Order of operations for kitchen update (but not renovation)

[Anonymous]

We are going to be doing a kitchen refresh this spring and would appreciate the order of operations for this project. We won’t be hiring a GC and are happy to coordinate the vendors / providers ourselves. With that said, I’m not sure which work should come first to avoid things like scratches, re-doing work, etc.

Some details:

- Keeping current layout. Cabinets are fine but want to redoor the fronts and re-stain the boxes a different color. Company we want to go with does not do anything but cabinets and cabinet hardware.

- Keeping existing appliances, they are all fine.

- Want new countertops and backsplash.

- Want new sink and faucet.

- MIGHT want a new cooktop if it’s not too expensive to run our gas line to the kitchen to replace electric cooktop with gas. We do have a gas fireplace about 30ish feet away in the family room.

So you can see that things like a new gas or even a new electric cooktop might affect what order we have the new countertops put in. Same with the new sink and faucet. Which comes first?! Please help me make sense!!

[Anonymous]

It's been years, but I did similar work. I did this:

- paint cabinets
- counter, backsplash, sink, and faucet were all by the same crew together - because they have to cut the counter to fit the sink, and cut holes in the counter for the faucet.

In your case, I'd get a quote for the gas first and then make a decision. Then do cabinets, followed by the rest.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PP! That makes sense. Many counter places look like they also sell sinks and faucets at well. Good point on the gas too.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest you look at induction cooktops if you haven't considered those. A lot of people are moving to them instead of gas (me included). I really like mine and it is better for indoor air quality than gas.

The sink and faucet are easy. Go to Ferguson's or a place like that.

Make a decision on the sink, faucet, and cooktop before the countertops are templated. You don't have to have them in hand (though I would suggest it) but the templater will need the models.

Are the new doors very expensive? Would painting be a cheaper option? You may have already done this but get a sample done by the company to make sure the results are worth it to you before you sink the money into cabinet updates. Sometimes just changing hardware, backsplash, counters, and lighting is enough. Also make sure any new stain works with the floors. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Start with the countertops, which also means deciding on the sink, faucet and cooktop so that the fabricators know what cutouts you will need. Then do the cabinets. Once all that is done decide on the backsplash. Bring samples home so that you see the tile next to your counters and cabinets.

[Anonymous]

Adding to what PPs have said, our countertop contractor also arranged for a plumber for the sink/faucet install and the plumber handled the gas connection (we already had a gas line).