Kitchen Planner Checklist

SAN JOSE — Planning a new kitchen is no easy task, especially if it’s your first major home remodeling project. Use the following checklist to address the various aspects of your new kitchen.

Floorplan: Your kitchen is the hardest working room in your house, so spend time considering the functionality of the space. Most people base their floorplans on a triangle design, often referred to as the “work triangle.”

Appliances and plumbing: Since these are roughed in during framing, you’ll need to know early on what these items will be and where they’ll be located. Whether you use gas or electric will also factor into the planning phase.

Cabinetry: This will be one of the biggest line items in your remodeling budget. Since cabinets provide the framework for how your kitchen operates, it’s important to carefully consider the design.

Countertops and tile: These surfaces provide another layer of color in a room. However, in addition to how they look, it’s important to consider durability and functionality when making your choice.

Flooring: Hardwood, tile and luxury vinyl tile are the most popular materials for kitchen flooring. Be sure to consider the flooring transitions from the kitchen to adjacent rooms, noting any discrepancies in height.

Lighting: Rather than having one big overhead light, a kitchen should have layered lighting to serve a variety of purposes. General lighting, task lighting and decorative lighting should all be in the mix.

Paint: This can be one of the most difficult choices to make when designing a kitchen. Remember to consider not only the wall paint but trim and ceiling colors and finishes as well.

Cabinetry hardware: This final decorative element will put the finishing touch on your kitchen space.