Step-by-step kitchen renovation workbook to guide you from planning to punch list—complete with checklists, timelines, and materials tracking.

PHASE 1: Concept & Planning

Goal: Establish the foundation for your renovation by identifying your kitchen’s pain points, clarifying goals, setting your aesthetic direction, defining scope, budget, and timeline, and assembling your professional team.

Typical Duration: 2–4 weeks (can be longer depending on planning needs and team availability)

Note: This phase sets the stage for every decision that follows. Take the time to think deeply about how your kitchen should function, feel, and support your lifestyle. The more clarity you gain now, the smoother the design and construction phases will be.

Project Goals & Planning

• [ ] Reflect on lifestyle changes, pain points, and reasons for renovating
• [ ] Define primary goals (e.g., more storage, better flow, resale value)
• [ ] Begin to identify your design concept and desired kitchen aesthetic
• [ ] Draft a preliminary timeline based on family/life constraints
• [ ] Research average renovation costs and timelines in your area
• [ ] Start building your professional team: contractor, cabinet designer, interior designer, etc.
• [ ] Define your Project Scope
• [ ] Start your Project Worksheet — this will become your living document for all tracked items

Define Functional Goals

What are your main objectives?

• [ ] Improve layout flow
• [ ] Add more storage
• [ ] Increase counter space