Remodel a kitchen

Ventilation

• duct the hood outdoors
• 100 CFM minimum when ducted (code)
• 150 CFM or more recommended (NKBA)

Outlets + circuits

• no point on the counter more than 24″ from an outlet
• outlets on islands and peninsulas (optional under NEC 2023, but code requires provisions for adding one later)
• two or more 20 A small-appliance circuits

Hood

• ducted outside beats recirculating
• remote blowers are quieter

Refrigerator

• check door swing and depth
• recess for a flush fit
• water line shutoff you can reach

Water extras

• pot filler over the range
• instant hot water
• filtered water tap

Appliance garage

• hides small appliances
• outlets inside

Task

• light on counters, cooktop and sink
• LED under-cabinet strips
• cuts shadows, makes cutting safer

Pendants over an island

• 30–36″ from counter to bottom of fixture
• scale to the island
• use two or three on longer islands

Weak ventilation

• heat, smoke and smells linger
• hood vented into a cabinet or attic

Disposal

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Kitchen

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Kitchen + bath

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Exhaust fans

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Kitchen

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Single wall

• everything on one wall
• works in studios, small units and open plans
• keep the order: fridge → sink → cooktop

L-shaped

• the most common, most versatile layout
• a natural work triangle
• fits small to medium rooms

Galley

• two parallel runs
• very efficient for serious cooks
• keeps cooking and cleanup apart

U-shaped

• the most counter and storage
• everything within reach
• suits medium to large rooms

Peninsula

• partly open to living space
• adds prep, seating or a buffet
• fits small to medium rooms

Island

• great for entertaining
• adds prep, storage and seating
• lets several people work at once

Open kitchen

• feels larger and more social
• good for entertaining and small homes
• daylight reaches further

Closed kitchen

• hides the mess
• contains smells and noise
• more wall for storage

Counter height

• 36″ standard
• adjust ±1–2″ for the main cook
• a lower 30–32″ baking section is a luxury

Counter depth

• 25″ top on a 24″ box
• a standard-depth fridge sticks out about 6″; recess it or choose counter-depth

Aisle

• 42″ for one cook
• 48″ for two cooks
• 36″ for a walkway (NKBA)

Wall cabinets

• 30″, 36″ or 42″ tall
• 12″ deep
• bottom usually 54″ off the floor

Space above counter

• 18″ is typical
• 15″ minimum (NKBA)
• more behind a range, by the hood spec

Above the cooktop

• 30″ to unprotected combustibles (code)
• hood height per the maker, often 24–30″

Island

• 42″ clear on working sides
• 48″ where two cook
• same height as the counters for a seamless look

Seating

• 24″ of width per seat
• 15″ knee space at 36″ high
• 12″ at 42″ high

Work triangle

• each leg 4–9 ft
• total 26 ft or less
• no leg crossing an island by more than 12″

Clear walkways

• keep through-traffic out of the work aisle and triangle

Storage planning

• mix of drawers and doors
• everyday items 24–72″ off the floor
• pull-outs and dividers

Natural light

• daylight over the sink or prep zone
• makes the room feel bigger

Future ready

• room for a bigger fridge
• an extra circuit for later appliances
• materials that age well

Cooktop

• gas: visible flame, needs venting
• induction: fast, safe, needs the right pans
• 30″ or 36″ wide

Ovens

• range: cooktop and oven in one
• wall ovens at waist height
• double ovens for big cooks

Dishwasher

• within 36″ of the sink
• raised or double units for big households
• drain pan under it

Microwave

• drawer, built-in, over-range or counter
• 15″ landing space nearby

Panel-ready

• fronts match the cabinets
• costs more, looks built-in

Stock

• fixed sizes in 3″ steps
• ships in days or weeks
• lowest cost

Semi-custom

• standard boxes, many options
• more sizes, finishes and inserts
• the sweet spot for most homes

Custom

• built to the inch
• any size, wood or finish
• best for odd rooms and old houses

Framed

• a solid-wood frame on the box front
• the classic American cabinet
• strong and forgiving to install

Frameless

• European style, no face frame
• full access to the box
• clean, modern look

Ready-to-assemble

• ships flat; you or an installer assemble
• lowest cost for semi-custom looks

Thickness

• 3 cm (about 1¼″) is standard in US kitchens
• 2 cm needs a plywood base or built-up edge

Bar + island

• 42″ bar or 36″ counter seating
• brackets under big overhangs

Cabinets to the ceiling

• more storage
• no dust ledge

Trash + recycling

• pull-out trash and recycling
• next to the sink, not in a corner

Ambient

• general light
• recessed cans or surface fixtures
• warm, 2700–3000K

Accent

• pendants, shelf and toe-kick lights
• adds warmth and character

Color temperature

• 2700–3000K: warm, most kitchens
• 3500–4000K: task-heavy or modern kitchens
• 5000K+: crisp, workshop feel

Under-cabinet

• mount toward the front edge
• no shadows on the work surface
• dimmable LED strips

Not enough storage

• clutter on every surface

Wrong counter height

• back and shoulder strain

Poor lighting

• one ceiling light shadows the work

Looks over function

• finishes that look good but don't wear well

Tight clearances

• doors and drawers collide
• no room to pass

Too much open shelving

• dust and visual clutter

No room to grow

• too few outlets, no space for appliances

Shutoffs

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Supply lines

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Drain + trap

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Leak protection

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Shutoffs

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Filtration + softener

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Leak shutoff

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Counters

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Rough-in

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Insulation

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Final

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Long-lead items

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Contingency

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Punch list

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