Essential Kitchen Remodelling Checklist: What You Need to Know Before You Start

When you’ve fallen out of love with your kitchen and you’re inspired to refresh the look and feel, remodelling can be the perfect solution.

While it is a rewarding home project, it can also be complex with a lot of steps. Our team has helped refresh thousands of Calgary homes, and having a kitchen remodelling checklist is one of the best things you can do before getting started.

From defining your goals to choosing quality features like roll-out drawers, kitchen countertops, and kitchen cabinet refacing, careful planning will save you time, money, and stress.

Here’s everything you need to consider before you start.

Define Your Kitchen Goals

Before choosing finishes or fixtures, start with a clear understanding of your kitchen’s purpose. Are you remodelling to increase resale value, or is this your forever home? Think about how your kitchen functions day to day: Is there enough counter space? Do you struggle with storage? Do you want a more open concept layout or just a refresh of the existing design?

Write down your wants and needs: style, functionality, budget, timeline. Once you have a clear foundation, look for inspiration. When you know what you need, it’s easier to work with contractors and suppliers to bring your vision to life.

Set a Realistic Budget

Creating a solid budget is essential. Factor in materials, appliances, labour, and a 10–20% contingency for unexpected costs. If you don’t know where to start, get a few quotes from local contractors so you have a ballpark idea of what a transformation will cost.

A smart way to make the most of your budget without sacrificing impact is by opting for kitchen cabinet refacing instead of a full replacement. Refacing keeps your cabinet boxes but updates the doors, drawer fronts, and surfaces for a dramatic transformation at a fraction of the cost.

Explore financing options or payment plans if needed—many suppliers, like Custom Roll-Out Drawers, offer flexible solutions to help make your kitchen upgrade more accessible.

Hire the Right Contractor

A great contractor will bring your plans to life and help you avoid pitfalls. Choose someone experienced, licensed, and communicative. Ask for references and review portfolios. A contractor who understands your goals and works collaboratively can help with everything from layout adjustments to selecting the right materials for your home and lifestyle.

Select High-Impact Features

With your contractor and budget in place, it’s time to pick the elements defining your kitchen. For most remodels, the core components include:

• Cabinetry – If your layout works but your cabinets look tired, refacing is such a great option. It modernizes your space without the cost or mess of demolition.
• Countertops – Choose from durable, stylish options like quartz, granite, or laminate.
• Storage Upgrades and Accessibility – Maximize usability with roll-out drawers. These custom drawers improve accessibility and organization, especially in lower cabinets and pantries. No more reaching to the back of deep shelves.

Lighting, hardware, and backsplashes also play a key role in defining the style and usability of your kitchen, so don’t overlook the details.

Plan for Function and Flow

Beyond aesthetics, your kitchen should work well. Think in zones like prep, cook, clean, and store, and ensure your layout supports efficient movement. Upgrading your storage with features like pull-out spice racks or pot drawers can help maintain order without sacrificing space. If you’re investing in custom elements, like appliance garages or vertical tray storage, this is the time to plan them.

Prepare for the Renovation

Once everything is designed, it’s time to prep your space. Pack kitchen items, set up a temporary food prep area, and protect adjacent surfaces. If needed, secure permits and coordinate scheduling with other tradespeople. The more prepared you are, the smoother the installation will go.

Installation and Final Touches

The actual construction phase may involve demolition, electrical or plumbing updates, floor installation, and finally, the installation of cabinets, drawers, countertops, and appliances. Once complete, give everything a thorough clean and walk through your new space with the contractor to check for any last-minute changes or touch-ups.

Enjoy Your New Kitchen

Once the dust settles and the last cabinet handle is installed, it’s time to move back in and enjoy your refreshed space. Organize your storage using drawer dividers, pull-outs, and inserts to maximize your investment. Style your kitchen with personal touches like lighting, art, or fresh plants to make it truly feel like home.

An Alternative to Kitchen Renovations

There’s a fantastic alternative to kitchen renovations without blowing your budget or living through weeks of disruption. Kitchen cabinet refacing is a perfect solution if you love the layout of your kitchen.

Rather than replacing your entire cabinet system, refacing transforms the look and feel of your space by updating the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and exterior surfaces, while keeping the existing structure intact. This significantly reduces costs and renovation downtime, with most installations completed in just a few days. It also requires far less prep work and cleanup compared to a full-scale remodel.

At Custom Roll-Out Drawers, we offer a wide selection of Canadian-made finishes and styles to match your vision. Cabinet refacing is a smart way to modernize your kitchen quickly and efficiently while staying comfortably within your renovation plan and budget.

Ready to Check Every Box?

At Custom Roll-Out Drawers, we’re here to help make your kitchen remodel simpler, smarter, and more affordable. Whether you’re looking for space-saving roll-out drawers, elegant countertop upgrades, or transformative kitchen cabinet refacing, our Calgary-based team is ready to bring your vision to life.

Book your free consultation today and let’s create a kitchen that looks and works beautifully for your life.