Pre-Remodel Checklist: What to Have Ready Before You Begin
September 16, 2025
Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. Most homeowners only tackle a major remodel once or twice in their lifetime, and the process has a lot of moving parts. The good news? A little preparation up front can make the entire experience smoother and more enjoyable.
At C&B Legacy, we’ve put together a checklist of what you should have ready before diving into a remodel. Whether you’re planning a full-gut kitchen transformation, a new bath retreat, or a whole-home overhaul, these steps will set you up for success.
1. Gather Inspiration
Before we ever swing a hammer, it helps to know what you’re drawn to. Inspiration doesn’t have to be fancy — it can come from Pinterest boards, Instagram saves, magazine clippings, or even photos you’ve taken in friends’ homes.
Think in terms of style (modern, classic, transitional), colors (light vs dark cabinetry, warm vs cool tones), and functionality (big island, double vanity, open shelving). We don’t need a final design — but knowing what excites you helps us steer the project in the right direction.
Pro tip: Collect 5–10 images you love. Even if they don’t match perfectly, patterns will start to emerge.
2. Define Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
Every project has priorities. Some features will be non-negotiable (like a bigger shower, or more storage), while others are “nice-to-have if the budget allows.” Defining these early keeps everyone on the same page and helps us guide you through decisions later.
Examples of must-haves might include:
- All-new cabinetry (instead of refacing)
- Durable quartz countertops
- Better lighting in the kitchen work areas
Examples of nice-to-haves might be:
- Heated bathroom floors
- A second dishwasher drawer
- Specialty pull-outs inside cabinets
By knowing what matters most, you’ll feel confident that the finished project reflects your vision — even if adjustments happen along the way.
3. Think About How You Live Day-to-Day
The best remodels aren’t just beautiful — they make your daily life easier. Spend a week paying attention to how you use your current space. Where do you get frustrated? What do you wish was different?
- Do you need more prep space when cooking?
- Would a second sink cut down on traffic jams in the kitchen?
- Is your bathroom lacking storage for towels or toiletries?
- Do you need outlets in smarter places?
- These details are gold when we’re planning your layout and features.
4. Set a Realistic Budget Range
Budgets don’t have to be set in stone from day one, but having a ballpark range is important. Think of it like setting guardrails — it helps us recommend the right products and scope.
Your budget should cover more than just materials — there’s also labor, permits, and sometimes unexpected surprises (especially in older homes). The earlier you share your comfort zone, the better we can align your vision with the numbers.
5. Decide on Design Support
At C&B Legacy, we can guide you directly through the design process — or we can partner with a designer you bring on board. Some homeowners feel confident choosing finishes with our help, while others want the deeper involvement of a professional designer. Either option works — what matters is setting that direction early.
6. Prepare for the Construction Phase
The reality is: remodeling can be disruptive. Kitchens and baths are spaces you use every day, and living without them takes adjustment. Here are a few things to think about:
- Kitchen Remodels: Set up a temporary cooking space with a microwave, toaster oven, or hot plate. Stock up on easy meals or plan for more dining out.
- Bathroom Remodels: Make sure you have access to another bathroom, or plan temporary setups if multiple baths are being worked on.
- General Prep: Expect dust, noise, and people in your home. We go the extra mile with dust control and daily clean-ups, but it’s still a good idea to pack away valuables and clear pathways before we start.
7. Align Expectations
Finally, know what to expect. A remodel is a big investment of time, energy, and money. Clear communication between you and your contractor is key. At C&B Legacy, we set upfront expectations, provide clear timelines, and keep you in the loop every step of the way.
The Bottom Line
Remodeling should feel exciting, not stressful. By taking time to gather inspiration, define your must-haves, and prepare for construction, you’ll be ready for a smoother process and a better outcome.
At C&B Legacy, our goal is simple: to help you create a kitchen or bath that’s as functional as it is beautiful — a space that truly fits your life for years to come.
new cabinetry in your home
