When Remodeling A Kitchen, What Comes First?

Step 1: Planning and Design

The success of a kitchen remodel hinges on the first, crucial step: meticulous planning and design. At High Touch Remodeling, we understand the importance of this foundational phase and are dedicated to guiding you through it with precision and creativity.

Setting Clear Goals

Before any demolition begins or tiles are chosen, it’s essential to set clear goals for the new space. What do you want your kitchen to reflect? Is it a vibrant gathering spot for friends and family, a serene culinary haven, or a blend of functionality and style? Identifying your goals early in the planning process ensures that every subsequent decision aligns with your overall vision, making the path forward clearer and more focused.

Collaboration with Design Experts

At High Touch Remodeling, our design team is at the heart of our planning process. Collaborating closely with you, we bring your kitchen dreams to life, ensuring every element from layout to lighting reflects your unique taste and lifestyle.

Navigating Permits and Regulations

Part of our design and planning phase includes navigating specific building codes and regulations. Obtaining the necessary permits can be a complex process, but with High Touch Remodeling, you’re not alone.

Finalizing the Design Plan

After setting your goals and getting the permits, you’ll work on a final design plan. This isn’t just a drawing—it’s a detailed guide for creating your new kitchen, covering everything from appliance placement to cabinet style. It helps ensure that every step is clear and that the end result matches your vision, combining quality and design beautifully.

Step 2: Demolition and Structural Changes

Before any demolition work starts, it’s crucial to prepare. We recommend setting up a temporary kitchen space elsewhere in your home. This way, your daily life experiences minimal disruption. High Touch Remodeling will work with you to ensure everything from your precious china to your morning coffee setup is safely stored away from the construction zone.

Navigating Structural Changes with Expertise

In some kitchen remodels, the layout of the kitchen itself changes. This might involve removing walls to create an open-plan space or adding new ones to better define areas. Structural changes can also include adjusting the plumbing and electrical layouts to suit the new design.

Safety and Efficiency

Safety during demolition and structural changes is paramount. We implement rigorous safety protocols to protect both our team and your home. Efficiency is also key. By planning this stage carefully, we minimize downtime and keep your project on schedule. Our goal is to transition smoothly to the next phase of your kitchen remodel, bringing you one step closer to the kitchen of your dreams.

Step 3: Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC

Plumbing Upgrades

Los Angeles homes often hide outdated plumbing that needs attention. High Touch Remodeling approaches each project with a keen eye for detail, ensuring that drains, water lines, electrical lines, and gas lines are perfectly positioned and updated to meet current codes. This step is crucial, especially if you’re planning to reconfigure your kitchen layout or add a feature like an island sink.

Electrical Enhancements

It’s important to consider adding more outlets to ensure that your kitchen can safely power high-end appliances. Always put more outlets than you think you’ll need.

HVAC Considerations

Comfort is key in home remodeling. For a kitchen that stays cool, especially through Los Angeles’ hot summers, a well-functioning HVAC system is crucial. High Touch Remodeling assesses your current setup, suggesting improvements to keep your kitchen comfy all year while keeping energy efficiency and style in mind.

Step 4: Framing and Drywall

Framing: The Skeleton of Your Kitchen

Framing isn’t just about building walls; it’s about shaping your kitchen’s look and how it works. Our team knows how to make the most of Los Angeles homes, making sure your kitchen layout is just right. Whether it’s adding an island or letting in more light, we customize the framing to fit what you need, making your kitchen both beautiful and practical.

Drywall: Smooth Foundations for a Stunning Finish

Moving from framing to drywall installation is a big step in remodeling your kitchen. This stage transforms your kitchen from a bare frame to a space that feels like part of your home. Installing drywall properly is key because it makes your walls smooth and ready for painting or any other finish, setting the stage for your kitchen’s final look.

Step 5: Flooring Installation

Choosing the right flooring is a big deal when remodeling your kitchen. It’s not just about picking a pretty color; you need to think about how much foot traffic your kitchen gets, how often spills happen, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. There are lots of options like hardwood, which looks classic but needs care to avoid water damage, tile that’s tough and easy to clean, and vinyl, which is affordable and can look like more expensive materials.

Step 6: Cabinet and Countertop Installation

Selecting Cabinets and Countertops

The selection process is foundational. It involves choosing materials and designs that fit your lifestyle and the architectural style of your home. The options are vast, from sleek, modern cabinets to classic marble countertops, each offering different benefits in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The goal is to find a balance that ensures your kitchen is not only visually appealing but also efficiently serves its purpose.

Precision in Installation

The accuracy of installing cabinets and countertops cannot be overstated. Even minor errors can lead to functional issues, like misaligned cabinet doors or uneven countertops. Precision ensures that every element fits perfectly, enhancing the kitchen’s overall functionality and appearance. Modern installation techniques and tools play a crucial role in achieving this precision, ensuring that every detail, from the smooth operation of cabinet doors to the level placement of countertops, is meticulously executed.

Step 7: Finishing Touches (Painting, Backsplash, Appliances)

Painting

Choosing wall colors is about setting the mood and matching your kitchen’s look. The right paint should go well with your cabinets, countertops, and floor, making the whole space look unified. Think about what feel you want in your kitchen—bright and airy, or maybe something bold—and pick colors that last and look great.

Backsplash

The backsplash is like your kitchen’s piece of art. It’s there to keep walls clean from splashes but also to add a splash of your personality. Whether you like classic tiles or something more modern, picking the right backsplash adds character to your kitchen and ties the design together.

Appliances

Finally, choosing the right appliances is key to a modern kitchen’s look and function. You want appliances that not only look good with your kitchen’s design but also work well for your cooking needs. Placing them right is important for your kitchen to be as functional and stylish as possible.