Home & Design

A kitchen by Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens.

Checklist: Kitchen+Bath

What to know before embarking on your next kitchen-design project

Considering a new kitchen project? Be prepared for a plethora of decisions—but don’t be intimidated. The key to a successful kitchen renovation is in the planning. Using the checklist below will keep your project moving in the right direction—while making it a fun and rewarding experience.

Budget—Determine a price range you feel comfortable with. Also consider your expectations for quality of materials and how long you anticipate living in the house. Typically, the cost of the project should be consistent with your home’s value.

Kitchen Dealer + Designer—Rely on recommendations from friends and the reputation of the dealer. Your designer should be someone who presents you with good ideas and also listens to your needs.

Installers + Contractors—In this area, experience and expertise are required. A good framing carpenter is not necessarily a qualified kitchen-cabinet installer. No matter what the components, the cabinet installer can make or break a project.

Cabinetry—There are three levels of cabinetry available: stock, semi-custom and custom. As you might expect, they represent distinctions in quality, finishes, flexibility, delivery time and pricing.

Countertops—Most customers choose between natural stone—i.e. granite and marble—and manufactured quartz products. Both have their advantages. Natural stone has a beauty that cannot be matched, while quartz boasts durability, minimal upkeep and an increasing number of attractive color choices.

Lighting—Improvements in LED lights make them a compelling choice for the kitchen. However, there are vast differences in quality, so experts should be consulted.

Appliances—Choices abound, with a direct relationship between price and quality.


Source: Larry Rosen, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens. Kitchen Design: Stephanie Fried, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens. Interior Design: Kirsten Kaplan, Haus Interior Design. Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

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