A kitchen renovation goes wrong most often in the gaps: an appliance that does not fit, a worktop ordered before the units are in, a final payment made before the snags are fixed. This checklist runs in the order the jobs depend on each other, from the brief and budget to snagging.
It does not give prices, timings or legal rules, because these vary by place and by job. Where it matters, the notes tell you what to ask and where to check. Copy it into Tatask and the phases are dated from today. Stretch the dates to match your own supplier lead times.
What's in this plan
See every step
Plan and budget(day 0)
Write down what is wrong with the current kitchen
Be specific: too little worktop, poor lighting, awkward layout. This is what the new design has to fix.
Write a one-page kitchen brief
Paste this into an AI assistant to turn your wishes into a one-page brief.
Prompt to copy
Help me write a one-page kitchen renovation brief. Ask me questions about how we cook, who uses the room, storage problems and must-haves, then summarise. Do not suggest prices or give legal advice.
Set a total budget and a separate contingency
Builders often find surprises once old units come out. Many people hold back a contingency; decide your own figure and keep it apart.
Decide whether to keep or move plumbing, gas and electrics
Moving services costs time and money. Keeping them where they are is the simplest way to protect the budget.
Check what permissions you need
Structural changes, gas work and some electrical work have rules that vary by place. Ask your local council or building control, and check official guidance for your area.
Check your home insurance and any lease terms
Tell your insurer about major works, and if you rent or lease, get written permission from the landlord or freeholder first.
Design and choose(day 14)
Measure the room, windows, doors and services
Include ceiling height and where pipes, the boiler and the consumer unit sit. Photograph each wall too.
Sketch 2 layouts and compare how you would cook in each
Walk through making a meal in each one. The path between sink, hob and fridge matters more than the style.
Book 2 or 3 kitchen showroom or designer visits
Take your brief and measurements. Free design appointments are common, but ask before you go.
Choose cabinets, worktops and flooring
Choose appliances and check their sizes and power needs
Confirm each fits the planned space and that your electrics and gas supply suit it.
Choose taps, sink, lighting and handles
Agree a final design and itemised plan in writing
Hire and confirm(day 35)
Get 3 written quotes for the fitting work
Ask each firm for a written quote on the same scope so you can compare them fairly.
Paste this into an AI assistant to draft the request.
Prompt to copy
Write a short, polite email asking a kitchen fitter for a written quote. Say I have a brief and a drawn layout attached, and ask what is included, the start and finish dates, and what insurance they hold. Do not guess any prices. Leave details I have not given you as <blanks>.
Check each tradesperson's references and insurance
Ask to see recent kitchens they have fitted, and speak to at least one past client.
Confirm gas and electrical work is done by registered professionals
Check the register that applies in your country, such as Gas Safe in the UK or your local licensing body.
Sign a written contract with scope, dates and payment stages
Pay in stages tied to finished work, not all upfront. Say what happens if the job overruns.
Apply for any permissions or building control sign-off needed
Order and prepare(day 56)
Order cabinets, worktops and appliances with delivery dates
Lead times vary, so ask each supplier for a confirmed date and book them to land just before fitting starts.
Check every order against the design plan
Compare model numbers, sizes, finishes and handing of doors before anything is paid for in full.
Plan a temporary kitchen away from the work area
A kettle, microwave, a small hob or slow cooker and a washing-up bowl cover most weeks.
Arrange where deliveries will be stored
Tell neighbours the start date and expected noise
Empty cupboards and pack everything you will not need
Strip out and first fix(day 84)
Clear the room and protect floors and doorways
Turn off and cap services with the fitter
Remove old units, worktops and appliances
Ask your fitter whether they dispose of the old kitchen. Some charities collect usable units.
Check the walls, floor and ceiling once exposed
Take photos before anything is covered. Agree any extra work in writing before it starts.
Complete first fix plumbing and electrics
Get any building control inspection booked and passed
Plaster, floor and fit(day 98)
Book the plasterer and let the walls dry before decorating
Follow the plasterer's advice on drying time before painting.
Fit the floor or prepare the subfloor
Fit the wall and base cabinets
Check the worktop template, then fit the worktops
Worktops are usually cut to a template after the base units are in, so allow a gap in the schedule.
Fit the sink, taps and appliances
Complete second fix electrics and gas connections
Fit splashback, tiles and lighting
Finish and sign off(day 126)
Walk the room with the fitter and list every snag
Photograph each one. Open every door and drawer, run every tap and test every appliance.
Get the electrical and gas certificates
Ask for the paperwork for any notifiable work and keep it with your house records.
Pay the final invoice only after snags are fixed
Keep warranties, manuals and receipts in one folder