What to Expect During a Kitchen Renovation: From Demolition to Finishing
Posted inDesign Skills

What to Expect During a Kitchen Renovation: From Demolition to Finishing

Posted inDesign Skills

A kitchen renovation is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home. It boosts your home’s value, improves functionality, and transforms the way your space looks and feels. But if you’ve never gone through the process before, it can also feel a bit overwhelming.

At BURNS Woodworking LLC, we believe that knowing what to expect makes the entire experience smoother and stress-free. Here’s a clear, step-by-step breakdown of what really happens during a kitchen renovation—from the first day of demolition to the final finishing touches.

1. In-Home Consultation & Planning

Every great renovation begins with a solid plan. During the initial consultation, our team at BURNS Woodworking LLC takes the time to understand your goals, style preferences, and must-have features. We go over layout options, cabinet styles, countertops, storage solutions, flooring, and more.

You’ll also receive:

  • A design concept based on your needs

  • Material and product recommendations

  • A realistic timeline

  • A clear project budget

This stage ensures everyone is on the same page before the real work begins.

2. Design, Measurements & Material Selection

Once the plan is set, we move into the design and measuring phase. This is where accurate measurements become essential—every cabinet, appliance, and fixture must fit perfectly.

During this step, you’ll choose:

  • Cabinet styles and colors

  • Countertop materials

  • Backsplash designs

  • Flooring options

  • Hardware and lighting

At BURNS Woodworking LLC, we guide you through choices that not only look beautiful but also last for years. Our custom cabinetry and expert craftsmanship ensure your kitchen is tailored to your lifestyle.

3. Pre-Renovation Preparation

Before demolition day, homeowners usually:

  • Clear cabinets and countertops

  • Move small appliances

  • Set up a temporary kitchen area (if possible)

  • Protect nearby flooring and furniture

Renovations can get messy, so preparing your home ahead of time makes the process easier.

4. Demolition: Out With the Old

This is when things start to move quickly. Demolition involves removing:

  • Old cabinets

  • Countertops

  • Appliances

  • Lighting

  • Flooring (if replacing)

  • Old plumbing fixtures

Our team handles demolition safely and efficiently, ensuring the rest of your home stays clean and protected. We also dispose of debris responsibly.

Demolition usually takes a couple of days, depending on the size of the kitchen.

5. Structural Work & Rough Installations

Once everything is cleared out, it’s time for the essential behind-the-scenes work. This phase may include:

  • Updating plumbing lines

  • Electrical upgrades

  • Ventilation improvements

  • Adjusting walls or changing the layout

  • Adding or relocating lighting

This is also the moment when inspectors may visit, depending on local building codes. While it’s not the most glamorous part of the renovation, it’s one of the most important.

6. New Flooring Installation

If your renovation includes new flooring, it’s typically installed after the rough mechanical work. Popular choices include:

  • Hardwood

  • Tile

  • Luxury vinyl

  • Engineered wood

At BURNS Woodworking LLC, we help you pick materials that are durable, stylish, and ideal for a busy kitchen.

7. Cabinet Installation — The Transformation Begins

This is the phase when your kitchen truly starts taking shape. Our team installs your custom cabinets with precision, ensuring perfect alignment and a flawless fit.

Because cabinets are the heart of your kitchen’s design, this step is often the most exciting for homeowners. You finally see your vision coming to life.

8. Countertop Measurement & Installation

After cabinets are installed, the countertop team takes precise measurements. Your countertops—whether granite, quartz, butcher block, or another material—are then fabricated and installed.

This step usually takes a week or two, depending on the complexity of the stone and design.

Once installed, you’ll immediately see the luxury and style of your new kitchen.

9. Backsplash, Trim & Details

Next comes the detail work that brings personality and polish:

  • Backsplash installation

  • Crown molding and trim

  • Toe kicks

  • Hardware (handles and knobs)

  • Final carpentry touches

These finishing elements tie everything together and create a layered, custom look.

10. Appliance Installation & Final Mechanical Work

Your updated plumbing and electrical systems are connected to:

  • Refrigerators

  • Ovens

  • Dishwashers

  • Sinks

  • Faucets

  • Vent hoods

Everything is tested to ensure proper function.

11. Painting & Final Finishes

The final paint application is done carefully to avoid dust or damage to new surfaces. With fresh walls, trim, and ceilings, your kitchen begins to look complete.

12. Final Inspection & Walkthrough

Before we hand your kitchen back to you, the team at BURNS Woodworking LLC performs a complete inspection to confirm:

  • Cabinets open and close smoothly

  • Appliances work correctly

  • Plumbing and electrical function perfectly

  • Every surface is finished and clean

  • All design details match the final plan

Once everything is approved, we walk you through your brand-new kitchen and explain how to maintain the materials for long-lasting beauty.

Ready to Start Your Kitchen Renovation?

A kitchen renovation is a big project, but with an experienced team, the process becomes exciting instead of stressful. BURNS Woodworking LLC is dedicated to delivering high-quality craftsmanship, beautiful designs, and a smooth, professional experience from start to finish.

If you’re ready to transform your kitchen, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life.