Short answer. Plan in 12 steps: define problems, set budget, decide scope, sketch layout, pick cabinet tier, lock appliances, pick counters and finishes, plan plumbing and electrical, screen contractors, submit permits, order cabinets, set up temporary kitchen. Start 4 to 6 months before you want construction to begin.
Planning is the difference between a kitchen remodel that finishes on schedule and on budget and one that drags on for a year with constant change orders. The 12 steps below take homeowners from initial idea to broken ground in the right order. Skip any step and the project suffers.
Step 1: Define what is not working today
Write down 5 to 10 specific problems with the current kitchen. Not enough counter space. Outdated cabinets. No island. Bad lighting. Dishwasher placement. The list drives every design decision later. Vague goals produce vague results.
Step 2: Set a realistic total budget
Budget kitchens in Los Angeles run $35,000 to $55,000. Mid-range runs $55,000 to $95,000. Luxury runs $100,000 and up. Anchor on real cabinet pricing for the tier you want. Add 10 to 15 percent contingency for unforeseen conditions.
Step 3: Decide on the scope
Three scope levels: cosmetic refresh (same layout, new finishes), layout adjustment (rearrange within existing walls), and major remodel (wall removal, addition, or structural change). Match scope to budget realistically.
Step 4: Sketch the new layout
Even a rough hand sketch helps. Mark the locations of the sink, range, refrigerator, dishwasher, and island. Verify clearances: 42 inches on work aisles, 36 inches on circulation aisles. Place outlets, lighting, and switches.
Step 5: Pick the cabinet tier and door style
Stock, semi-custom, or full custom. Door style: flat slab, narrow shaker, traditional shaker, inset shaker, beaded inset. Color and finish. Visit a showroom in person before ordering. Photos lie about color and texture.
Step 6: Lock the appliance package
List specific brand and model numbers for the range, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, range hood, and any built-in units. Cabinet design depends on these. Lock them before any cabinet drawings.
Step 7: Pick counters, backsplash, and flooring
Counter material and edge profile. Backsplash material and pattern. Flooring material if changing. Each affects the others visually. Use real samples on site in your kitchen lighting before committing.
Step 8: Plumbing and electrical plan
List every change to the existing plumbing and electrical. New sink location. Dishwasher relocation. Range hood ventilation path. Under-cabinet lighting circuits. Island outlets. Tie this list to the layout so nothing is missed during rough.
Step 9: Screen contractors and get bids
Get three bids from licensed contractors. Run the CSLB license lookup on each. Call three completed kitchen references for each. Compare bids line by line. The lowest bid is almost never the best contract.
Step 10: Submit for permits
Permits required for any plumbing, electrical, or layout change. Plan check at LADBS or local department typically runs 4 to 10 weeks. Submit complete and code-compliant drawings on day one to avoid correction rounds.
Step 11: Order cabinets and lock the schedule
Cabinet lead time runs 6 to 10 weeks for semi-custom and 10 to 16 for full custom. Order at the same time permits are submitted so the two arrive on schedule.
Step 12: Set up temporary kitchen and move out essentials
Microwave, kettle, toaster oven in another room. Move out fragile items and food. Clear cabinets and counters one week before demo. Plan a meal strategy for the construction window.
Final planning checklist before construction starts
- Total budget signed off, including 10 to 15 percent contingency.
- Final drawings approved by all decision-makers in the home.
- Cabinets ordered with a confirmed delivery date.
- Counter material selected and the fabricator scheduled to template after cabinet install.
- Appliances ordered with confirmed delivery to the project address.
- Permit issued by the building department.
- Contract signed with milestone-tied payment schedule and clear change order language.
- Temporary kitchen set up. Food and fragile items moved.
For real prices, see kitchen remodel cost in Los Angeles. For schedule, read kitchen remodel timeline. For mistakes to avoid, see 11 kitchen remodel mistakes. To start, open the kitchen remodeling service page.
