30 Planning Tips
The first step of a successful project? Knowing what you want

Far too often, residential remodeling projects are comprised of hasty decisions, last-minute compromises and—ultimately—regrets that can’t be remedied. Avoid these unfortunate outcomes by first outlining your goals for the project, as well as your game plan. Taking the time—before you do anything else—to figure out these particulars will save you time and money down the road.

Logistics
1. How much do I want to be involved in the planning and coordination of the project?
2. Do I fully trust the professionals I’ve hired? Have I checked their references thoroughly?
3. How will my family function during the remodeling? If necessary, will I be able to set up a temporary kitchen someplace else?
4. How long can I stand to live in a construction zone?
5. How soon will the work start? When can I realistically expect it to be completed?

Finances
6. Will the changes I am planning increase the resale value of my house?
7. Will the improvements be in line with other houses in my neighborhood?
8. Which new amenities will I use the most and which can I eliminate to save money?
9. Is it possible to update any of the existing elements instead of replacing them?
10. Can I do any of the work myself? Will I be risking the results by taking on any of these tasks?

Layout
11. What are my favorite features in my current kitchen or bath? Can I maintain them?
12. What are my least favorite? What can I do to minimize or eliminate these aspects?
13. How many people will use the new space? Will there be more than one person cooking at a given time? How about cleaning up?
14. Will I use the kitchen frequently for entertaining? Should the kitchen be just a staging area for parties, or a place for guests to gather as well?
15. Are my parties and gatherings usually casual or more formal?
16. Is there enough room in the current space to accommodate the changes I want to make? If not, is an addition financially and logistically feasible?
17. If an addition is not possible, can I annex space from an adjacent room or hallway? Perhaps there’s an underused closet or pantry nearby.
18. Will the plumbing and electric lines need to be moved?
19. Are there structural features (likes stairs or load-bearing walls) that cannot be moved? Is it possible to work around those obstacles?
20. Does the space get enough light? If not, is it possible to add windows or skylights?

Details
21. What new features do I want? What are my priorities and what can I do without?
22. Which existing features can remain? Which do I even want to keep?
23. What kind of overall look do I want for the space? How can I make sure that the style suits the rest of my house?24. What types of countertops and flooring will best meet my needs and budget?
25. Do I want built-in cabinets, or freestanding storage pieces? How about a combination of the two?
26. Can I create storage that’s tailored to the particular items I’ll be keeping there? What areas tend to get cluttered?
27. Do I need more task lighting above counters or around the mirror?
28. What personal touches do I want to incorporate into the design?
29. Do I want the latest look in appliances, fittings and cabinets, or would I prefer something more timeless?
30. Are there any furnishings or accessories that I want to be sure to accommodate? A collection of pottery, for example, or a treasured old farm table?