How to Renovate a Kitchen

Step-By-Step Guide To Renovating Your Kitchen

Remodeling a kitchen can be easy with the right planning, labor, elements and design ideas in place!

Our comprehensive kitchen renovation guide will show you how to budget for your renovation, cover renovation costs and offer some money-saving tips. We’ll describe the importance of hiring qualified professionals to get the job done, choosing the best kitchen appliances and materials to meet your needs, plus we’ll cover some of the latest trends in kitchen design. Use our guide as your go-to resource and a to-do list as you begin your kitchen renovation.

The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in the household to renovate, capable of providing a large return on investment. We know you have a big job ahead, and although it may feel overwhelming at times, you can turn your kitchen dreams into a reality. 

Kitchen Renovation Categories

There are many different aspects to planning a kitchen renovation, so we’ve arranged everything into four key topics. Click on the section you are interested in or keep scrolling to read all about the renovation process:

Planning A Kitchen Renovation

Figuring out a budget, finding design inspiration and considering needs vs. wants goes a long way during the planning stage of your kitchen renovation project. It is important to have a clear vision going into the renovation because time is money. Each time you change your mind, you may face delays, changed work orders, tapped-out budgets and frustrated contractors.

Check out our helpful resources below, and reference our handy checklist to affirm you are on the right track.

Kitchen renovation timeline
Kitchen renovation checklist
Budgeting for kitchen renovations
Kitchen design trends to be aware of

Start Planning

How to hire contractors and designers for a kitchen renovation

Hiring Labour

Qualified professionals produce quality work. Be warned: hiring a disreputable contractor or being your own DIY contractor may cost you more money and wasted time in the long run. Check out our resources below to learn more about finding kitchen contractors and interior designers. We’ll explain why it’s important to interview candidates and provide a list of questions you should ask them. Curious about the necessary building permits you’ll need to complete your remodeling project? The right contractor will be able to obtain the proper permits for you.

We’ll also cover how to have clear expectations with all designers and subcontractors in order to be as satisfied with the end result as possible.

How to find kitchen contractors
Questions to ask contractors
Pros and cons of general contractors
Do I need an interior designer for my kitchen remodel?
When do I need a kitchen permit?

Best Hiring Practices

Essential Elements to Include in Your Kitchen Renovation

Considering All Kitchen Elements

In this section, explore our recommendations for selecting each of the main elements in your kitchen remodel, including the oven, range, refrigeration, lighting, flooring, sink and more. We’ll dive into cabinetry types and hardware styles, cooking appliance considerations and how to choose a countertop material, while keeping your budget in mind. When purchasing appliances, consider energy efficiency to save money on operating costs, as well as the ease of operation and cleaning.

Choose the best quality kitchen materials you can afford, and reference each of our resources for specific tips and considerations.

Kitchen sink and faucets
Kitchen countertops
Kitchen flooring
Kitchen appliances
Kitchen cabinets & hardware
Kitchen lighting and fixtures
Eat-in kitchens

Kitchen Elements

Discover new design elements to incorporate into your kitchen.

Finding Design Inspiration

You’ll spend a lot of time in your renovated kitchen, so you’ll want to make sure that the space is practical and functional to meet your needs and catches your eye for all the right reasons. Think about what currently works and what doesn’t, as well as what needs to be a priority in your renovated kitchen. Consider the layout of the room and the main design elements you want to focus on.

Our resources below highlight some of the most popular kitchen design styles, so you can learn more about the essence of each style and discover new design elements to incorporate into your kitchen. From the kitchen cabinets, to the lighting, shelving, and decorative accents, we aim to inspire you to create a kitchen that is practical, stylish, and uniquely yours.

All Design Inspiration

For over 100 years, BLANCO has served as passionate kitchen experts. Although our niche is developing streamlined solutions around the water zone (check out the BLANCO UNIT), we are utterly obsessed with everything happening in the heart of the home. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate kitchen remodel guide covering all the major topics you’ll want to familiarize yourself with.