🛠️ The First 5 Things to Do Before Starting a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel

So, you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen or bathroom—congrats! This can be one of the most exciting (and occasionally chaotic) projects you’ll take on as a homeowner. Whether you're planning to manage the process or get your hands dirty with some DIY, success starts before the first tile is pulled or cabinet is removed.

Let’s walk through the first five things you absolutely should do before your remodel begins—so you can avoid common headaches and feel confident from Day One.

1. 🧠 Get Clear on Your Goals

Before you start pinning backsplash inspiration or heading to the tile aisle, ask yourself why you're remodeling. What are you hoping to get out of this project?

Is it to:

• Update the style?

• Improve functionality?

• Fix issues like water damage?

• Add value before selling?

Knowing your why will guide every decision moving forward—from how much to spend, to which materials to use, to what layout changes make sense.

Pro tip: Write down your top 3 priorities and keep them handy. When you're faced with a dozen decisions later, you’ll have a clear filter to run them through.

2. 📸 Assess Your Existing Space

Time to play detective. Take a good look at your current kitchen or bathroom and ask:

• What do I like about this space?

• What drives me nuts?

• Where are the bottlenecks in daily use?

• Is the layout functional?

• Are there obvious signs of damage (water leaks, mold, cracked tile)?

Take detailed photos and measurements, and sketch a rough layout (even if it’s just chicken scratch). This helps you (and any pros you hire) understand what you’re working with.

Bonus points: Make a list of everything you want to change—and what you want to keep. Sometimes a simple update can make a huge difference without blowing your budget.

3. 💸 Set Your Budget (And Add a Buffer!)

Yes, budgets are the least glamorous part of remodeling—but one of the most important. Start by asking:

• What’s the absolute maximum I can spend?

• What do I realistically want to spend?

Then break it down:

• Labor

• Materials (tile, fixtures, paint, etc.)

• Appliances

• Permits

• Contingency fund (10–20% for surprises)

It’s easy to underestimate how fast costs add up, especially if you’re new to remodeling. Be honest about what you can DIY vs. where you’ll need help.

4. 👷‍♀️ Decide Who’s Doing What

Are you planning to:

• Hire a general contractor to manage the whole project?

• Hire individual subcontractors (plumber, electrician, etc.)?

• DIY parts of it yourself?

There’s no wrong answer—it depends on your skill level, timeline, and comfort with managing people. But make this decision early, because it affects everything from your schedule to how you pull permits.

If hiring professionals:Start researching now. Ask friends for referrals, read reviews, and set up a few estimates. A great contractor’s schedule fills up fast—don’t wait until the week you want to start demo.

If managing the project yourself:Understand the order of operations (we’ll get into that in another post), and be prepared to coordinate subcontractors. It’s doable! But it takes organization and time.

5. 📅 Create a Rough Timeline

Even if your start date is flexible, having a rough timeline helps everything stay on track. Think through:

• How long will demo take?

• When will materials be delivered?

• Which trades need to come in and when?

• Will you be living in the space during the remodel?

It’s also smart to avoid scheduling a remodel during major life events (like moving, hosting the holidays, or having a baby). Things almost always take longer than expected, especially if permits or inspections are involved.

If you’re DIYing, be honest about how much time you have each week to work on it. Weekends only? Evenings? Budget your energy as well as your money.

Final Thoughts

Starting a kitchen or bathroom remodel can feel overwhelming—but a little preparation goes a long way. By getting clear on your goals, knowing your space, setting a budget, making a team plan, and mapping out your timeline, you’re setting yourself up for smoother sailing and better results.

Whether you’re swinging a hammer yourself or managing the pros, these first five steps will help you feel in control—and dare we say, maybe even enjoy the process.

🛁 Ready to take the next step?Check out our post on “How to Prioritize Your Remodel Wish List” and start narrowing down your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves!