The Complete Kitchen Remodeling Planning Checklist for Maine Homeowners

A successful kitchen renovation starts long before demolition day. The more decisions you make before construction begins, the smoother the project will run and the fewer surprises you'll encounter.

Use this checklist to organize your ideas, priorities, and must-have features

meeting with your contractor.

1. Define Your Goals

Before discussing finishes or appliances, identify what isn't working in your current kitchen.

Ask yourself:

• What frustrates you most about

  the current layout?

• Do you need more storage?

• Do you need more countertop space?

• Is the kitchen too dark?

• Is entertaining difficult?

• Is traffic flow a problem?

• Are appliances outdated?

• Is the kitchen disconnected from surrounding rooms?

Write down your top three priorities.

2. Kitchen Layout & Function

Workflow

• Does the layout support how you cook?

• Is the refrigerator conveniently located?

• Is there enough prep space?

• Is the sink location practical?

• Is the dishwasher positioned correctly?

Island Planning

• Do you want an island?

• Is there enough room for one?

• How many people need seating?

• Do you need electrical outlets in the island?

• Will the island include a sink or microwave?

Storage Needs

• Pantry cabinet

• Walk-in pantry

• Appliance garage

• Deep pot drawers

• Baking sheet storage

• Spice storage

• Recycling center

3. Cabinet Selection

Cabinet Construction

• Solid wood

• Plywood construction

• Particleboard construction

Cabinet Style

• Shaker

• Flat panel

• Traditional raised panel

Cabinet Features

• Soft-close drawers

• Soft-close doors

• Full-extension drawer slides

• Pull-out shelves

• Corner cabinet solutions

• Drawer organizers

• Trash and recycling pull-outs

Cabinet Finish

• Painted

• Stained

• Natural wood

• Two-tone cabinets

4. Countertops

Material Options

• Quartz

• Granite

• Marble

• Butcher block

• Soapstone

Planning Questions

• What edge profile do you prefer?

• How much seating overhang is needed?

• Is stain resistance important?

• Is low maintenance important?

5. Sink & Faucet

Sink

• Single bowl

• Double bowl

• Farmhouse sink

• Undermount sink

Faucet

• Pull-down spray

• Touchless faucet

• Pot filler

Additional Features

• Garbage disposal

• Soap dispenser

• Filtered water faucet

• Instant hot water dispenser

6. Appliances

Cooking

• Gas range

• Electric range

• Induction range

• Wall ovens

Ventilation

• Range hood

• Microwave hood combination

• Exterior venting

Refrigerator

• Standard depth

• Counter-depth

• Built-in

Other Appliances

• Dishwasher

• Beverage refrigerator

• Wine refrigerator

• Drawer microwave

7. Lighting Plan

Many kitchens are underlit. A layered lighting plan creates a more functional space.

Ambient Lighting

• Recessed lighting

• Flush mount fixtures

• Pendant lighting

Task Lighting

• Under-cabinet lighting

• Sink lighting

• Island lighting

Controls

• Dimmer switches

• Smart lighting controls

Light Color

• Warm white (2700K–3000K)

• Neutral white (3500K)

• Cool white (4000K+)

8. Electrical Planning

• Enough countertop outlets

• Island outlets

• Appliance circuits

• USB charging outlets

• Under-cabinet lighting power

• Future appliance needs

9. Plumbing Considerations

• Refrigerator water line

• Dishwasher connection

• Ice maker connection

• Pot filler

• Accessible shutoff valves

10. Backsplash Selection

Materials

• Ceramic tile

• Porcelain tile

• Natural stone

• Slab backsplash

Design Choices

• Tile size

• Tile pattern

• Grout color

• Full-height backsplash

11. Flooring

Flooring Options

• Hardwood

• Luxury vinyl plank

• Tile

• Engineered hardwood

Questions

• Waterproof flooring needed?

• Slip resistance important?

• How will flooring transition to adjacent rooms?

12. Windows & Doors

• Keep existing windows?

• Replace windows?

• Add larger windows?

• Window treatments needed?

• Appliance door clearances verified?

13. Ventilation

Proper ventilation protects cabinets, paint, and indoor air quality.

• Exterior vented hood?

• Hood size appropriate for cooking equipment?

• Acceptable noise level?

• Makeup air requirements reviewed?

14. Storage Planning

Where will these items live?

• Trash can

• Recycling bins

• Broom and mop

• Vacuum

• Small appliances

• Pet food

• Cleaning supplies

15. Construction Planning

Before construction starts:

• Final selections approved

• Appliances ordered

• Long-lead materials ordered

• Temporary kitchen plan established

• Budget contingency established

16. Final Walkthrough Checklist

Before project completion:

• Cabinets adjusted

• Hardware tightened

• Appliances tested

• Plumbing tested

• Electrical tested

• Paint touch-ups completed

• Warranty documents collected

• Extra paint saved

• Extra tile saved

• Appliance manuals organized

Need Help Planning Your Kitchen Remodel?

A well-planned kitchen renovation eliminates surprises, controls costs, and creates a space that functions beautifully for years to come. If you're considering a kitchen remodel in the Portland, Scarborough, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, Saco, or Biddeford area, we're happy to help guide you through the planning process.