You’re standing in your kitchen thinking, “this isn’t working anymore.” You want your kitchen to feel like the heart of your home, but the layout feels cramped. The storage never quite seems like enough. The appliances are out of date. You’ve suffered quietly (or not so quietly) for a while, but now there’s no doubt about it—it’s time for a change.
If this sounds like you, then it’s time to explore kitchen remodeling!
Kitchen remodeling isn’t just about new countertops or trendy finishes. It’s about creating a space that works for your life, a kitchen that supports how you cook, gather, and live, every single day.
So if you’re ready for a kitchen that feels as good as it looks, you’re in the right place. Be sure to read from top to bottom so you don’t miss out on any of these pro kitchen remodeling tips for beginners.
What is a Kitchen Remodel?
A kitchen remodel is a thoughtful reimagining of how your kitchen works for your life. It could mean reworking the layout for better flow, improving storage so everything has a place, choosing materials and appliances that are both beautiful and built to last, or all of the above.
The kitchen is the most popular room to remodel in a home, with guest bathrooms and primary bathrooms in a close second. For some, remodeling your kitchen is about creating a space that feels calm, organized, and welcoming after years of frustration. For others, it’s about future-proofing—designing a kitchen that supports aging in place and daily ease.
At its heart, kitchen remodeling is about creating a space that feels good to live in, not just to look at.
What Is the Average Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?
The cost to remodel a kitchen depends on lots of different factors. A typical DIY kitchen remodeling project averages around $20,000, while a luxury kitchen remodel can cost $150,000 or more.
No matter which end of the spectrum you land on as far as budget, keep the focus on where you’ll see and feel the difference every day. Keep in mind that investing in high-quality choices adds long-term value (and increases your resell value).
The 7 Stages of a Kitchen Remodeling Project
A successful kitchen remodel doesn’t happen all at once or overnight. When you work with an experienced team of professionals, a kitchen remodeling project follows a thoughtful, step-by-step process that keeps your goals, budget, and vision aligned.
Here’s what you can expect from start to finish.
Step #1 – Initial Consultation and Vision
First, you’ll meet with your design-build team to discuss what’s working, what’s not, and what you want your kitchen to become.
This step helps clarify your priorities, whether it’s a head-to-toe kitchen upgrade, remodeling for better flow, adding more storage, or creating a space that simply feels calmer and easier to use.
Check out our checklist on how to hire a kitchen designer!
Step #2 – Design and Planning Your New Kitchen
This phase brings your vision to life with floor plans, mood boards, and material selections. You’ll make key decisions about the layout of your new kitchen and whether you want custom cabinetry, luxurious finishes, and wellness features.
It’s best to work with an experienced designer who can offer guidance throughout the planning process to keep you grounded, confident, and on-budget.
Step #3 – Budgeting and Scheduling
Speaking of being on-budget, once you’re done dreaming, it’s time to scope out your project’s costs and timeline. Several factors drive the final price and timeliness of your project:
- ($$$$) Changing the layout, such as moving walls, plumbing, or electrical
- ($$$) Choosing custom or semi-custom cabinetry
- ($$$) Upgrading to high-quality countertops and appliances
- ($$) Installing new lighting, flooring, and finish materials
- ($ – $$$) Level of experience of your designers and contractors
Step #4 – Permitting and Preparations
Before construction begins, you or your design team will need to handle the necessary permits and site prep to ensure the work to be done meets local codes and minimizes surprises down the road.
Step #5 – Demolition and Construction
This is the fun part…for some of us, anyway! Before you can build anew, the old kitchen must come out—only then can the real transformation begin.
Once the old kitchen is demolished, then new construction begins. Ideally, an experienced project manager keeps everything on track for you, including coordinating vendors, managing timelines, and communicating progress along the way.
Some people choose to live amongst the chaos during a kitchen remodeling project during this phase, while others opt to stick it out despite the active construction zone.
Step #6 – Installation of Finishes and Fixtures
As you near the end of the project, that’s when cabinets, countertops, lighting, flooring, and appliances come together. This phase is where you’ll see your vision finally start to take shape with careful attention to every detail.
Step #7 – Final Walkthrough and Styling
Before wrapping up, you’ll walk through the finished space with your team to make sure everything meets your expectations. Final styling and touch-ups ensure your kitchen feels polished, functional, and truly yours.
Common Kitchen Remodel Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
A kitchen remodel is a big investment of time, money, and energy. The last thing you want is to pour resources into a space that doesn’t truly work for you. Here are the most common mistakes homeowners make and how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1 – Rushing Decisions to “Get It Done”
It’s easy to feel decision fatigue and want to speed things up. But rushing leads to regrets. Take the time to consider how each choice will impact your daily life, not just how it looks in a showroom.
Mistake #2 – Prioritizing Looks Over Function
A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t function well will frustrate you every day. Focus first on layout, storage, and workflow. Aesthetics should support how you use the space, not get in the way.
Mistake #3 – Overlooking Future Needs
Your kitchen should support you for years to come. Ignoring aging-in-place features or flexible storage can lead to expensive fixes later. Design with both now and “what’s next” in mind.
Mistake #4 – Underestimating the Budget
Remodels almost always reveal hidden costs. Build in a contingency and be realistic about where to invest. Quality materials and thoughtful design elements add long-term value and reduce future headaches.
Mistake #5 – Working with Too Many Vendors
Disjointed teams create miscommunication and delays. Opt for a design-build firm that keeps everything aligned—your vision, your budget, and your sanity.
Kitchen Remodeling: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
Low-scale kitchen remodels run anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the size of the kitchen, scope of work, and quality of materials. Custom, high-end remodels can exceed $100,000. Prioritizing layout improvements, durable materials, and wellness-focused design helps ensure your investment adds long-term value.
Is $10,000 enough for a kitchen remodel?
$10,000 is usually only enough for minor kitchen updates, such as painting cabinets, upgrading fixtures, or replacing countertops in a small kitchen. Full remodels involving layout changes, new cabinetry, and premium materials often require a larger investment, typically starting at $30,000 or more.
In what order should you remodel a kitchen?
The typical order for a kitchen remodel starts with planning and design, followed by budgeting and scheduling. Next comes permitting and preparation, then demolition of the existing space. After that, you’ll handle any structural or layout changes, as well as plumbing and electrical work. Once the foundation is ready, it’s time for flooring installation, cabinetry and countertops, and appliance installation. Finally, you’ll complete the remodel with lighting, fixtures, and styling, followed by a final walkthrough to ensure every detail is right. Following this sequence keeps your project organized and efficient.
Remodel Your Home With Intention with Ron Scott Design Build
Let’s design a home that supports your life, not just how it looks. Thoughtful layout, timeless materials, and a space that feels good every day. Book your free consultation today and let’s make it happen!
Scott Veatch is a seasoned remodeling expert who has been transforming homes and businesses since 1988, bringing visionary design to luxury residences and commercial spaces. He is a NARI-certified remodeling professional and a Certified Living-In-Place Professional (CLIPP), and he has even served in leadership roles on industry committees to advance best practices.
