbar. You’ve gotta:

• Turn off utilities. Water, gas, electricity—unless you want a DIY disaster movie on your hands.
• Salvage what you can. That 90s backsplash might be hideous, but donating usable materials beats landfill fees.
• Protect other rooms. Dust has a sneaky way of invading every corner of your house. Seal doorways and lay down drop cloths.

Hot take: If you’re tackling this yourself, wear gloves. Splinters are not a badge of honor.

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Step 4: The “Boring” Stuff That Actually Matters

Once the dust settles (literally), it’s time for the behind-the-scenes work that makes your kitchen functional:

• Electrical and plumbing updates: Outlets where you need them, pipes that don’t leak—basic stuff, but critical.
• Insulation and drywall: Because nobody wants a drafty kitchen or walls that look like they’ve got acne.
• Flooring: Waterproof, durable, and easy to clean. (RIP, white carpet kitchens of the 70s.)

Story time: We once had a client who skipped this step to save money. Fast-forward to a flooded kitchen because the plumbing wasn’t up to code. Don’t be that person.

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Step 5: The Pretty Phase (Finally!)

Cabinets! Countertops! Hardware that doesn’t jiggle like a loose tooth! This is where your vision comes to life:

• Cabinets: Custom or stock? Shaker or modern? Soft-close drawers are worth every penny.
• Countertops: Quartz, granite, butcher block? Choose based on your lifestyle (and wine-spilling habits).
• Backsplash: The jewelry of the kitchen. Go bold or go home.

Pro move: Work with a bathroom remodeling or basement remodel contractor if your project expands beyond the kitchen. Consistency in design matters!

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Common Kitchen Remodel Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

We’ve seen it all. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Mistake	Solution
Ignoring workflow (the “kitchen triangle”)	Prioritize function over trends.
Cheap finishes	Invest in quality where it counts (e.g., faucets, hinges).
DIY-ing electrical work	Hire a licensed pro. Seriously.

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FAQs: Burning Questions, Answered

1. “How long does a kitchen remodel take?”
Depends on the scope! A minor refresh: 4–6 weeks. A luxury home renovation with structural changes? 3–5 months. Delays happen, so pad your timeline.

2. “Should I hire a home addition contractor for a bigger project?”
Absolutely. Expanding your kitchen? You’ll need expertise in foundations, roofing, and zoning laws.

3. “What if I hate my choices after installation?”
This is why samples and 3D renderings exist. Test everything—paint colors, cabinet handles, lighting—before committing.

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Ready to Transform Your Kitchen? Let’s Chat!

Look, kitchen remodels are equal parts thrilling and terrifying. But with a solid plan, the right team (cough Verified Builders cough), and a dash of patience, you’ll end up with a space that’s both gorgeous and functional.

Whether you’re in Denver or just searching for “basement contractors near me” (we do those too!), drop us a line. We’ll bring the coffee, the expertise, and zero judgment about your obsession with farmhouse sinks. 😉

TL;DR: Plan first, demo later, hire pros, and for the love of all things holy, don’t cheap out on plumbing. Your future self will thank you.