Planning steps, permits, hiring, timelines and financing for your project.
Once you have a rough budget, the next question is how to actually get a remodel done. This section walks through the process in order: defining scope, gathering measurements and photos, deciding between a design-build firm, a general contractor or a do-it-yourself approach, and collecting the bids you need to compare.
You will also find guides on permits and the documents you should have in hand, how to vet a contractor (licenses, insurance, references and contracts), what a realistic timeline looks like from the first sketch to the final punch list, and how to pay for the work with savings, a home equity line of credit, a personal loan or a renovation mortgage.
Requirements differ by state, county and city, and many rules are set locally. Treat these guides as a map of the questions to ask and the offices to contact, then confirm specifics with your local building department and state contractor licensing board. The financing calculator and the pre-project checklist can help you turn the guides into a concrete plan.
Getting Started
Choose a kitchen remodeler with confidence: compare designer, design-build and general contractor models, verify license and insurance, check references and review the contract.
Getting Started
Compare ways to pay for a kitchen remodel, including savings, HELOCs, home equity loans, personal loans, cash-out refinancing and renovation mortgages, with a worked payment example.
Getting Started
A practical step-by-step guide to starting a kitchen remodel: set goals and budget, measure the room, plan the layout, collect bids and sign a solid contract.
Getting Started
When a kitchen remodel needs a permit, which rules apply (electrical, plumbing, lead-safe work) and the contracts, insurance and paperwork to collect before you start.
Getting Started
How long a kitchen remodel takes, phase by phase: design, ordering, demolition, rough-in, inspections, cabinets, counters, finishes and the final walk-through.
