Kitchen Remodel Checklist for Greater Cleveland Homeowners

The path to your dream kitchen doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—that’s what we’re here for!

Our kitchen remodel checklist is designed to make sure you’ve got every step covered, from refreshing your kitchen’s style to adding those clever storage features. Starting your remodel on the right foot is key, so we’ve put together a guide that covers it all: figuring out the exact upgrades your kitchen needs, choosing the right kitchen remodel contractor, and exploring the latest kitchen update ideas.

Whether you’re tackling a complete kitchen remodel or just updating a few things in your Cleveland area home, you’ve come to the right place for expert advice and fresh inspiration. Let’s make your kitchen the heart of your home again!

How to Plan Your Cleveland Kitchen Remodel

So, you're ready to dive into a kitchen remodel but wondering where to start? Let's kick things off by figuring out what changes will turn your kitchen into a space everyone in your household loves.

Your mission: create a kitchen that flows smoothly, offers plenty of room, and has enough storage to keep those countertops clutter-free. To get the ball rolling on your kitchen renovation checklist, ask yourself these key questions:

• Is my kitchen style stuck in the past and doesn't match my personal taste anymore?
• Does the kitchen feel cramped? Are we constantly bumping into each other while cooking or just going about our day?
• Am I fighting a losing battle with storage? Overflowing cabinets making it tough to find space for everything?
• Is the kitchen designed with long-term safety in mind? Should I incorporate aging-in-place features?
• Is my kitchen dimly lit or lacking that natural light vibe?
• Does my kitchen meet my cooking needs? Do I have enough space for all my favorite appliances and gadgets to whip up delicious meals?
• Does my kitchen layout follow the Golden Triangle Rule for maximum efficiency?
• Would a walk-in pantry or a back kitchen give me the extra storage and workspace I need for entertaining?

As you think about these questions, jot down notes to highlight what's not working in your current setup. This is your first step in the kitchen remodel checklist that will guide you through how to remodel a kitchen tailored to your needs.

Planning ahead with these kitchen renovation tips ensures you're focusing on the upgrades that will make daily life and entertaining more enjoyable. Whether it's kitchen upgrade ideas like adding more storage or reconfiguring the layout, knowing your priorities helps you communicate effectively with your kitchen remodel contractor.

How to Design Your Kitchen Remodel

Now that you’ve figured out what’s not working in your kitchen and what’s missing, it’s time to dive into the exciting part: designing your dream kitchen. This is where you get to explore everything from style choices to practical features that’ll make daily life smoother and more enjoyable.

Kitchens are one of the most complex rooms to remodel because there are so many elements to consider—remodeling kitchen cabinets, choosing finishes, picking out appliances, and handling all the necessary electrical and plumbing updates.

For instance, changing your kitchen layout might mean moving plumbing and electrical lines, while expanding your space could extend the construction timeline and require more finishes, like new flooring or countertops.

When remodeling a kitchen, it’s important to understand that these adjustments can impact both the timeline and budget. But don’t let that stress you out!

A solid design-build team can take the headache out of the process, making your kitchen renovation smooth and satisfying. Here are a few key things to consider for your kitchen renovation checklist:

• Countertops
• Cabinets and storage solutions
• Backsplash options
• Appliance selections
• Lighting fixtures
• Flooring materials

Careful planning and the right team will turn your complete kitchen remodel into an exciting transformation. Whether you’re gathering kitchen update ideas or deciding on finishes, a thoughtful approach ensures your new kitchen not only looks great but functions better, too.

Balancing Style and Functionality in Your Kitchen Remodel

When planning a kitchen remodel, keep in mind that style alone won’t cut it. Your kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in your home, so functionality needs to be just as much of a priority as the style.

Thankfully, a great design-build team will help you create a space that’s both beautiful and practical, meeting all of your household’s needs. Here are some key kitchen renovation tips to consider:

• Adjust the layout for better flow
• Expand the kitchen or create an open floor plan
• Incorporate aging-in-place features for long-term safety
• Add extra storage for better organization
• Integrate smart features for added convenience and safety

These are just a few of the many aspects your designer will guide you through to make sure your kitchen remodel is a success. To stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed, download and print the kitchen remodel checklist we’ve created to help you kickstart the process.

What Is a Realistic Budget for a Kitchen Remodel in Cleveland?

When planning a kitchen remodel in the Cleveland area, setting a realistic budget is one of the most important steps. It will directly impact the quality of finishes and any structural changes, like layout adjustments or expansions, you want to make.

A good rule of thumb is to invest around 15% of your home’s current value into your kitchen remodel. This ensures you're adding value without over-investing.

However, there are exceptions. If your kitchen is in significant disrepair or you’re planning a major expansion, you may need to go beyond the 15% rule to cover those extra costs.

Before diving in, think about where your financial investment is coming from, how this remodel will affect your home’s value, and what your vision will realistically cost. A design-build team can be a huge asset here, helping you balance kitchen upgrade ideas with your budget to get the most out of your investment.

To help you get started, we’ve broken down average kitchen home improvement costs specific to Cleveland to give you a clearer picture of what to expect. 

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen in Cleveland?

Wondering what a kitchen remodel in Cleveland will cost? It all depends on how far you want to take your project. From simple updates to full-blown structural changes, the scope, quality of finishes, and condition of your kitchen will impact the price tag. Let’s break it down:

A Midrange Kitchen Remodel

For a solid kitchen remodel that rejuvenates your space, plan to spend $80,000 on average. This covers essential kitchen upgrade ideas like new countertops, backsplashes, new paint, and updated fixtures (think sinks, faucets, and lighting). You can also upgrade flooring and refresh kitchen cabinets without changing the layout. Have the space to spare? Add an island for more prep space, added storage, and more seating. It’s perfect for giving your space a stylish new look with a practical budget.

An Upscale Kitchen Remodel

Stepping it up a notch, a budget of $150,000 allows for custom cabinetry, high-end materials, and built-in appliances. Here, you can also change the layout to improve functionality while creating a more personalized, polished kitchen. This kitchen remodel checklist lets you create a space that’s modern and highly functional.

A Gourmet Kitchen Remodel

What’s the Biggest Expense in a Kitchen Remodel?

When you’re diving into a kitchen remodel, expect your cabinets to take a big chunk of your budget—about 25%. But there’s a good reason for that. Cabinets need to be sturdy enough to handle the weight of all your dishes, cookware, and pantry items, while also looking great and staying functional over time.

Remodeling kitchen cabinets might feel like a big investment, but it’s one that seriously pays off in both function and style. Want to make the most of it? Consider custom cabinets that boost organization and efficiency. Here are some kitchen upgrade ideas to take your storage game to the next level:

• Hidden in-drawer outlets and USB ports
• Lower drawers with built-in dividers
• Pull-out lower shelves
• Pull-down upper shelves
• Pull-out kitchen bins
• Motion-activated inner cabinet lights
• Corner drawers
• Toe-kick drawers for baking sheets

Upgrading your cabinets with these clever features will not only make your kitchen renovation more practical but also elevate the overall design and daily convenience of your kitchen space.

How to Find Your Design-Build Team for Your Kitchen Remodel

Choosing the right design-build team is one of the most important steps in your kitchen remodel. A solid team will guide you through the entire process, from concept to completion, ensuring that your vision comes to life while staying on budget and schedule. Here’s how to find the best design-build team for your project:

Read Reviews

Start by reading reviews from past clients to get a sense of a team’s reputation. Look for consistent feedback on communication, craftsmanship, and overall satisfaction. Read lots of reviews to find the patterns in what people are saying about the company. Real experiences can give you a clearer picture of how the team works and if they’re the right fit for your kitchen remodel.

View Portfolios

Next, explore the team’s portfolio. Check out their previous kitchen home improvement projects to see their style, attention to detail, and the types of kitchen renovations they specialize in. Look for diversity in the projects, like small kitchen update ideas or more elaborate, complete kitchen remodel transformations. This will help you determine if their past work aligns with your vision.

Schedule Consultations

Finally, schedule consultations with a few design-build teams. This is your chance to ask questions, discuss your project, and gauge how well they understand your needs. A great design-build team will listen, offer creative kitchen renovation tips, and walk you through how to remodel a kitchen with a clear plan. This consultation will also help you decide if their communication style, budget planning, and overall approach match what you’re looking for.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodeling Team

Starting a kitchen remodel can feel like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be stressful with the right plan in place. Our kitchen remodel checklist helps ensure that every detail—from choosing modern appliances to designing a layout that flows perfectly—is carefully thought out.

At Payne & Tompkins Design - Renovations, we’re here to turn your kitchen vision into reality. We make sure every aspect of your remodel is tailored to your needs, fits your budget, and adds serious style to your home.

We specialize in creating client-focused, detailed plans that boost both the value and functionality of your kitchen. Ready to kick off your dream kitchen project?

Get in touch with Payne & Tompkins, and let’s start designing and building the expertly crafted kitchen you’ve always wanted!

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