A 2020 Step-by-Step Kitchen Renovation Checklist

STAGE 1: Planning

Step 1: Research for the Design styles that will give the soul to your kitchen !
Knowing your style will make the design process so much easier. You can use resources such as “Pinterest, Houzz, Google” or our website, www.generalcontractormtl.com, to get ideas of what you’re looking for. See what commonalities the kitchens have that you like. Do they all have white cabinets? Do they all have subway tile backsplashes? Are they traditional or minimalist kitchens ? This will help you understand what elements you’re attracted to.

Step 2: Plan your Budget
A good question to ask yourself would be; Do I plan on moving within the next 5, 10 years or is this my forever home? In any cases, view this opportunity as a “sure bet” investment to increase your home value. Beautifying your home will not only have you enjoy the journey but also present an exciting product to your potential buyers ! Consider investing anywhere between 5%-10% of your home's value on your kitchen alone (cabinets, ceramics, counters, lighting, plumber, electrician etc…). Provide extra finances should you wish to remove any regular or bearing walls.

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STAGE 2: Kitchen Design

Step 1: Initial Design Consultation
In this 1st meeting, the Designer will work with you in creating & putting together a 1st draft coming from the multiple pictures you’ve selected with your personal research. Kitchen layout ideas, product lines, hardware, ceramics, countertops, lighting, faucets etc... will all be discussed in order to facilitate your decision-making. This step will also help defining an approximation of the budget needed if you don’t have one yet.

Step 2: Design Development 
Depending on your decision-making process with the various details to study and choose from, on the need for additional meetings, on the designer’s work load, on the time of the year, allow anywhere from 1-3 weeks for this creative process. 

Step 3: Preliminary Design Review
When your design will be complete, the Designer will review with you all the details and note all needed corrections. Allow anywhere from 1-2hours for this meeting. 

Step 4: Final review
A final Design & layout presentation (handmade or computerized renderings), costs & delivery possibilities will be presented here in order to have your approval. At this stage, 70% of our customers decide to get started this same day, therefore, be prepared to have your checkbook with you or any financing information in order to sign a contract. 

Step 5: Measurements & Templating
Measurements are taken by the cabinetmaker for guarantee purposes. During this meeting, before pictures are taken and any potential issues are spotted. Sinks and faucets must have been purchased at this stage. Templating Cannot be done without them.


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STAGE 3: Kitchen Production & Installation

Step 6: Purchase
All products are ordered. The production process depends on the product line purchased. Allow an average of 3 to 5 weeks for delivery. The Designer will be in touch with you approximately 1 week prior to the installation date in order to confirm any last minute details.

Things to Remember:
While you are waiting for your cabinets to arrive, start preparing your “temporary kitchen” or easy to prepare meals (if you are also ordering custom countertops). 

Step 7: Installation is Scheduled
It is not necessary that you be home during the entire installation process, but you will be required to be there to let the team in and at the end of the process for the final walk through so that you can verify the job is completed to your standards and sign the final paperwork. 

Please note that because unforeseen issues can arise, this could change the installation date. An important point to keep in mind when deciding to use vacation days off work for this process. Installation can happen as soon as 24hrs and up to 7 days after cabinet delivery. In the event that you have not been contacted 1 week prior to your delivery date, please reach out to your Designer.

Step 8: Cabinet Installation
Installations are typically completed within 2 days, depending on the size of the kitchen. We strongly suggest you to be there in case of any unforeseen contingencies as well as for the final walk through and of course to let the installers inside your home ! 

Step 9: Countertop Templating
When your cabinet installation is completed, your countertops can be templated. Allow 1 to 4 weeks for the delivery & installation of your countertops. The average delivery time is anywhere between 7 to 10 days depending on product inventory. Be prepared to live without your official countertops during this transitional last phase.

Step 10: Temporary Countertop Installation
This phase can be arranged with your contractor or you may consult our blog on “setting up a temporary kitchen”. Preparing in advance can make this time much easier and eliminate stress for your family.


Step 11: Backsplash Installation
Next phase is the installation of your backsplash. Once your countertops are installed, the Designer will reach out to you in order to set up a date to schedule this last installation. Allow 1-2 days for this.

Step 12: Finishing Touches
Have a last round by yourself on the following day in order to make sure that everything is functional and to your liking ! 

CONGRATS ! You’ve got a new kitchen!

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