So let’s say you want to remodel your kitchen, but you’re struggling to pull the remodel budget together in order to pull it off all at once. Ideally, it’s best to have a clean slate and do all tear out and install together so you don’t have issues with things being in the way. That being the case, many people don’t have the ability to do it all at once like that. Well, you may have some options to make it less burdensome on your wallet.

Take a look at breaking up your kitchen remodel into stages and do them a chunk at a time. Some things can be logically separated and done at different times, while some really need to be done together. Below we give you some ideas on which can be separated out.

Things that Need to be Done Together

Cabinets and Related Items Stage

Assuming cabinets are part of your remodel, below are the cabinet-related items to consider timing for.

• Cabinets – The main part of your kitchen remodel, many things revolve around cabinets.
• Countertops – Countertops have to be removed when the old cabinets are, so it’s probably necessary to do the tops at the same time. It’s possible to keep your old tops for now if your new cabinets are exactly the same layout, but we recommend doing new countertops with the cabinets. Most of the time it’s not worth the effort and hassle.
• Sheetrock – If the walls where your cabinets are need work, clearly it should be done before cabinets are installed.
• Electrical – If there is electrical work required because of changes in your cabinets or appliances, it must be done with your cabinets. Some of this work is behind the cabinets and can’t be done easily after. If you have other electrical work not attached to your cabinets, you may be able to wait on that part.
• Plumbing – Plumbing work that is connected to the cabinets, like the kitchen sink, must be done with the cabinets.
• Painting – It’s much better to paint before your new cabinets go in (after old are out). For work effort and quality, you’re better off getting the painting done then.
• Structural – Structural or wall changes obviously must be done before cabinets, if the cabinets are attached to the wall that’s changing. Any other structural changes can wait if not constrained by cabinet placement.
• Flooring – There are many reasons that flooring should go in with your cabinets. Floors typically go up against the side and front of the cabinets so they are done at the same time. The exception is floating floors that could be done after the fact.

Things that Can Be Done as Separate Stage

• Appliances – Appliances can be expensive, and appliances can effectively be done any time after cabinets, with a few exceptions. You will need to know your future appliance general specs and sizes in order to ensure your new cabinets will accommodate your new appliances. In addition, if your appliances are not free standing (if they’re built in) they must be the same specs as your old ones. Otherwise they will not work with your new cabinets or countertops.
• Backsplash – Backsplash material can wait and be changed at any time with not a lot of worry.
• Lighting – Lighting is another item that can wait until later.
• Plumbing Fixtures – Most plumbing fixtures can be changed out at a later time. Again, you have to match the specs as the ones there currently if required.
• Windows / Doors – As with others, as long as they don’t affect the cabinets they can be done at any time.

When remodeling a kitchen, you can get creative on how to make your budget meet your desires for the result you want. You can be creative in many ways throughout your project. At Brakur Custom Cabinetry we are experts at knowing all about your project and can help you get it done the way you need to be completely happy and not break the bank.

If you’re ready to see how it can work for your Chicagoland kitchen, contact us here.