Sounds like you're not going to do this as a DIY project. Where you might want to start is by identifying a good general contractor; someone who has done many kitchens in the past and can show you examples of their work. If you can talk to former clients too for reference that's important.

We do not have a KD, but had a very good idea of what we wanted to do. Ours is an extension, so involves more structutal work. Even so, our GC is great and with his previous exerience, is more like a "design/build" person that just someone who sub contracts and project manages. So we have been able to work collaboratively to bring our vision to life in a practical doable way.

Depending on where you live, you might want to try referencing a site like homestars.com for starters.

HTH - Eliz

This is not a stupid question at all. This is an EXCELLENT question, one I really struggled with.

It's like a really big delicious cupcake, with a lot of frosting, and you want to eat it, but you just can't figure out how to take a bite without making a huge mess.
At some point, you just have to pick a spot, take a bite and accept that you're going to make a bit of a mess before you get it under control.

Unfortunately, there's not a single, easy answer, or a single flow chart on where to begin with your kitchen.

2 things to be doing though: 1) looking at Web sites, magazines, showrooms, every influence you can to figure out what you like and where to get it. 2) asking everyone you know for references/recommendations about contractors, craftspeople, plumbers, shops etc. Or people to stay away from. That never stops.

This is really oversimplified, but it gives you the idea:

You COULD hire a contractor, figure out what work needs to be done. Then go to cabinet showrooms that will measure/design your kitchen for free or a fee. Get quotes and pick one. The GC goes and hires all the subs and keeps track of them and makes sure everything is done on the project and in the right order, tells you what choices you need to make and when. This might be a good option for you, if you can get some recommendations.

Or you could go to an independent designer, who will design, or maybe design/build with their own team. They have their own ways of charging, by the hour or rolled into the project. Make sure it's clear before you set out. (The merits of who does the best design are often debated on this forum. Truth is it's almost always a collaborative effort, I think.)

There are some "kitchen showrooms" where you walk in and they'll design/build everything. Can be very easy, but if you don't like any part of the package (the design, or the build, or you want your own stone guy or something) then you can't so easily mix and match.

You could be your own general contractor -- going around and contacting the subs, keeping your own schedule etc. This is a bit ambitious for a first-timer, but people have done it.

Or you could hire an architect to design your kitchen, if your ideas are becoming more ambitious.

A good electrician will help you figure out where the outlets go. Don't worry about that so much.

Make yourself do stuff like go to a cabinet place you have no intention of using (tell them you're nowhere near buying so nobody's misled too much) and acquaint yourself with the kind of choices you'll have to make later on. Your choices dovetail together: the countertop guy may ask what faucet you've chosen, so he can quote you a price based on how many holes he has to drill. If you've never looked at your options, you may be thrown. "Probably a bridge with a sprayer, so 3 holes. Probably." is better than "I have no idea.". Though admitting your ignorance and asking for an explanation is the best way to learn.

I definitely had a humiliating experience or two when I had no idea what I was talking about and salespeople talked to me like I needed my mittens sewn to my jacket. And I overpaid for some stuff. Live and learn. I may make more mistakes before I'm done.

If my experience is at all typical, you'll stumble around a bit, make some mistakes before you learn your way around and the things sink in. (OH! So THAT's what they mean by full overlay!) You may even have bigger setbacks, and rally. There are many examples here.
This forum is great for the "They told me this. Is this really true?" questions. There were many ideas I became acquainted with here for the first time, so I wasn't completely taken by surprise when sales people asked me what I wanted. Confidence puts everyone at ease.

My other piece of advice: Don't buy anything until you're reasonably set on the whole design. You may absolutely love that fridge or get a great deal on tile in June, but a small layout change or a fresh inspiration in November can leave you stuck.

It IS confusing. So you don't have to make any decisions until you're less confused. There's hardly ever a need to rush into renovating a kitchen. And if there were, most people would be very disappointed!

Good luck, and welcome!

Welcome TomatoTomata!

I want to say be careful about letting electricians, plumbers, etc. make design decisions for you. Yes, they know all about the mechanical/technical side of their craft, but they don't always know about the unusual or even not normally used types of electrical, what's best functionally and aesthetically, etc. They also tend to recommend what they know or what's easiest for them...and if you know very little about something, they can easily sway you. [I suggested both pop-up mocketts and plug mold to my electrician...he never suggested it, he planned on going with what he usually does....regular outlets in the backsplash, etc. I even had to show him the Mockett site. But, to his credit, he didn't argue about it he did additional research and came up with improvements...I like to think I made him extend himself and become a better electrician!]

KDs (good ones) don't just order cabinets....they design how they will all go together, determine where you need filler & how much, help you decide what will go together/what will look poorly together/etc., and a host of other things. They will also ask questions (and listen to the answers!) to determine if you really are as happy with what you have as you could be. You may be surprised to find there is a better design out there for you (we can also help you with that, btw). They know how much things cost and (again, if they're good) help you to make good choices to stay within your budget and still get a kitchen that you'll be truly happy with.

Yes, all of these things can be found elsewhere (including here), but it really helps if you have a knowledgeable person to work directly with to tie everything together (even if they can't measure a wall!)

A "GC" (General Contractor) oversees the entire project...including scheduling subcontractors, keeping an eye on them, taking responsibility when something goes wrong (and determining who is at fault), etc. This is the role you're talking about taking on for yourself.

Your comment
...I've decided the layout of the present kitchen is just fine, I just want to replace absolutely everything with new. So I figured I don't need a designer, just a bunch of sub-contractors...
worries me somewhat.

(1) You still need a design...how else will you know what cabinets go where & what cabinets to order? Just b/c you like the layout doesn't mean your kitchen can't be improved w/different cabinet types/inserts/etc. I doubt it will be as easy as or even advisable for it to be as simple as replacing like-for-like. Things have changed a lot over the years (including sizes). And, how will you get those cabinets? Over the internet?

(2) Do you really know all that's involved? I thought I had a good handle on it but my KD thought of all kinds of things I hadn't...b/c she has done so many kitchens. [Even she didn't know everything, but that's where this site helped out as well.]

(3) If you do it yourself....you're responsible for any problems that crop up. If a mistake was made will you know where it originated from? Will you know which of the subs is responsible? (I foresee a lot of finger pointing.)

If you think you can handle all of this....then give it a shot as your own GC or even DIY if you're so inclined. I admire all those here who do become their own GC or go the DIY-route....but I know that's not for me....at least it wasn't when I started this process. I've learned a lot and might be able to pull it off on another project...but I'm not sure I would want to!

We'll be here for you if you need help!

Good luck!

My 2 cents, and that's not worth much, is this. Look at your kitchen from the working point of view. Does everything in your current kitchen function as perfectly as you'd like it to function?

For me, the lack of counter space kicks my butt every time I go to cook a meal. I have nowhere to set a cutting board and leave it set up while I knead bread for rolls or to set out ingredients to go into the mixer for an involved recipe. I also have no real storage space inside my kitchen, so I can't create a baking center or an appliance cabinet.

Your problems may be different, but this is the time to really look at the function of your kitchen and make sure the new $$$ kitchen does exactly what you need. And, you may not have to remove the entire kitchen to do it! You may be able to replace doors on the cabinets that do work, and retrofit cabinets in other areas to make them more functional.

I'm at the beginning stages, like you. What I'm spending time on right now is mentally reworking the kitchen centers and functions. I've already moved (on paper) my fridge to a few different spots and added/subtracted counters, L's, islands and extra cabinets in the dining room. Once you know what your needs are, then it's easier to work on creative solutions to those problems.

Sorry for being long-winded in delivering my 2 cents. There are tons of people here who know much more than I do about kitchen redesign and all of the bells and whistles. Good luck with your new kitchen! :)

Also, take everything you read here with a grain of salt. Everyones heart is in the right place but recognize that things that are legal (up to code) in one area/county/state may not in others. (For example, an inspector cautioned me to be careful before assuming the Mocketts would meet code in a kitchen island)

You might want to buy some magazines and see what style kitchen you love. Sometimes style speaks to a certain type of layout or cabinetry. For example, more contemporary might be more open, less upper cabs. Period type kitchens might have more floor to ceiling cabs or unfitted style. The optimum placement of these types of cabs could impact your layout. Most of all.... it's suppose to be fun... keep it fun for yourself.

My personal suggestion after two years and still not finished...and yes I'm NOT doing it myself...it's contractors :oP Is to go make yourself a batch of martini's and drink up. The headache you feel in the morning as well as that sick feeling, is much the same as you'll finish if you try to GC your own job without a plan. (Ok you'll feel that way anyhoo while the remodel is going on...but it will be worse if you don't get with someone in the business for more detailed plans).

Everyone's advice in this thread is really good. I'll just emphasize that you need to look at things - in person, if possible. Visit cabinet shops. Visit Home Depot or Expo. Multiple times! Each time you go, focus on some other aspect of what you're looking at - the cabinet colors. The door styles. The handles. What do you like about different styles, or not like.

I started a small notebook that I carried around with me. I put a subject heading at the top of each page: cabinets; countertops; floor tile; backsplashes; refrigerators; ranges; etc. Then when I went shopping, or when I learned something interesting on these forums, I took notes. (The notebook is nearly full now!)

Another thing I did was carry a digital camera with me everywhere so I could take pictures of things I liked. I took a picture of the item, and then of the display placard telling me what the item was and how much it cost. These photos were invaluable to me in remembering things from different "research expeditions" and comparing items I saw in different stores.

And I agree that you shouldn't rely on your contractor for design advice. That's not their expertise (unless you're using a design/build place or a kitchen designer). You want a contractor who's really good at the technical stuff, who's going to do a competent job and get the details right as you specified them. Which means someone with whom you can communicate well.

Uh, this was supposed to be a short message. ;-)

How to begin a remodel?

1. Pour a large glass of tequila.
2. Repeat.

As Salmon_Slayer alluded to...do your homework. We put in the Mocketts only after we (the electrician & I) had the county inspector out and showed him what we wanted to do...I even (1) took him into the computer room to check out the specs and (2) called Doug Mockett & Co. (makers of Mocketts) and he spoke to them in person.

So don't also assume something can't be done just b/c someone else couldn't do it.

I should add that if you are considering a remodel that involves, or may involve, a small amount of structural work, like removing a wall (which most people have no idea whether it's load bearing or not) you don't have to go straight to an architect, or have firmly decided on what to do before you start.

An architect or structural engineer can be called in by your designer or contractor to consult on that aspect of the plan.

Obviously, if you're thinking of an addition or something where there's a lot of structural work going on, then you'd probably start with an architect.

In my area, arguably the BEST designer happens to be an architect.

There's always a lot of backhanding between experts "Ah, those architects. They forget we have to run pipes through these walls." "Those designers are fine if all you want to do is buy cabinets, but they don't understand how construction works." Etc.

Don't let it get to you. Every design is imperfect. Everyone complains. Just say. "So what do you suggest?" and move on.

Plans evolve. I don't think anyone on this board has the kitchen they sketched in their head the first day.

It CAN be fun!

Congratulations on your remodeling decision and welcome! Your question is a good one. I second (or third . . . ) the advice you were given to shop around and investigate what is out there. You may want to start a style file which shows what type of look you are going for. In addition, you should really evaluate the functionality of your current space - small tweaks to the layout and new cabinet types can really help improve how your kitchen works. Get as many quotes as you can for cabs, labor etc - you'll be surprised at how much things can vary - be ready for some sticker shock - kitchens are shockingly expensive these days! Good Luck.

Welcome. A couple of questions. Can you be at the site everyday, all day and can you organize the cabinet installers, dry wallers, electritions, plumbers, etc., yourself and know when and where to get them all, when they need to come in and do their work at which stage of the remodel, etc.? It is a harder task than you might think.

I would ask around for a very good contractor and consult him/her. I just am finishing up a remodel of my small kitchen. I kept the layout of everything just the same (for the most part--I replaced my electric stove with a dual fuel so I had to have the plumbing for gas installed. I also changed out my flor. light fixture in the ceiling to recessed and added under cab lighting, plug mold etc.)

My contractor used a kitchen designer for my cabs, etc. I am so glad he did. While I knew what I wanted (for the most part), my KD made sure everything fit, the cupboards and drawers were what I wanted, measured everything to a tee, etc. That is so important. I have heard horror stories about ordering cabs from Home Depot or Lowe's and them not fitting, etc.

While it was tough to go through and tough to be at work everyday (had to afford this thing somehow!), I am glad I have a very detail oriented general contractor and kitchen designer. There were no surprises. Work done was quality work. I and my contactor took pictures all along so I know where every stud is, the electrical wiring, plumbing, etc. While it is not much fun going through it, it is sure nice to be on the "other side!"

Welcome!

I met my kitchen designer through a tile shop, by asking who they worked with. I interviewed several people associated with cabinet shops, and went to home depot. Just shopping around for that part of the project taught me a lot of things and helped focus the vision.

The KD I ultimately chose suggested I start by making a list with three columns: Things I love about my current kitchen, things I hate about it, and a wish list. It was a really long list, but helped me think about every part of the kitchen more objectively.

I started out knowing what kind of cabinets I wanted (or had an idea) based on a couple of display kitchens. One was at Lowe's, the other at a tile shop. If you don't know exactly what you want the final look to be, spend some time in the Finished Kitchen Blog and mark which ones get your attention. Then figure out what you like about them. Kitchen magazines are also good for this. I showed my KD photos of what I liked, and she translated that for me into cabinets. Sometimes you'll find that the overall feel of a kitchen is more influenced by the countertop and paint than the cabs, eg, and that you really don't care if the cabs are full overlay or flush/inset.

Once you get The Vision the notebook of materials and locations is invaluable. Great advice to not buy until you are sure you have all the components set in your mind. However, there is always Craigslist for the items that didn't work out: I sold my shaw's original sink on it after I changed to a black one. I was a little queasy about having it in my basement (so much money, it might break, etc) but it all worked out.

Give some thought to your cabinet types as well: How deep do you want the drawers in any given stack, how wide, and how deep do you want the uppers (standard is 12", mine are 14" and some folks have 15": The more the better, imo). Do you want all drawers? Do you have a corner to deal with? When shopping for cabinets, remember to get at least one bid from a custom shop; they are often at or below your budget and can build things any way you like.

Even if you really like your current layout, it never hurts to post it here. There are some crazy good people here who will give you new ways of looking at your space and you might find that a few changes will make your kitchen even more functional. The very best idea for my current kitchen came from this board and it breaks my heart to this day that I wasn't able to use it (DH and KD raised legitimate points, but I still envision the radical idea on occasion and dream...!).

And when you just can't figure out what to do next, post a message and you'll get a lot of support, some new ideas, and advice. One of the most important things I got from this forum has been mentioned above: Don't settle or assume things can't be done. Investigate, ask here, find out for yourself, stand firm (politely!). It can be a very empowering process, particularly if you are someone who typically goes with the flow, doesn't want to put anyone out. And try to start with your mind open to the possibilites: Things I assumed would be too expensive (new window, eg) weren't, and made a dramatic difference in the end result. If you take your time, don't get in too much of a hurry to start, and feel comfortable with your choices, you will have the best possible solution for your space and for what suits you. And you might get it done before you change your vision and start second guessing!

Here is a link that might be useful: Finished Kitchens Blog, aka FKB

I'm a newby, just a few months in the trenches putting the pieces together for my retiree Mom's under $20 000 small kitchen remodel and this little thread may have the most distilled good advice I have seen.

One of the best is not to assume that something that did or didn't work for someone else will work out the same way for you. We started at Home Depot got a terrible Kitchen Consultant and walked away. I did an internet check and found enough box store horror stories to swear not ever. Did 4 other cabinet consultations, a few stabs at a design myself with RTA product (design evolved with every free consultation - even though like you we were not changing the footprint) and was at another Home Depot buying something else and was looking at their product (which we liked) when an engaging and knowledgable Kitchen Consultant won us over enough to try HD again.

Having said that I know this Consultant isn't a CKD but that she has design background, she has been there for 2 years and this store uses only 1 installer. I asked to see an example of the installer's work and she has arranged for us to visit a recent client's home later this week. I know from the other quotes what is a fair install cost. I'm letting them quote on the countertop but I don't like who they sub-contract it to so I will probably go with one of the other counter places who already gave me an estimate.

I'm not that savvy, most of the precautionary steps I am taking I learned here, in mags or by asking questions. Inspiration pics can be complicated sometimes it helps to focus on one element you feel strongly about. For my Mom it was Shaker style cabs in an off-white between this and our budget restriction (shop a bit before you set your budget but once you have a rough idea lock it in by line item and shop to it - got a $500 backsplash budget you better only look at around $5.00 a square foot tile or you won't be able to afford the install - build in at least a 15% contingency to your overall budget) made it pretty easy to narrow down the cabinet choices.

We are hoping it will be installed by December, I may be here complaining about what a disaster it has been but it won't be because we didn't try to do the right things.

Appliances - you need to choose your appliances before you can purchase cabinets is the general rule.

Good luck and try to enjoy the process - if you don't like part of the process try to hand it off to someone else who enjoys it. My Mom has picked everything for her kitchen but I identifid most of the product and shopped the lowest price for her (she hates to shop).

tomatotomata, Great question, I'm doing the same exact thing as you, everything new and hiring my own subs. I think there is another informative thread about which order to do things.

After spending hours reading this forum and checking out web sites and magazines I feel much better informed to forge ahead. I started reading this forum back in May and realized I needed a plan and a design (which I changed 3 times). It's now September and I'm just picking out cabinet doors which for me has been the hardest choice. I'm not getting the kitchen of my day dreams but one that fits a cabin in a rustic setting which I know will be beautiful just the same.