An Orange County kitchen remodel is one of the most significant home improvement tasks for many owners. It is an opportunity for a new beginning, a chance to get precisely what one desires in the home. In addition, it yields a multitude of benefits, such as modernization, enhanced functionality, energy savings, and ultimately, an increase in property value.
To keep the project on track and prevent costly mistakes and delays, it is essential to construct a comprehensive kitchen remodeling checklist early in the planning process. Here are some tips to get started.
Here at GreatBuildz, we speak with clients every day who are planning a kitchen remodel in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura & San Diego Counties. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners with reliable, pre-screened remodel contractors, then provides ongoing project support to ensure a stress-free experience.
How to Begin Organizing Your Orange County Kitchen Remodel
Simply stated, your kitchen remodeling checklist is a list of all the components required to complete the project successfully. This includes tangible items such as cabinetry and appliances, which you’ll see upon entering the new space, as well as labor-related things like new wiring and demolition.
By identifying and detailing your needs, you will be able to solicit exhaustive, easily-comparable bids from kitchen contractors that detail the entire purview of the work to be performed. You will also have a better understanding of how to plan the budget for your kitchen remodel. Our printable Orange County kitchen remodeling checklist template allows you to eliminate unnecessary items and add project-specific notes.
Download Our Checklist For Kitchen Remodeling Projects
What should my kitchen remodeling checklist include?
Consider the following as you finalize your kitchen remodeling checklist:
Are you maintaining the same floor plan or modifying the layout of your space?
You must plan for demolition, rough construction, plumbing, and wiring if you intend to add or remove walls and alter the locations of your countertops, cabinets, and main appliances.
If you are replacing your cabinets, will you select prefabricated or custom units?
Discuss with your kitchen renovation contractor the possibility of refinishing, staining, or painting your existing cabinetry in order to save money.
If you are replacing countertops, do you need custom or prefabricated sizes?
As with cabinetry, countertops are available in both prefabricated and custom sizes. Granite is one of the most prominent materials due to its attractiveness and strength. Also available are laminate, quartz, and marble.
Are you replacing appliances?
If you are replacing your appliances, you will likely be looking for a new dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven with a range. You may also require a new exhaust fan, and there are numerous add-ons available, such as a warming compartment, wine refrigerator, and espresso machine. Verify that your contractor’s estimate includes appliance installation.
Do you want new lighting fixtures as well?
If you are unhappy with your lighting, now is the time to make changes. Most owners choose a combination of recessed ceiling lights, pendants, and under-cabinet lighting to illuminate spaces and add ambiance. Consider that new kitchen lighting frequently necessitates new wiring.
Painting and Touch-Ups:
Your contractor’s team will complete final tasks such as painting, touch-ups, and punch list corrections at the conclusion of the renovation.
What else haven’t we covered?
This category includes everything from flooring to basins and faucets to cabinet handles and other hardware. You have numerous options for each of these items, and your contractor can advise you on the most durable and cost-effective options.
If you are relocating, replacing, or adding a second sink to your kitchen island, you will need to account for new plumbing. Popular accessories in this category include waste disposals and pot fillers, which enable you to pour water directly into a soup pot.
Even minor projects may require utility updates, such as the installation of new electrical receptacles, electrical circuits, and HVAC registers.
Related: Six Things to Know Prior to Starting Your Kitchen Remodel
Click the image below for a comprehensive summary of the components of an Orange County kitchen remodel!
What are the costs, procedures, and timeline for a kitchen renovation?
A typical Orange County kitchen renovation costs between $50,000 and $70,000. Nevertheless, we have witnessed budget renovations completed for as little as $35,000 and high-end, no-expense-spared projects costing more than $100,000. Your expenses will vary based on your location, the scale and scope of the undertaking, and the materials you choose.
After completing your kitchen remodel checklist, you will need to work with an architect or designer to create renovation plans. This expert will then submit the plans to your OC city’s building department for review to ensure that they adhere to all applicable building codes.
During this approval period, which typically lasts between two weeks and a few months depending on the wait times, you can begin sharing your kitchen renovation plans with contractors and requesting estimates.
It is essential, when comparing proposals, to consider not only the total price but also everything that the contractor includes. Some may quote a substantially lower price, but you will be responsible for covering costs covered by other contractors. This is why a detailed kitchen renovation checklist is so essential; it makes it simpler to determine precisely what you will receive.
A basic, mostly cosmetic Orange County kitchen renovation can take up to three to four weeks to complete, while a complete remodel can take up to three months.
Related: Local Kitchen Remodeling Prices & Guidance
How to locate the most qualified kitchen contractor for your project
At GreatBuildz, we’ve streamlined the search process by creating a comprehensive network of the finest kitchen contractors in Southern California. Whether you’re renovating in Orange County, Ventura County, or elsewhere in the greater Los Angeles area, we’ll put you in touch with the appropriate local professionals.
This is how it works: Give us a call and describe your project, budget, and deadline. Our concierge team will immediately begin matching you with three qualified Orange County Kitchen professionals. We have already conducted an in-person interview, confirmed their licensing and insurance, and contacted their references. This service is provided at no cost to all homeowners.
Not sure what goes into a kitchen remodeling checklist? Let GreatBuildz help streamline your Orange County kitchen renovation experience—we’ll connect you with screened and dependable kitchen remodel contractors in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, and San Diego. We’ll also give you project support so you can turn your inspiration into reality.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with a real person about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
