Introduction: A kitchen remodel goes faster (and with fewer headaches) when the build sequence is clear before day one. Below is a practical, Chicago-area friendly order of operations you can follow to reduce delays, avoid change orders, and keep trades from stepping on each other. You’ll see what to decide early, what to install last, and where homeowners commonly lose time and money.
Why does remodel order matter so much?
Because kitchens have more moving parts than almost any other room: plumbing, electrical, ventilation, cabinets, countertops, flooring, and inspections. If you install items out of sequence, you often pay twice – once to install and again to remove and reinstall.
If you want the bigger-picture planning view, this topic is also covered (with budgeting and value considerations) in Kitchen Remodeling Chicago: Costs, Order & Value.
What is the best order to remodel a kitchen?
Start with decisions and measurements, then permits, then demolition, then rough-ins, then close-up work (drywall and paint), then floors, then cabinets, then countertops, then fixtures, then final trim and punch list. Sticking to this sequence keeps surfaces protected and lets each trade work without rework.
Step-by-step kitchen remodel build sequence (with real jobsite notes)
1) Pre-planning: goals, layout, and “no-surprise” decisions
Before anyone swings a hammer, lock down how the kitchen will function. That means answering questions like: Are you keeping the existing footprint? Moving the sink? Adding a vent hood? Changing from a slide-in range to a cooktop and wall oven? Those choices control where plumbing and electrical must land.
Two practical tips that prevent delays:
- Finalize appliance specs early. Model numbers matter. A 36-inch fridge often needs different clearances than a 33-inch unit, and cabinet panels may depend on the exact brand.
- Decide on lighting layers now. Recessed cans, pendants, under-cabinet lighting, and toe-kick lighting all affect wiring, switching, and cabinet prep.
2) Site measure and documentation: “measure twice” is not a saying, it’s a schedule
Accurate measurements and a simple plan set (even if it’s not a full architectural package) reduce change orders. In older Chicago-area homes, expect out-of-square corners, uneven floors, and surprises behind walls. Planning for those realities keeps the schedule honest.
3) Permits and approvals (when needed)
If you’re moving plumbing, altering electrical circuits, changing ventilation, or touching structure, permits may apply. Your contractor should help you confirm what’s required for your scope and municipality. Getting this sorted early helps you avoid “stop work” delays once the kitchen is already torn apart.
4) Ordering long-lead items (do this earlier than you think)
Cabinetry, specialty countertops, custom doors, and certain appliances can take time. Even when items are “in stock,” damage replacements can add days. A clean ordering plan is one of the simplest ways to keep the build moving.
5) Protection and containment
Before demo, protect adjacent rooms, floors, and HVAC returns. Kitchens create dust fast, and dust travels. Containment also helps you live in the home with fewer disruptions if you’re remodeling while staying put.
6) Demolition (and verification of what’s behind the walls)
Demo is where assumptions get tested. Once cabinets, soffits, and old flooring come out, you can verify framing, plumbing runs, electrical condition, and any hidden damage. If something changes here, it’s better to adjust now than after new finishes go in.
7) Structural and framing work (if applicable)
If you’re opening a wall, resizing an opening, or adjusting framing for a new window or door, do it right after demo. This is also the time to square up backing for wall-hung shelves, future grab points, or heavy hood installations.
8) Rough-in trades: plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and low-voltage
Rough-ins come before closing walls. Put simply, everything inside the walls must be right before drywall goes up. That includes:
- Water supply and drain lines for sinks, dishwashers, and fridge water
- Dedicated appliance circuits, GFCI protection, and properly placed outlets
- Ventilation ducting sized and routed for the hood or microwave venting
- Optional low-voltage: under-cabinet lighting drivers, smart switches, and network needs
Multiple industry timelines describe this same “rough construction before finishes” structure. For example, CliqStudios outlines planning, demolition, rough construction, then finish construction as the cleanest progression for fewer interruptions. See their kitchen remodel timeline phases.
9) Rough inspections (when required)
If your scope triggers inspections, schedule them as soon as rough work is ready. Missing this step can freeze progress, because drywall and cabinets may need sign-off first.
10) Insulation (if opened exterior walls) and drywall installation
Once rough-ins pass, walls can close. Drywall finishing takes time because mud needs to dry between coats. Rushing here often shows later as visible seams under bright kitchen lighting.
11) Prime and paint (before cabinets, when possible)
Painting before cabinets often gives cleaner lines and faster progress. It also reduces the risk of paint splatter on new doors and hardware. If you plan a bold wall color, test it under both daylight and your planned fixtures.
12) Flooring: choose the right moment based on the material
Flooring order depends on your product and the project details. Some floors go wall-to-wall first, then cabinets on top. Others run up to the cabinet toe-kick. The right approach protects the floor and supports serviceability later.
If you’re still deciding between popular resilient options, Anthony’s Carpentry breaks it down in a clear comparison of vinyl plank vs laminate flooring.
13) Cabinet installation and layout verification
Cabinets set the geometry for almost everything you see. Installers should verify level, plumb, and consistent reveals. This is also when the jobsite should confirm exact locations for:
- Sink base and centered window alignment (if applicable)
- Dishwasher opening width
- Range and hood centerlines
- Trash pull-out clearance and traffic flow
14) Template, fabricate, and install countertops
Countertops come after base cabinets are installed and secured. Many surfaces require templating. Don’t schedule a template until cabinets are final, because small shifts can cause big fit problems at the seams, sink cutout, or backsplash line.
15) Backsplash, sink, faucet, and fixture set
Backsplash typically goes after countertops. Then sinks, faucets, and disposals get set (depending on sink type and countertop material). If you’re choosing fixtures, it helps to match function with finish and cleaning needs, not just style. For a practical selection checklist, see the guide on is remodeling a kitchen worth it when your daily-use fixtures are outdated? Start with faucet fit, finish, and features.
16) Appliances, electrical trim-out, and final plumbing connections
Now the kitchen becomes “real” again. Appliances slide in, electricians install plates and trim, and plumbers connect supply lines and drains. This is also a good moment to test:
- Every outlet and switch
- GFCI function
- Dishwasher cycle and leak check
- Hood airflow and make-up air behavior (if present)
17) Finish carpentry: toe-kicks, crown, fillers, and touch-ups
This step is where a kitchen looks custom instead of “installed.” Fillers close gaps, trim hides transitions, and careful caulk lines make it look intentional. Don’t rush it.
18) Final inspection, deep clean, and punch list
Walk the space with your contractor and write down items that need adjustment. Common punch list items include sticky drawers, a door that needs hinge tuning, paint touch-ups, or a silicone bead that needs rework.
What each phase controls
| Phase | What it affects | Why it comes at this point |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and selections | Layout, budget stability, lead times | Late changes usually mean rework or delays |
| Demolition | Access to structure and utilities | You can’t rough-in what you can’t see |
| Rough-in trades | Outlet locations, drain positions, duct runs | Must be correct before walls close |
| Drywall and paint | Wall flatness and finish quality | Messy work belongs before new finishes |
| Flooring | Height transitions, cabinet leveling, protection needs | Timing depends on material and cabinet plan |
| Cabinets then counters | Fit, reveals, countertop templates | Counters depend on final cabinet position |
| Finish set and punch list | Usability and “new kitchen” feel | Final tuning happens after everything is installed |
How can I keep costs down without cutting corners?
Control the scope, keep the layout, and spend on the parts you touch every day. That approach tends to preserve durability while still reducing surprises.
Here are a few dependable ways homeowners reduce total spend without turning the project into a compromise:
- Keep plumbing where it is when you can. Moving a sink or gas line often adds more work than people expect.
- Choose mid-range, serviceable materials. You can get great performance without chasing rare finishes.
- Limit custom changes during construction. Late changes cause change orders because multiple trades must redo work.
- Plan storage honestly. A smart cabinet layout often beats adding square footage.
Many remodel process guides stress that a clear sequence prevents rework. Best Online Cabinets notes that following the step-by-step kitchen remodel process helps avoid delays tied to out-of-order installs and last-minute changes. Read their overview of the kitchen remodel process sequence.
When should you talk to a contractor?
Talk to one as soon as you’re serious about the layout and scope. A good builder can flag code issues, confirm feasibility, and help you plan a realistic sequence for materials, trades, and inspections.
If you’re comparing companies, the safest move is to evaluate experience, communication habits, and how clearly they explain the build sequence. If you want a single team that can manage demolition, carpentry, and finish work with one plan, Anthony’s Carpentry offers end-to-end support through their highest rated kitchen remodel contractors style approach to scheduling, coordination, and craftsmanship.
You can also start by reviewing the full menu of remodeling and carpentry capabilities on the what is the best order to remodel a kitchen service overview, which helps you map your project scope to the right trades and timing.
Summary
A smooth kitchen remodel is mostly about sequence: plan and order early, demo and rough-in next, close up walls, then move into finishes like flooring, cabinets, and countertops, and finally wrap with fixtures and punch list. When that order stays consistent, you’ll see fewer delays and fewer “we have to redo that” moments. If you’d like local guidance that covers both planning and build execution, Anthony’s Carpentry can help you set a clear schedule and carry it through from consultation to final trim.
FAQ
How long does a typical kitchen remodel take once construction starts?
It depends on scope and lead times, but the construction phase usually moves fastest when selections are already made and materials are on-site. Big schedule swings come from custom items, permit timing, and layout changes after demo.
Is it okay to install cabinets before flooring?
Sometimes, yes. Many projects install cabinets first, then run flooring up to the toe-kick. The right choice depends on the flooring type, thickness, and whether you want easier future floor replacement. Your contractor should confirm the plan before install day.
How much does a good quality kitchen cost?
A reliable budget comes from your specific scope: layout changes, cabinet construction level, countertop material, appliance tier, and how much plumbing and electrical moves. If you want a clearer budgeting framework for Chicago-area projects, the pillar guide Kitchen Remodeling Chicago: Costs & Order & Value is the right next read.
How can I remodel my kitchen cheaply without regretting it later?
Keep the layout, choose durable mid-range finishes, and focus spend on cabinets and installation quality. Avoid last-minute design changes once rough-ins begin, because that’s where “cheap” turns into “expensive” through rework.
What should I check at the final walkthrough?
Test every drawer and door, run water at the sink and dishwasher, confirm outlets and lights work, check caulk lines at backsplash and sink, and look for paint or trim touch-ups. Write it all down, then confirm a clear plan to close the punch list.