Introduction
Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most popular home improvement projects, allowing you to update the look and functionality of one of the most important rooms in your house. However, a full kitchen remodel can be expensive and disruptive. Doing the renovation in stages is often a smarter approach, allowing you to spread out the work and costs over time. Here is an in-depth look at how you can remodel your kitchen in phases.
Planning Your Phased Kitchen Remodel
Before beginning any work, it’s important to come up with a master plan for the remodel. This will help you break the project into logical stages and give you an idea of the overall budget. Consider the following:
- What are your priorities? Make a list of the aspects of the kitchen you most want to update, like cabinets, countertops, flooring, etc. Tackle these items first.
- What areas make the most sense to group together in each phase? Some examples:
- Phase 1: Cabinets, countertops, sink, faucet
- Phase 2: Flooring, lighting, painting
- Phase 3: Appliances, backsplash, accessories
- How far apart do you want to space out each stage? Doing them 6-12 months apart allows time to save up again in between.
- Will you need to take out a line of credit or get a loan to finance the remodel over time? Factor in these costs.
Phase 1: Cabinets and Countertops
For many homeowners, upgrading the cabinets and countertops makes the biggest impact in a kitchen update. Focusing on this area first can totally transform the look and feel of the space.
Work Involved
- Remove existing cabinets and countertops
- Patch/repair walls and flooring as needed
- Install new cabinet boxes and hardware
- Install new countertops
- Install new sink and faucet
Costs
- Stock cabinets: $2,500 – $5,000
- Semi-custom cabinets: $6,000 – $15,000
- Solid wood cabinets: $15,000 – $30,000
- Laminate countertops: $1,000 – $2,000
- Quartz countertops: $2,500 – $4,500
- Granite countertops: $3,500 – $5,500
- Labor (demolition, installation): $3,000 – $7,000
With a combination of mid-range stock cabinets and quartz counters, expect to spend $10,000 – $20,000 in this phase. Luxury materials can push it up towards $30,000+.
Phase 2: Flooring and Lighting
With the bones of the kitchen complete, Phase 2 focuses on some of the finishing touches:
Work Involved
- Remove old flooring
- Install new flooring (hardwood, tile, vinyl plank, etc)
- Paint walls and trim
- Install new light fixtures
Costs
- Hardwood flooring: $4 – $8/sq.ft installed
- Ceramic tile: $5 – $15/sq.ft installed
- Luxury vinyl plank: $3 – $5/sq.ft installed
- Painting: $500 – $2,000
- Lighting: $500 – $2,000
For a medium-sized kitchen of 150 sq.ft, expect around $5,000 – $10,000 in this phase. Splurging on hardwood or high-end tile can increase costs.
Phase 3: Appliances and Finishing Touches
The final phase completes the new look for your kitchen:
Work Involved
- Install new appliances
- Add backsplash tile
- Install accessories like pendant lights, shelves, etc
Costs
- Appliance package: $3,000 – $8,000
- Tile backsplash: $1,500 – $3,000 installed
- Other accessories: $500 – $2,000
With mid-range appliances and tile backsplash, budget $7,000 – $10,000. Commercial-grade appliances can raise costs to $15,000+.
Tips for Phasing Your Kitchen Remodel
- Take lots of before pictures. This will help you remember placements for things like cabinets and appliances.
- Keep cabinets, counters, hardware, etc until the new ones arrive. This allows you to still use the kitchen in between phases.
- Get all needed permits from the start. It’s easier to have one master permit.
- Be flexible on timeline. Unforeseen issues can crop up, so don’t commit to strict dates.
- Use painters tape to mark studs, plumbing lines, etc so they are easy to find later.
- Carefully box up items like cabinets and light fixtures for reuse or sale later.
Conclusion
Remodeling your kitchen in stages is an excellent way to spread out the workload and costs of this major project. Focus first on the elements that will make the biggest impact, like cabinets and counters. Then move on to flooring, lighting, and finishes. Taking it phase by phase will make the renovation much more manageable. Just be sure to plan ahead and get all your permits and financing in order right from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions about Remodeling Your Kitchen in Stages
How long does it usually take to remodel a kitchen in phases?
Each phase could take 1-2 months, so remodeling in 3 phases may take 6-12 months total. The timeline can vary based on factors like the scope of work, product lead times, contractor schedule, and any unexpected delays.
What are the pros and cons of phasing a kitchen remodel?
Pros:
- Spreads out costs over time
- Allows you to stay within your current budget
- Kitchen remains functional between phases
- Less stressful than a total overhaul
Cons:
- Project takes longer to complete
- Multiple contractor mobilization fees
- Storage issues as old cabinets removed first
- Layout changes get trickier
Should I remodel the kitchen all at once or in phases?
It depends on your budget, needs, and preferences. All at once is faster, prevents multiple disruptions, and makes layout changes easier. Phases spread out the work and allow you to complete what you can afford now, while pushing some items down the road.
What order should I remodel my kitchen in phases?
A common order is:
Phase 1: Cabinets, counters, sink, faucet
Phase 2: Flooring, lighting, painting
Phase 3: Appliances, backsplash, accessories
Focus on foundational elements first, then work up to finishes and decor.
How do I get financing for a phased kitchen remodel?
Options include:
- Home equity loan or line of credit
- Personal loans from bank or credit union
- Credit cards with 0% intro APR periods
- Retirement account loans
- Saving up between phases
Talk to your lender to find the most affordable financing plan for your budget and timeline.
