When Remodeling a Kitchen, What Comes First? Start Smart With This Guide

Thinking about a kitchen remodel but overwhelmed by where to begin? You’re not alone. Many homeowners in Plano, Texas find themselves scratching their heads and asking, “When remodeling a kitchen, what comes first?”

It’s a great question – and one you definitely want to get right.

Starting in the correct order is the key to a smooth kitchen renovation. It saves time, keeps costs in check, and helps you avoid costly mistakes that could throw your entire project off track.

We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to walk you through the kitchen remodel process, so you can confidently tackle your remodel with clarity and direction.

The Correct Order for a Kitchen Remodel: Why It Matters

Before diving into demo day or picking out the perfect backsplash tile, it’s essential to understand the correct sequence of your kitchen renovation. The right steps, taken in the right order, make all the difference.

A well-organized kitchen remodel:

• Helps avoid costly delays
• Makes better use of your remodeling budget
• Improves coordination between trades like plumbing, cabinetry, flooring, and electrical
• Reduces the risk of rework or damage to installed features
• Ensures your remodel meets local building codes in Plano
  
  

Now, let’s answer the big question…

What Comes First When Remodeling a Kitchen?

The first thing to focus on when remodeling your kitchen is initial planning. Before any dust flies, you should know exactly what your vision is and how each part of the process will unfold.

That means tackling:

• Your kitchen design layout
• A realistic timeline
• Setting a remodeling budget
• Choosing materials and appliances
  
  

This early stage will shape the rest of your kitchen transformation.

Initial Planning: Laying the Groundwork

Use this stage to clarify your goals. Ask yourself:

• What’s not working with my current kitchen?
• Do I need structural changes or mostly cosmetic updates?
• What storage, countertop, and appliance upgrades do I want?
• What’s my ideal kitchen design style?
  
  

Meet with a kitchen designer or remodeling expert who understands the local layout and code requirements. Professional input during the kitchen design phase ensures your vision is functional and buildable.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remodel a Kitchen in the Right Order

Whether it’s a simple update or a full kitchen remodel, here’s the correct order to get started and complete the project efficiently.

Create Your New Kitchen Plan

Start by finalizing your dream kitchen plan with a detailed floor plan. Consider:

• Cabinet layout
• Appliance placement
• Workflow (the classic “kitchen triangle”: sink, stove, fridge)
• Lighting, HVAC, and outlet locations
• Materials for countertops, cabinets, flooring, and backsplash
  
  

Get system drawings created and have a team evaluate any structural changes.

Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

Before demolition begins, set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in your house. This makes daily life manageable during the renovation.

Clear Out Your Kitchen

Remove everything from the old kitchen:

• Cabinet contents
• Appliances
• Wall décor
• Light fixtures
  
  

This gives your team a clean slate to work with.

Demolition of the Old Kitchen

This is the fun (and messy) part. The demolition includes:

• Tearing out old cabinets
• Removing outdated flooring
• Disconnecting appliances and plumbing
• Pulling down damaged drywall
  
  

Your remodeling contractor will handle this safely while prepping for what comes next.

Plumbing and Electrical Work

One of the common kitchen remodel myths is saving electrical and plumbing work for the end.

Big mistake.

Plumbing and electrical rough-ins need to happen now. This includes:

• Moving or adding plumbing lines for the sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator
• Upgrading wiring for lighting, exhaust fans, and new appliances
• Installing outlets and smart switches
  
  

This is also the time to install HVAC ducts or ventilation if needed.

Inspection and Building Permits

Once rough-ins are in place, an inspection with the Plano building authorities ensures everything is up to code.

Tip: When hiring a contractor, confirm they understand local building permits and will manage inspections properly.

Insulation and Drywall

Next, the walls go back up!

• Install insulation where needed
• Hang new drywall
• Apply drywall mud and sand for a seamless, even finish
  
  

This creates the clean backdrop for your kitchen’s new look.

Painting

With the drywall finished, paint the kitchen walls and ceiling before installation of cabinets or any flooring. Painting now reduces cleanup and protects your finishes.

Install New Flooring

If you’re wondering, “flooring first or cabinetry first?”, the answer is: install new flooring now, before most built-ins.

Installing your new flooring helps:

• Avoid awkward cuts around cabinets
• Allow future flexibility for layout changes
• Give a clean, cohesive look
  
  

Choose durable floors that handle spills, heat, and foot traffic well. Tile, luxury vinyl planks, and engineered hardwood are all popular for kitchen flooring installation in Plano homes.

Cabinet Installation

Now comes the star of the show – the kitchen cabinet install.

Install your base and wall cabinets once the new floor is in. Custom cabinetry should fit perfectly around your plumbing, window frames, and appliances.

Include features like:

• Deep drawers for pots and pans
• Pull-outs and organizers
• Soft-close mechanisms
  
  

Proper cabinet installation ensures symmetry, alignment, and function.

Countertop Installation

Countertop fabrication usually requires a template, made after cabinets are set. Popular countertop options include:

• Granite
• Quartz
• Solid surface
  
  

Coordinate your countertop material with your cabinet color, backsplash style, and flooring choice for a seamless look.

Backsplash and Finishing Touches

Once counters are in, it’s time to install your backsplash. This adds personality and protection from splashes.

Then come the finishing touches:

• Sink and faucet connection
• Hardware installation (knobs, pulls)
• Lighting fixtures
• Touch-up painting

Install New Appliances

The final big step: bring your new appliances into place.

Now’s when the kitchen really starts to look complete. Install and hook up:

• Oven and range
• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Ventilation hood
  
  

After this step, you’re almost ready to use your kitchen again.

Common Kitchen Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing what to tackle first when remodeling a kitchen gives you a big advantage. Here are a few things we’ve seen go wrong when homeowners rush in:

• Skipping initial planning – Leads to missed details and poor layout decisions
• Not accounting for lead times – Custom cabinetry, flooring, or countertops can take weeks or months to arrive
• Flooring too late – Trying to install flooring after cabinets can add costs and complexity
• Incorrect appliance placement – Ignoring proper spacing or codes for ventilation
• Failing to get permits – Could result in delays, fines, or having to redo non-compliant work
  
  

Planning a kitchen remodel with a clear timeline and expert advice helps you avoid costly setbacks.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Kitchen Remodel Process