When clients start planning a kitchen remodel, one of the most common—and most important—questions is: What comes first? The order of operations is not just a technical detail; it affects your budget, schedule, and how smoothly your project runs. At Solid Remodels & Restorations, we follow a structured sequence so every trade knows when to step in and your kitchen comes together efficiently and correctly.
Step 1: Planning, Design, and Budget Alignment
Before anyone swings a hammer, the first “real” work is planning. This is where you and your contractor clarify:
- Layout changes (moving walls, windows, or appliances)
- Cabinet design and storage needs
- Appliance selections and their exact specifications
- Countertop, flooring, and lighting concepts
- Budget range and priority items
Getting these decisions made up front is critical because every downstream step—plumbing, electrical, framing, and even inspections—will follow this plan. Changing your mind after rough-in work is done is possible, but it’s more expensive and disruptive.
Step 2: Permits and Pre-Construction Prep
Once the design is locked in, your professional contractor will:
- Pull necessary permits for electrical, plumbing, gas, and structural work
- Coordinate engineering if walls or loads are changing
- Set a project schedule and order long-lead items (cabinets, windows, custom pieces)
- Protect adjacent spaces with dust barriers and floor coverings
This stage sets your project up to move steadily rather than constantly stopping and starting due to missing approvals or materials.
Step 3: Demolition of the Old Kitchen
With plans and permits in place, demolition comes next. This is a controlled process—removing:
- Old cabinets and countertops
- Appliances
- Flooring, soffits, and sometimes drywall or partial walls
A professional team will demo carefully to protect structural elements and identify hidden issues like outdated wiring, damaged subfloors, or old plumbing that needs replacement. What they discover here can slightly adjust the next steps, but because the overall plan is in place, decisions are made quickly and clearly.
Step 4: Framing, Rough Plumbing, and Rough Electrical
After the space is opened up, the “behind-the-walls” work happens:
- Adjusting framing for new walls, openings, or a larger island
- Running new plumbing lines and drains for sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators
- Updating and adding circuits for lighting, outlets, and modern appliances
- Rough HVAC changes such as vent moves or new exhaust locations
This is where the early design work pays off. Because appliance locations, sink placement, and lighting plans were finalized in Step 1, rough-in work can be done once, correctly, rather than reworked halfway through the project.
Step 5: Inspections, Insulation, and Drywall
Once rough work is complete, inspections are typically required to ensure everything meets code. After passing inspection, your contractor will:
- Install any needed insulation
- Hang and finish drywall
- Prime walls and ceilings
Getting this done before cabinets and finishes go in provides a clean, solid shell for the rest of the project.
Step 6: Flooring, Cabinets, and Countertops
The next steps are all about structure and function:
- Install flooring (depending on material and project strategy)
- Set and level base and wall cabinets
- Template and fabricate countertops once the cabinets are in place
Cabinet layout must be accurate because it drives countertop fabrication, backsplash layout, and final plumbing and electrical fixture locations. This is where precise measuring and professional installation make a visible difference.
Step 7: Finish Plumbing, Electrical, and Final Details
With cabinets and counters installed, the project finishes with:
- Sinks, faucets, garbage disposals, and appliance hookups
- Light fixtures, switches, and outlet covers
- Backsplash installation
- Trim, hardware, paint touch-ups, and punch-list items
By following this order, your contractor avoids damaging finished surfaces with “late” rough work and keeps your investment protected.
When you work with Solid Remodels & Restorations, you’re not just hiring someone to install cabinets—you’re partnering with a team that understands the full sequence of a kitchen remodel and manages it for you. If you’re ready to remodel your kitchen and want professionals who know what comes first, second, and last, contact Solid Remodels & Restorations. Our team of professional home remodel contractors will guide you through each step and deliver a kitchen that’s as well-built as it is beautiful.