Are you DIY? Or, do you have a KD and/or GC? If so, ask them how they work. If not, there are also many resources in the Library that would help. Here's what I've learned from our experiences...a very, very general synopsis of events: Generally, you would make the infrastructure changes first. This includes changing doors/windows/walls/ceilings as well as rough-ins for plumbing and electrical work. Preliminary electrical & plumbing work will need to be inspected prior to closing up walls and installing cabinets. In our case, we wanted the tile to go under the cabinets, so we put in the tile floor before the cabinets and appliances. Those who do not want to tile (or put other flooring) under their cabs & appliances sometimes wait to do the floor after the cabinets have been installed. If you do this, be sure the flooring under the cabinets & appliances will be flush with the planned finished floor...this is so (1) you can easily install/remove appliances and (2) you don't lose counter height. Some people paint before the cabinets go in...we primed walls & ceiling and then painted the ceiling. But, we're waiting to paint the walls b/c I'm still not sure what color I want to use and need to see everything installed first. Cabinets go in b/f appliances, of course. Then there's crown molding and light rail and cabinet lights (inside/under/over). Backsplash can be now or later. Appliances go in after the cabinets are installed. Then there's the toekick, furniture base, shoe molding, etc. All the finishing touches. Final electrical & plumbing inspection. Do NOT take this as gospel...it's just a general outline of what was done on our project...YMMV! HTH!

Most experienced architects will have a list of contractors they've worked with in the past. I've always talked with several contractors before choosing one, but all candidates are from a list of recommended contractors supplied by my architect. I've never had an architect steer me wrong. They know who the qualified contractors are, and they know with whom they can work successfully. In fact, when interviewing prospective contractors, I usually have the architect set up the meetings and sit in. It makes everything go much more smoothly, and ensures that the contractor is clear on all facets of the program in the event that he's asked to work up an estimate or proposal. I'm a little puzzled how an experienced architect could come up with a plan that wasn't buildable. There's sometimes a little fine tuning that needs to be done...but that shouldn't cause any major upsets. I still recommend getting your plans finalized before talking with contractors. You'll get a much more accurate estimate -- if the contractor doesn't have to include any allowances in the numbers he works up. James

If by gutted you mean the wall plaster is removed then this will be relatively easy and not expensive, you potentially could do it yourself- Roxul Safe and Sound rock wool insulation batts installed in the wall stud spaces between laundry closet and bedrooms. Same product installed in the downstairs ceiling joist spaces- leave an air gap on either side of the insulation batt- and for a little more expense have the drywallers install resilient metal channels to the bottom of the ceiling joists and install the drywall to the channels, thus isolating the drywall ceiling from transmitting sounds to the rooms above. Rock wool is mostly basalt rock basically spun like cotton candy, it is fireproof, increasing the fire resistance of your walls and ceilings and absorbs noise- hence the Safe and Sound name. You tube has some installation videos, good luck with your renovations, stay calm, things might take more time than you hope but it will be great once completed.

@orangecamera - we ended up going Tennessee Blue Stone and on the rest of the front of the house, played it a bit safe vs. cladding a section of the front of the house in wood, we put clear cedar on the underhang, around the front door, changed out the front door and got some more modern looking numbers. We loved it, and had a ton of interest when we sold the house, made a nice profit and moved cross country several years ago. Good luck!