PHASE 4

Pre‑construction & Site Preparation

walkthroughs, permits, scheduling, job‑site rules, floor protection and packing.

• [ ] Final pre‑construction walk‑through – Meet with your contractor and any key trades to walk the space one last time. Confirm the project start date and projected timeline, review the installation sequence (cabinets, tile, counters), and verify that all necessary permits have been obtained.
• [ ] Job‑site binder and documents – Prepare a binder to leave on site with final kitchen plans, appliance specs, fixture and finish schedules and your project worksheet. This helps ensure everyone is working from the same information.
• [ ] Site logistics – Arrange for dumpster placement, parking access and delivery coordination. Discuss where materials will be staged and who will meet deliveries.
• [ ] Work rules & access – Establish clear rules for work hours, site access (keys or lockbox) and cleanliness expectations. Decide how to communicate change orders or questions during construction.
• [ ] Clear the kitchen – Pack and remove all kitchen items from the renovation area. Label boxes and move them to a safe storage space. Remove any existing art, window treatments or furniture you plan to reuse.
• [ ] Temporary kitchen & household arrangements – Plan a temporary kitchen setup (microwave, fridge, coffee station) and identify spaces that will be impacted by construction. Arrange for dust protection and safety measures for pets and children.
• [ ] Floor protection & dust containment – Prior to demolition, install floor protection (e.g., Ram Board) and plastic zip walls or negative air machines to contain dust in the construction zone.
• [ ] Utility disconnection – Coordinate with your contractor to disconnect plumbing, electrical and gas lines as needed to make demolition safe.
• [ ] Reuse decisions – Identify any fixtures or materials you intend to salvage (doors, hardware, cabinetry, light fixtures) and remove them before demolition begins.
• [ ] Safety & security – Decide whether to notify neighbors about potential noise/disruption and establish protocols for job‑site security and after‑hours access.

Demolition & Structural Changes

• [ ] Protect adjacent spaces – Set up dust barriers around rooms that aren’t part of the renovation and confirm any necessary floor protection extends into these areas.
• [ ] Remove existing elements – Take out appliances, cabinetry, countertops, flooring and wall coverings slated for replacement.
• [ ] Execute structural changes – Remove or modify walls, soffits or doorways according to the approved plan; frame in new openings if you’re adding windows or enlarging doorways.
• [ ] Cap utilities – Safely cap plumbing and electrical lines to avoid accidental use during demolition.
• [ ] Dispose of debris – Coordinate dumpster pickup or haul‑away services to keep the site clean.