How to Start Planning Your Kitchen or Bath Remodel

By Gina Varela Domenichini, Owner, Studio 38 Designs, Inc. 

Most homeowners will tackle several renovation projects throughout their home ownership, and kitchen and bathroom remodeling always top the list.
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​But understanding how best to be prepared to communicate your goals, budget, and design preferences can be a challenge. Use this checklist to gather the input and inspiration to help you get started.  Whether you’re working with a design professional or going it alone, taking these first steps will help you achieve the best outcome with the least amount of uncertainty.
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Step 1. Establish your remodeling goals.

It doesn't matter if you plan to remodel a bath or kitchen; knowing your objectives can help determine your budget and needs. It can also help you measure your success. Do you want more storage, gathering space, lighting, or increased square footage? Make a list and add your goals in priority order. 
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Step 2. Gather your inspiration and curate your design preferences.

We recommend using a tool like the Houzz Ideabook, a free tool available on Houzz.com which allows users to save images from around the web. With the Houzz Ideabook, you can save photos, professionals, discussions, and stories to an Ideabook. You can also control your Ideabook’s privacy, sharing, and collaboration settings. 

You can also browse our gallery of completed projects and our sister company's, D. R. Construction's portfolio of completed projects including kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, ADUs, and other projects.  
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Step 3. Determine your remodeling budget.

This is often viewed as the most challenging step in planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Refer back to your list of priorities (Step 1), review your curated preferences (Step 2), and assign a dollar value for each critical project parameter. We recommend researching cost vs. value for your remodel project. This is determined by the cost of your remodel project vs. how much the investment will improve your home's resale value.

Step 4. Hire an interior designer.

Interior designers bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to a home remodel project. Their skills and expertise ensure all phases of your remodel goes smoothly --from the early stages of identifying your needs and desires to developing a budget, fleshing out a workable design, and delivery and installation. A good designer will be have a process and be able to identify the potential of a space or help you solve pain points in your space and then provide creative solutions.
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Step 5. Select your contractor.

Your designer may have recommendations of who they generally work with for the “build-out.” At Studio 38 Designs, we highly recommend our sister company D. R. Domenichini Construction. But regardless of which contractor(s) you meet with to discuss your remodeling project, ensure they are licensed and bonded, and check their references and public reviews. Look for Google reviews but also reviews on Yelp and GuildQuality, a well-respected industry website. 

Step 6. Build a project timeline.

Work with your designer and contractor to create a project timeline to help you meet your desired completion date for your remodel project. While some rooms can get a facelift in a few weeks, other spaces may take several months.  Remodeling professionals may also provide up-to-date information about any supply chain issues or other industry issues impacting the availability of materials. 

When in doubt, ask a professional.

These are some of the highly recommended steps involved in the pre-planning of a remodeling project. Once you have your goals, budget, timeline, and your professionals selected, they can assist with the project details, material selections, and ensure your project runs smoothly during the remodeling process. Hiring a professional for your project can mean savings of time and money in the long run.