What is the sequence when remodeling a kitchen?

Question

My kitchen is 25 years old. If I can only replace one thing per month, should I begin with an energy star refrigerator? Do you replace the floor before or after the refrigerator? Would the dishwasher be the next appliance in order of energy savings? Or the lighting? And then the stove? Would the cabinet work be done before or after the lighting? Should I prioritize aquiring an energy efficient washer & dryer? My intent is to save energy and improve safety (the stove) and have peace of mind about the appearance of the kitchen.

Thank you all for your answers. Earthwoman, thanks for mentioning possible wiring upgrade and drain replacement. Since this will be a LOW budget project, I like the idea of asking the store to help with a plan, too. Each of you have helped me.

Answer 1

What an exciting project and how fraught with headaches. We bought an old farm house and when I got to the kitchen I learned a lot. It would be nice if you can afford to do it all at once. If not, you might want to do the Home Depot thing and get them to draw up a plan. But do start by listing everything you want to accomplish and drawing a diagram of your kitchen. List the appliances you have and how old they are. Refrigerators are always a villian when it comes to electricity waste. Plus newer appliances are built to be more efficient, use less electricity, gas, water. Shop around and get the info from local dealers or on-line.
Leave the floor for the last. And don't get caught up in the expensive counter tops, sinks and flooring. I have asphalt floor tile like they use in Walmarts. It is tough, easy to clean and
looks good. The kitchen is a work shop, not a fashion statement. And you are the one who has to clean it. Tile counters are sharp until you have to scrub the grout clean. Corian and granite chip and dull. Yes, they really do.
I don't know what you are doing in cabinets. Are you replacing the fronts? Or the whole thing? That should be before you do the counters and the lights. We dropped the ceiling and put in flourescent tubes. I can turn a light on over any section of counter or turn one on for general lighting. Make sure you have a good plumber and electrican involved. A 25 year old kitchen might need some up grades in wiring and I guarantee the drain pipes are in need of replacement. Get a sink that is deep enough to wash a pot in. And get a facet set with a sprayer. Check out the water consumption on the dishwasher and the new washer and dryer. I love my Fisher & Paykel set. They are really the best I have ever owned and I have been keeping house for 50 years. My first washer had a wringer! Ask about them at your appliance store. We have a well and septic system, so I try to be very conservative in water and electric use.
Consider double pane windows and a nice wide window seal inside to set a plant on. We can have efficiency and beauty in our kitchen.
Good Luck

Answer 2

It depends on ur budget, and ur goals. So, the very first thing to do is to plan. Whichever you choose, if you have plans for the "room" I'd start there. Ceilings first, floor, walls. Do your demolition first. Get all the crap out you don't want. It gives you a better visual. If you just want appliances, start with the most needed ones. I wouldn't do any work around new appliances, dust, dings, dents. Save them for last if you have any work to the room to do. It's too bad, cause I am a starving artist right now, and most contractors charge exorbant amounts for remodels. I could give you a brand new luxury kitchen for 5, to 7 grand. Anyone else out there will charge tripple and send day labor to do most of the work.

Answer 3

When you build a kitchen from scratch you start with the

plumbing - electric connections - cabinets - floor - lighting - appliances

I would suggest the same because some cabinets require electrical outlets to be in correct places along with electrical services.

The flooring is cut to fit around the cabinets so the cabinets need to be in place before the flooring.

Answer 4

1. Buy your appliances first. If you want new cabinets, it easier to have the appliances on hand.

2. Demo

3. Drywall , electrical, plumbing repairs/remodel

4. Paint

5. Cabinet install

6. Counter install

7. Floor Install

8. Appliance install

9. Write a big check

Answer 5

I'll try to help. If you mean replacing the floor, meaning the flooring (tile, vinyl, ect.), this is no big deal but if you mean the floor itself (plywood, joists, etc.) you should replace it first. As far as appliances, depending on your contracter's neatness, it's your choice whether or not to risk a possible paint or varnish spotting on them prior to all construction works, including lighting.
Hope that helped.