The Complete Kitchen Remodel Checklist

The Complete Kitchen Remodel Checklist for Atlanta Homes by Simone Feldman Designs

A clear, step-by-step checklist keeps your kitchen remodel organized, on budget, and on schedule—from early goals and measurements to the final punch list. At Simone Feldman Designs, our Complete Kitchen Remodel Checklist turns inspiration into action, coordinating layout, selections, timelines, and trades so your kitchen truly supports the way you cook, gather, and live.

With more than 40 years of residential renovation experience, Simone brings award-winning design insight and construction know‑how to homeowners in Roswell, Atlanta, and surrounding communities. She tailors the checklist to your home and lifestyle, aligning space planning, procurement, permit requirements, and site supervision to deliver a kitchen that performs beautifully and looks exceptional.

Simone's Credentials and Expertise

A checklist is only as strong as the expertise behind it. Simone Feldman’s credentials ensure every line item—measurements, codes, ergonomics, and materials—is handled with precision and care.

• Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and Certified Bath Designer (CBD) with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)
• Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), delivering accessible, future-ready solutions
• 40+ years of residential renovation experience since 1984
• Former Vice President of Educational Programs for the NKBA Georgia Chapter
• Specialty in architectural residential space planning, spanning concept design, construction documents, and on-site supervision

Together, Simone’s NKBA certifications and decades of practice reflect mastery of kitchen planning principles, building codes, ergonomics, and material performance—key competencies that make her Complete Kitchen Remodel Checklist dependable from first sketch to final handoff.

Your Step-by-Step Kitchen Remodel Checklist

Use this high-level checklist to understand the phases of a kitchen renovation. Simone manages each step from start to finish and customizes the sequence to your home and timeline:

1. Discovery & Budget: Define goals, must‑haves, and nice‑to‑haves; establish budget and contingency. Simone reviews your current space and highlights opportunities and constraints.
2. Design & Planning: Create measured drawings, optimize the layout, and build 3D visuals. Select materials, fixtures, and finishes; align lead times with the schedule.
3. Preparation: Secure permits, finalize construction documents, order long‑lead items, and plan demolition and site protection.
4. Construction: Demolition, framing, mechanical rough‑ins, and inspections. Simone coordinates trades, tracks progress, and ensures quality standards are met.
5. Installation: Set cabinets, templates and install countertops, backsplashes, flooring, lighting, and appliances. Verify clearances and specifications.
6. Final Walkthrough: Complete punch list, review maintenance and warranty info, and confirm everything operates as intended.

Most kitchen projects take eight to twelve weeks once construction begins, depending on size, scope, material lead times, and inspection schedules.

Cost of Kitchen Remodel in Atlanta

Use these ranges to build a realistic budget checklist for 2026 Atlanta projects. Your final cost depends on scope, materials, and layout changes:

• Minor/Cosmetic Refresh: $18,000 – $35,000 (paint, hardware, backsplash, countertop swap, lighting, minor updates)
• Mid-Range Remodel: $35,000 – $70,000 (new cabinets in the same footprint, countertops, flooring, appliances, fixtures)
• High-End/Full Gut Renovation: $70,000 – $120,000+ (layout changes, custom cabinetry, moved plumbing/electrical/gas, premium finishes)

Typical Atlanta projects average $150 to $300 per square foot based on finishes and complexity. Variables include cabinet construction, countertop material, appliance package, layout changes, and required structural, plumbing, or electrical upgrades.

Simone provides transparent cost planning and timeline guidance early in the process, helping you prioritize where to invest for performance and long-term value—without compromising quality.

Cabinet Decisions on Your Kitchen Remodel Checklist

On any complete kitchen remodel checklist, cabinetry sits near the top—both for function and total project spend. Simone organizes this step into clear checkpoints that evaluate capacity, construction, aesthetics, and cost so your storage works as beautifully as it looks.

Include these must-do items when selecting kitchen cabinets:

• Set a Realistic Cabinet Budget: Account for installation, trim, panels, hardware, interior organizers, fillers, and any framing or layout changes your plan requires.
• Know the Cabinet Tiers:
• Stock: Affordable, pre-set sizes and finishes with the fastest lead times—great when speed and value are priorities.
• Semi-Custom: Expanded sizes, finishes, and modifications for a better fit and look—balanced price-to-performance.
• Custom: Built-to-spec, premium construction and details—ideal for tailored storage and unique architecture.
• Confirm Lead Times: Stock may arrive in days or weeks; semi-custom often ranges 4–8 weeks; true custom can require 8–12+ weeks, so align orders with your start date.
• Evaluate Construction: Seek 3/4" plywood boxes, solid wood or plywood shelves, dovetail or sturdy joinery, and full-extension, soft-close slides for durability.
• Plan Style and Storage Together: Choose door styles (shaker, slab, inset) to match your home, and integrate roll-outs, tray dividers, spice pull-outs, and corner solutions early in design.
• Specify Quality Hardware: Soft-close hinges, full-extension drawers, and durable pulls improve daily use and extend the life of your investment.

Simone guides you through each checkbox, narrowing choices to cabinets that deliver durable value and everyday ease.

Budgeting and Financing Checklist

A complete kitchen update is a major investment, and strategic financing can help you move forward without depleting savings. Atlanta-area homeowners often consider these budget tools:

• HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): A revolving line based on home equity with variable rates—useful for phased draws as materials and labor are scheduled.
• Personal Loans: Unsecured, fixed-rate options—often up to $450,000—suited to those without available home equity and who prefer predictable payments.
• Cash-Out Refinance: Replace your existing mortgage with a larger one and use the difference for the remodel—most attractive when mortgage rates are favorable.
• Contractor Financing: Select remodeling firms offer payment plans that align with project milestones and simplify cash flow.
• Credit Cards: Useful for smaller scopes or short-term float; consider promotional APRs and pay down quickly to avoid high interest.

In Georgia, renovation financing often falls between roughly 6.5% and 14.85% APR depending on credit and product type. Simone helps you align scope, allowance planning, and payments so your checklist and budget stay in sync.

Checklist Pitfalls to Avoid

A thoughtful checklist can prevent costly errors and rework. Simone’s process highlights these common missteps—and how to steer clear of them:

• Skipping Professional Space Planning: DIY layouts may miss code clearances, ergonomics, and workflow. A certified designer validates dimensions, traffic, and appliance specs.
• Undersizing Storage: Neglecting vertical space and interior fittings leads to clutter. Plan tall cabinets, drawer banks, and purpose-built inserts from the start.
• Letting Fads Drive Big Decisions: Trend-heavy choices can date quickly. Anchor the design with timeless elements and add trends through easily swapped accents.
• Forgetting Lighting Layers: A single overhead fixture creates glare and shadows. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for balance and safety.
• Poor Appliance Zoning: Misplaced appliances disrupt flow. Confirm your work triangle or work zones with accurate rough-in locations before ordering.
• Overlooking Future-Proofing: Plan for energy efficiency, maintenance needs, and accessibility features to protect long-term value and comfort.

Simone’s comprehensive checklist standardizes decisions, verifies details at each milestone, and helps you avoid surprises from concept through installation.

Why Homeowners Trust Simone Feldman Designs

Across Atlanta, clients praise Simone’s clear, checklist-driven process for full kitchen remodels. From scope definition to final punch list, her communication is transparent, timelines are realistic, and every trade knows exactly what to deliver—and when.

On Houzz, Simone Feldman Designs is recognized as a full-service residential kitchen and bath design studio offering space planning, 3D visualization, custom cabinetry design, construction drawings, and project coordination. Expertise includes multigenerational kitchens, universal design, and sustainable specifications—all mapped to a step-by-step remodeling checklist.

Homeowners value Simone’s hands-on involvement at every phase, her balance of beauty and function, and her ability to turn a complex renovation into a calm, organized experience.

Layout Checks for Your Kitchen Remodel

Your checklist should confirm that the layout supports cooking habits, storage needs, and safe traffic flow. Simone evaluates clearances, appliance specs, and sightlines so the space works every day—not just on paper.

Popular layout options to consider:

• L-Shaped: Opens the room and uses corners smartly; flexible for adding an island and maintaining efficient movement between zones.
• Galley: Two parallel runs keep prep, cook, and clean tasks tight and fast—ideal for focused cooking in compact footprints.
• U-Shaped: Envelops the cook with generous counters and storage; best for larger rooms and multiple workstations.
• Island Layouts: Adds multifunctional space for prep, dining, and storage; ensure aisles and appliance clearances meet code.
• One-Wall (Single-Line): A streamlined solution for small homes and condos; pair with tall storage and interior organizers to maximize capacity.

For compact kitchens, L-shaped and galley plans often yield the best workflow. Simone uses 3D models to compare options, check clearances, and validate the final choice before construction begins.

Lighting Essentials for Your Checklist

Thoughtful lighting turns a kitchen into a safe, comfortable workspace and a warm gathering spot. Simone’s checklist includes a coordinated electrical plan so fixtures, switching, and dimming support every task.

Build a balanced lighting plan with:

• Ambient Lighting: Recessed or surface-mounted fixtures set the overall brightness level across the room.
• Task Lighting: Under-cabinet LEDs, pendants over islands, and focused fixtures at sinks and ranges illuminate work surfaces.
• Accent Lighting: Inside-glass cabinet strips, toe-kick lights, and decorative pendants add dimension and highlight design features.
• Natural Light: Maximize windows and reflective finishes to boost daylight and reduce energy consumption.

In smaller kitchens, adding under-cabinet and reflective surfaces can make the space feel brighter and more open without major structural changes.

Pro Tips for Your Kitchen Remodel Checklist

Simone’s decades in kitchen design inform these practical, checklist-ready tips:

• Start with storage: Plan tall cabinets, deep drawers, and organizers first so every inch works hard.
• Choose well-built cabinetry: Quality boxes and hardware influence function, longevity, and resale value.
• Match counters to lifestyle: Select materials that fit your cooking, maintenance, and durability expectations.
• Layer lighting: Blend ambient, task, and accent lighting for comfort and safety at all times of day.
• Design for the future: Favor energy efficiency, easy-care finishes, and features that support aging-in-place.
• Partner with a certified pro: A CKBD-certified designer ensures ergonomic, code-compliant, and high-performing results.