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How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel: A Step-by-Step Guide
Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most exciting ways to transform your home, and also one of the most complex. From structural changes to cabinetry selection, there are a lot of moving parts. That’s why knowing how to plan a kitchen remodel is the first and most important step toward avoiding delays, cost overruns or design regrets.
For homeowners in Montgomery County and the surrounding Philadelphia suburbs, local permitting, contractor availability and even regional style preferences can all influence your remodel. At Sterling Kitchen & Bath, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate this journey successfully with expert design guidance, quality cabinetry and a collaborative approach from start to finish.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your remodel with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Define Your Goals and Budget
Before you pick out a single tile or cabinet door, it’s important to clarify your goals. Are you planning a full gut renovation or simply upgrading finishes and fixtures? Do you want to change the layout, or just improve functionality?
Once your goals are clear, set a realistic budget. In the Philadelphia area, a mid-range kitchen remodel typically runs around $77,000, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report. That figure includes cabinetry, appliances, flooring, lighting and labor. We always recommend including a 10–15% contingency to handle hidden issues like outdated wiring or plumbing behind the walls.
Start by prioritizing what matters most, whether it’s maximizing storage, improving traffic flow or choosing premium finishes. Aligning your budget with your priorities early on makes the rest of the process much smoother.
Step 2: Gather Inspiration and Choose a Style
A successful kitchen starts with a strong vision. Build a mood board using platforms like Pinterest or Houzz, or browse design magazines to see what resonates. Better yet, visit one of our Sterling Kitchen & Bath showrooms in Hatboro, Conshohocken or other Philadelphia-area locations to explore cabinetry lines in person.
For homeowners who want to get hands-on with design ideas before visiting a showroom, we offer the “Color Your Room” Kitchen Visualizer Tool from Omega Cabinetry. It’s a user-friendly tool that lets you experiment with cabinet colors, countertops, backsplashes, flooring and wall colors, all from your phone, tablet or computer. You can choose from three professionally designed kitchen layouts, customize every surface, and even email your design to yourself or our team.
This tool is especially helpful for narrowing down finishes and creating a clear visual of your future space before making final decisions.
Locally, popular kitchen design trends include modern farmhouse kitchens, open-concept layouts, and statement islands with seating. Warm wood cabinetry is back in style and pairs beautifully with natural stone or quartz countertops. Gathering inspiration now makes future selections easier and more focused.
Step 3: Find the Right Professionals
Kitchen remodeling steps are easier to manage when you’re working with the right team. A licensed general contractor with experience in your local area is essential, especially since most counties require permits for structural, plumbing or electrical changes.
Ask for references, look through past project photos and make sure your contractor is insured. Then, bring in a kitchen designer who understands space planning and cabinetry functionality. That’s where our team comes in—we specialize in cabinetry design and work with top cabinet lines like KraftMaid, OMEGA, Kemper, Aristokraft, Wolf and MANTRA, many of which offer features like soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves and child-safe hardware.
The right pros help you stay on budget, on schedule and on vision.
Step 4: Design and Layout Planning
Now it’s time to get into the heart of your kitchen: the layout. We always start by thinking through the work triangle—the functional flow between your sink, stove and refrigerator. A well-planned layout saves steps and improves cooking efficiency.
Storage is another key factor. Deep drawers, corner solutions, vertical dividers and custom pantry options all help maximize every square foot. Especially in older Philadelphia-area homes, smart cabinetry design can make a world of difference.
The importance of kitchen lighting should be planned early, too. Consider task lighting under cabinets, ambient lighting from ceiling fixtures and accent lighting for display areas or open shelving. A balanced lighting plan makes your kitchen both functional and inviting.
Working closely with your designer, contractor and cabinet supplier ensures your layout supports both daily life and long-term goals.
Step 5: Permits, Scheduling and Timelines
In most counties, permits are often required for plumbing, electrical and structural work. Each township may have different requirements, so it’s important to check with your local office during the planning stage.
Here’s a general kitchen remodeling timeline:
- Planning and design: 1–2 months
- Permits and material ordering: 3–5 weeks
- Construction: 4–8 weeks, depending on scope
Keep in mind that summer is peak remodeling season, so start early to reserve your preferred contractors and delivery windows. Building flexibility into your schedule, and your mindset, can help avoid stress if unexpected delays or changes arise.
Step 6: Prepare for Construction
When it’s time to start building, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are a few steps to make the transition smoother:
- Set up a temporary kitchen with essentials like a microwave, mini fridge and coffee maker
- Use dust barriers to protect adjacent rooms
- Remove valuables and clear out cabinets in advance
- Check in regularly with your contractor for updates and decisions
Even the best-planned projects can run into surprises, especially when remodeling historic homes with hidden plumbing or structural quirks. That’s why we always suggest building in budget and time buffers to keep things on track.
A Smooth Remodel Starts with Smart Planning
If you’re wondering how to plan a kitchen remodel, the answer lies in clear goals, realistic timelines and a team you can trust. From setting a budget to choosing finishes, working with professionals who understand local permitting and design challenges helps turn your vision into reality.
At Sterling Kitchen & Bath, we support homeowners with personalized design consultations, high-quality cabinetry and tools like the Color Your Room Visualizer to help you plan with confidence.
With the right guidance, your kitchen remodel can be more than just a project, it can be a transformation that brings lasting value and everyday joy to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the first step in planning a kitchen remodel?
The first step in planning a kitchen remodel is defining your goals and setting a realistic budget. Start by deciding if you want a full renovation or a cosmetic refresh, and then prioritize what’s most important, like layout changes, storage, or updated cabinetry.
- How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A typical kitchen remodel can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks for construction, plus 1 to 2 months for planning, design, and permitting. Timelines can vary depending on the scope, contractor availability, and local permitting requirements.
- Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen in Pennsylvania?
Yes, most kitchen remodels in Pennsylvania, especially in Montgomery County, require permits for plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. Always check with your local township to understand which permits you need before beginning construction.
- How can I visualize my new kitchen design before remodeling?
You can use Sterling Kitchen & Bath’s “Color Your Room” Visualizer Tool to explore kitchen layouts, cabinet colors, countertops, and backsplashes before making any decisions. It’s a great way to test different styles and send your favorite designs to your contractor or designer.
