Planning Resources
Kitchen Remodel Planning Checklist
Staying organized throughout a kitchen remodel makes the process smoother. This checklist walks through the key steps in a general sequence, from early planning through move-back-in.
Call now for service availability. Please have your 5-digit ZIP code ready.
Use this checklist as a general guide to the steps most kitchen remodels involve. Your specific project may not need every item, and the order can shift depending on your scope.
Before You Start: Goals and Budget
- Define your top priorities (more storage, better flow, updated finishes, etc.)
- Set a general budget range, informed by our kitchen remodeling cost guide
- Decide whether you're open to layout or structural changes
- Gather inspiration images to communicate your style preferences
Early Planning
- Schedule an initial project conversation with a remodeler
- Have your existing kitchen evaluated for layout, plumbing, and electrical constraints
- Check whether your home falls under Fort Myers city or Lee County permitting jurisdiction
- If applicable, review your condo or HOA's renovation approval process
Design and Material Selection
- Finalize your kitchen layout
- Select cabinet style, construction, and finish
- Choose your countertop material
- Select flooring, lighting, and hardware
- Choose appliances, especially if their dimensions affect cabinet layout
- Confirm final scope, including any plumbing, electrical, or structural work
Before Construction Begins
- Confirm permit requirements for your scope of work
- Order cabinets and any long-lead-time materials early
- Set up a temporary kitchen space (see below)
- Clear out cabinets, pantry items, and appliances from the work area
- Confirm a communication plan with your remodeler for updates during construction
During Construction
- Keep decisions finalized to avoid schedule delays
- Be available for any inspections that may be required
- Monitor progress against the agreed-upon scope
- Address any unexpected conditions as they're discovered
Setting Up a Temporary Kitchen
Since your kitchen will likely be unusable for at least part of the project, setting up a temporary cooking and food storage area elsewhere in the home can make daily life easier during construction.
- Set up a folding table or cart in a nearby room for a microwave, toaster oven, or hot plate
- Relocate a mini fridge or cooler to the temporary space if possible
- Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals and paper products
- Set up a temporary sink station or plan for using a bathroom or utility sink for basic cleanup
- Keep a few pots, dishes, and utensils accessible outside the construction zone
Final Steps
- Complete the final walkthrough and note any punch-list items
- Confirm all appliances and fixtures are functioning as expected
- Deep clean the space before moving items back in
- Reorganize cabinets and pantry storage in your new kitchen
To get started on your Fort Myers kitchen remodel checklist, call 239-291-0673.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planning my kitchen remodel?
It's helpful to start planning several months before you want construction to begin, especially if custom cabinets or countertops are involved, since these can have longer lead times.
Do I need to move out during a kitchen remodel?
Most homeowners stay in their home during a kitchen remodel, using a temporary kitchen setup elsewhere in the house, though this depends on the scope of the project.
What should I set up in a temporary kitchen?
A common setup includes a microwave or hot plate, a mini fridge, basic dishes and utensils, and access to a sink for cleanup, kept in a room outside the construction zone.
What should I check before construction starts?
It's worth confirming permit requirements, finalizing your scope, ordering long-lead-time materials, and clearing out the work area before construction begins.
How do I keep my project on schedule?
Finalizing decisions early and avoiding scope changes once construction begins are two of the most effective ways to help keep a project on schedule.
What happens at the end of the checklist?
The project wraps up with a final walkthrough, confirming appliances and fixtures work as expected, and moving your belongings back into the finished space.
Planning a Kitchen Remodel in Fort Myers?
Tell us about your kitchen, your priorities and your budget range. We will help you shape a realistic plan before any work begins.
Call now for service availability. Please have your 5-digit ZIP code ready.