1. Discovery, measurements, and priorities

The first stage documents the existing room and the reasons for changing it. Measurements, photographs, utility locations, adjacent spaces, and known conditions create the starting point. Your priorities should distinguish essential improvements from preferences that can flex with the budget.

This is also the time to discuss how your household uses the kitchen. Cooking habits, storage, gathering, accessibility, and future plans can affect the layout as much as the cabinet style.

2. Layout, selections, and a defined scope

Design work turns priorities into drawings and decisions. Cabinet plans, appliance specifications, island clearances, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and finish materials need to agree with one another. Where useful, 3D visualization can make proportions and sightlines easier to evaluate.

Before construction, the proposal should identify included work, product selections or allowances, exclusions, and the change-order process. Finalizing long-lead selections early helps prevent a demolition date from outrunning the materials needed for installation.

  • Confirm appliance sizes and utility requirements before final cabinet approval.
  • Coordinate sink, faucet, dishwasher, and plumbing locations.
  • Review lighting, switching, outlets, and under-cabinet details.
  • Document flooring transitions, paint, trim, and adjacent-room repairs.

3. Permits, preparation, construction, and closeout

Required permits and inspections depend on scope and municipality. Once the plan is ready, prepare the home for dust protection, limited kitchen access, deliveries, and work interruptions. Our kitchen preparation guide covers a temporary kitchen and household logistics.

Construction usually moves through demolition, required structural or trade work, inspections, surfaces, cabinetry, counters, fixtures, and finishes, with the exact sequence set by the project. A final walkthrough reviews the completed details and any remaining adjustments. To discuss this process for your home, visit Laghmich kitchen remodeling.

From planning to a defined scope

Discuss your kitchen remodeling project

Use these guides to prepare, then talk through your home, priorities, and the work involved with Laghmich.

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Questions about this topic

When should kitchen materials be selected?

Aim to make key selections before demolition, especially cabinets, appliances, fixtures, and products with longer lead times. This supports a more accurate scope and reduces avoidable sequencing problems.

Does every kitchen remodel need a permit?

Not every cosmetic update has the same requirements. Structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work commonly triggers permits, but the city and actual scope determine the answer.

Can I stay home during the kitchen remodel?

Many households do, but it depends on the scope and your needs. Plan for dust, noise, utility interruptions, and a temporary place to prepare food before work begins.

About the author

Written by the Laghmich design-build team

This guide was prepared by the Laghmich Design & Remodeling team — a family-owned, licensed and insured Minneapolis design-build firm with 25+ years of remodeling experience across the Twin Cities. More about our team and approach · Editorial policy.