A SMART SHOPPING ORDER FOR YOUR KITCHEN RENOVATION
CABINETRY
Cabinetry is one of the most important and time-sensitive parts of a kitchen renovation. Custom and semi-custom cabinets often have lead times of 6 to 22 weeks, so this is one of the earliest decisions you’ll need to make.
Why Timing Matters:
Cabinet layout drives many other decisions—like countertop dimensions, appliance fit, lighting placement, and even flooring transitions. But you should not finalize your cabinet order until your appliance selections are locked in. The two are directly connected. A shift in appliance size—even by a few inches—can throw off your cabinet design and delay production.
Lead Time Tip:
If your appliances have very long lead times (like a specialty range or panel-ready fridge), you may choose to order those first. That’s fine—just make sure your cabinetmaker has the appliance specs before finalizing the design or placing the cabinet order.
Pro Tips:
Always have your cabinet supplier return to the site after framing to do a final field measure.
Review trim and crown details early—cabinet crown often needs to match the room crown for a seamless finish.
Confirm who is responsible for ordering, receiving, and installing the cabinetry—and how that affects the warranty.
Review seam location of cabinetry
Confirm larger cabinets can make into into the house, fit in doorways, and down hallways.
PRE-PURCHASE CABINETRY CHECKLIST
Before approving final cabinet drawings and placing your order, walk through this list with your designer, cabinetmaker, or contractor:
Appliance Coordination
Are all appliance specs (fridge, range, dishwasher, microwave, etc.) confirmed and accounted for?
If using panel-ready appliances, are the panels included in the cabinet order?
Is there adequate clearance and ventilation for each appliance?
Lighting & Electrical
Have you planned for under-cabinet lighting (space, wiring, transformer)?
Are switches and outlets clear of any cabinet interference?
Do you need power in an island or appliance garage?
Crown, Trim, and Base Details
How will crown molding transition into the room's ceiling or crown?
Is the toe kick consistent across the cabinetry and integrated with the room's base trim?
Have you coordinated any dropped beams or ceiling height changes that affect upper cabinets?
Paneling & Finished Sides
Will any exposed cabinet sides be paneled or left flat?
Do you want furniture-style details like decorative end panels or feet?
Storage and Functionality
Is there dedicated storage for:
Trash & recycling
Large pots, pans, and sheet trays
Spices and cooking oils
Pantry or dry goods
Small appliances (e.g., mixer, blender)
Paper towels, foil, wraps, etc.
Are you including inserts like pull-outs, deep drawers, spice racks, or utensil trays?
Will you have a microwave drawer, countertop microwave, or built-in location?
Traffic & Clearances
Do all doors and drawers open without hitting each other or nearby walls/appliances?
Is there enough space between the island and other cabinets (42"–48" is ideal)?
Will appliance doors open fully without obstruction?
Cabinet Features
Are you including soft-close hinges and glides?
Are corner cabinets planned for access (lazy Susan, blind corner pullout, or dead corner)?
Do you need any open shelving, glass fronts, or display areas?
Final Site Measure
Has your cabinetmaker scheduled a field measure after framing and before ordering?
Have they marked any obstructions (HVAC, plumbing, beams, etc.)?
APPLIANCES
Appliances are a foundational part of your kitchen design—and their size, specs, and placement affect nearly every other aspect of your layout. Confirming your appliance choices early helps ensure a smooth renovation process.
Why Timing Matters
Appliance dimensions and specs must be confirmed before finalizing your cabinet order. Even a small change—like upgrading to a wider fridge or choosing a different range—can throw off your cabinet layout, require costly adjustments, or delay production.
There’s a delicate balance between doing things right and meeting deadlines. You don’t want to rush into appliance purchases, but you also can’t ignore lead times. Some models may take 8 to 12 weeks (or longer) to arrive. Before delaying an order, confirm the lead time so you can make an informed decision and adjust your project schedule accordingly.
Pro Tips
Provide your cabinetmaker and contractor with final appliance spec sheets before finalizing cabinet drawings.
Confirm how appliances will be delivered, installed, and who is responsible for each.
If using panel-ready appliances, verify who is providing and installing the panels.
Appliance Checklist Before Ordering
Selection & Specs
Have you selected all major appliances (range, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, hood, etc.)?
Do the dimensions and door clearances fit your cabinet plan?
Do specialty appliances (wine fridge, steam oven, warming drawer) have proper space and ventilation?
Utility Coordination
Is the fuel type (gas, electric, induction) confirmed for each appliance?
Are water lines planned for fridge, dishwasher, pot filler, or steam oven?
Have venting needs for the range hood or microwave been addressed?
Panel-Ready Appliances
Are panels included in your cabinet order?
Are appliance specs compatible with the panels and cabinet layout?
Logistics
What are the lead times for each appliance?
Who is responsible for ordering and tracking delivery?
Have you scheduled installation, and who is responsible for it (contractor, retailer, or licensed subcontractor)?
Will appliances be stored on site or delivered just-in-time?
Warranty & Installation
Does the warranty require certified installation?
Are you responsible for arranging certified installers?
Is haul-away for old appliances included?
PLUMBING FIXTURES
Your kitchen’s plumbing system is responsible for more than just the sink—it connects every drop of water to the systems behind the walls. Faucets, disposals, filtration systems, hot water taps, pot fillers, and sometimes even gas lines all fall under the plumbing umbrella.
Why Timing Matters
Plumbing rough-in happens early—before walls are closed and often before cabinetry goes in. Final fixtures are installed after countertops. If selections aren’t made in time, it can delay rough-in or force costly last-minute decisions. Anything that affects cabinetry layout (like a farmhouse sink or pot filler) needs to be confirmed before cabinets are finalized.
Who Selects and Orders
Plumbing fixtures are typically selected by the homeowner with input from the designer. Purchasing may be done by the homeowner, designer, or contractor—this must be clearly decided. Make sure all products are onsite well before rough-in begins.
Installation Notes
A licensed plumber should handle all plumbing work. Depending on the project, the GC may coordinate this, or you may need to hire the plumber directly. Communication between plumber, cabinetmaker, and contractor is critical—especially when dealing with under-sink components or wall-mounted fixtures.
Plumbing Fixtures Checklist Before Ordering
Sink + Faucet
Confirm the sink will fit into the designated base cabinet before ordering. Dimensions must match precisely.
If using a garbage disposal, water filter, or hot water tap, ensure there is enough space inside the sink cabinet for all components.
What sink type are you using? (Undermount, drop-in, farmhouse, workstation?)
What material? (Stainless, fireclay, composite, cast iron?)
What faucet style and finish? (Pull-down, bridge, wall-mounted? Brass, chrome, matte black?)
If your faucet has a rear-pointing handle, confirm there's adequate clearance from the backsplash or wall.
Is a separate sprayer, soap dispenser, or filtration faucet included?
Garbage Disposal
What horsepower is needed?
Where will the switch be located? (Wall switch, under-sink button, or air switch?)
Does the plumbing layout allow space for it?
Water Filtration or Hot Water Tap
Do you need a built-in filtration system or hot water tank?
Will it impact under-sink storage space or access to plumbing?
Have you consulted the plumber about feasibility and maintenance?
Pot Filler
Have you confirmed its location and wall support?
Is the water line being run early enough in construction?
Installation + Rough-In
Who is responsible for installation?
Are all fixture rough-in dimensions confirmed before walls close?
Will your sink and faucet selections impact cabinetry or countertops?
Pro Tips
Double-check that the sink, disposal, filtration systems, and hot water tank all fit together in the sink base.Crowded plumbing leads to costly adjustments.
Make sure the faucet has full range of motion. Some models require space behind them to operate handles.
Understand live finishes. Unlacquered brass and other “living” metals will patina and change quickly with use. Make sure this is the look you want.
Confirm sink and faucet compatibility. Not all pairings work seamlessly.
Cabinet base planning is critical. Oversized sinks or multiple under-sink features may require a larger cabinet than standard.
TILE
Tile plays both a functional and decorative role in your kitchen. Whether it's for the floor, backsplash, or accent wall, smart planning is essential to avoid delays, waste, or costly mistakes.
Why Timing Matters
Tile may seem like a last-step detail, but decisions about layout, size, material, and trim need to happen early—sometimes even before cabinet installation. In some cases, flooring tile goes in before the cabinets, so selections and quantities must be finalized well in advance.
Always check lead times and availability—especially for natural stone, handmade tile, or special finishes.
Pro Tips
Order the correct amount. Tile must come from the same dye lot to ensure color and finish consistency. If you order too little and try to reorder later, the batch may not match—or may be out of stock entirely.
Most installers recommend ordering 5%–10% extra for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
If using natural stone tile, ask to approve photos of the actual lot—samples often don’t reflect real variation.
Understand if your tile edges will require bullnose or Schluter trim. Some tiles don’t come with bullnose options. Schluter is a clean metal edge, but it’s not always the preferred look. Make this decision before ordering so you aren’t stuck scrambling during install.
Tile Checklist Before Ordering
Selection & Samples
Have you chosen material (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, cement, etc.)?
Have you seen full-size samples in person and in your space’s lighting?
Is the finish suitable for the location (floor vs. backsplash)?
Have you confirmed the availability of matching trim or edge solutions?
Layout & Quantities
Has your tile installer or GC walked the site and confirmed square footage?
Has waste and overage (5%–10%) been factored in?
Are dye lot numbers confirmed across all boxes?
Edge & Trim Decisions
Are you using bullnose, Schluter trim, or mitered edges?
Have you decided on grout width and color?
Are there any niches, inside corners, or transitions that require special planning?
Logistics & Installation
Who is responsible for purchasing the tile?
Who is installing it?
What’s the lead time, and is storage space available on-site?
FLOORING
Flooring is the foundation—both visually and structurally—for your kitchen. It affects traffic flow, cabinet installation height, and the durability of the space for years to come. It’s also one of the messiest parts of the job, so getting the timing and prep right is essential.
Why Timing Matters
Your flooring choice and installation schedule can impact the cabinet timeline, appliance height, and transition points between rooms. For example, wood flooring is often installed before cabinets, while tile may be installed after. Coordinate this with your contractor early so other trades can plan accordingly.
Talk to Your Professionals
There are many options—and just as many opinions. The right choice depends on your subfloor condition, climate, layout, lifestyle, and design preferences. Speak to multiple professionals (installer, contractor, designer) before you commit to anything. Do your research and make sure you fully understand what you’re ordering—because mistakes in flooring can be costly and difficult to undo.
Subfloor Conditions Matter
Not all kitchens are created equal. Basement installs, concrete slabs, and old wood subfloors all need different prep methods. Moisture levels, leveling, and proper sealing must match both the selected material and the conditions of your space. If the subfloor isn’t appropriate, the floor may fail—and it could be a deal breaker for your timeline or budget.
Pro Tips
Subfloor prep is everything. Poor prep causes long-term failure.
Consider how your flooring meets adjacent rooms. Transitions should be smooth and intentional.
Order extra material. Always include 5%–10% overage for cuts, pattern matching, and future damage.
Lead times can vary. Custom-stained hardwood or handmade tile may require weeks of production and acclimation time.
Flooring Checklist Before Ordering
Selection & Suitability
Have you selected the right material (hardwood, engineered wood, tile, LVP, stone, cork, etc.)?
Is the material water-resistant and durable enough for kitchen use?
Have you reviewed full planks or large samples in natural light?
Layout & Site Planning
Is the subfloor level, clean, and dry?
Do you need a moisture barrier or underlayment?
Have you reviewed transition heights to nearby rooms?
Are you installing radiant heat? If so, coordinate with electrician and installer before flooring is ordered.
Have you confirmed the width of planks is appropriate for the space and location (e.g., wider planks may not perform well near moisture)?
Logistics & Installation
Who is providing the cost estimate—flooring supplier or installer?
Who is responsible for ordering and storing the materials?
Who will install the floor—and do they follow manufacturer’s requirements for warranty coverage?
Do any trades need to access areas under the floor before installation (e.g., plumbing or wiring under a crawlspace)?
Direction & Details
Has the installer confirmed the correct direction to run the flooring based on joists, light, and bowing risk?
Is the direction both visually cohesive and structurally sound?
Will there be any special transitions or borders?
Is the baseboard or toe kick integrated into the flooring plan?
DECORATIVE LIGHTING FIXTURES
Decorative lighting—like pendants, sconces, and chandeliers—plays a major role in both function and atmosphere. These fixtures add personality and style, but they also need to work with your electrical plan, cabinet layout, ceiling height, and traffic flow.
Why Timing Matters
Decorative lighting isn’t just a finishing touch. Placement and rough wiring happen early, usually before drywall. That means you need to finalize fixture selections or at least their specifications before your electrician begins. Lead times for lighting can also be long, especially for designer or specialty pieces.
You want your lighting on-site and installed in time for the final inspection. If fixtures aren’t ready, you may have to cap the wires or install temporary fixtures just to pass inspection. That adds unnecessary cost and hassle. Having all fixtures delivered at once also prevents the electrician from having to return multiple times, which can save you money.
Coordinate With Cabinets, Ceilings, and Swing Paths
Lighting over the island, near floating shelves, or around the hood needs to be centered and scaled appropriately. Your cabinet layout and ceiling beams must be locked in before lighting rough-in. Also consider doorways and cabinet doors—fixtures that hang too low near a door can be hit when it opens. Double-check door swings and placement during planning.
Function Over Looks
Many people choose lighting based on appearance but forget to check how much light the fixture actually provides. For example, a fixture with a metal shade and a single bulb may look beautiful but only casts a narrow pool of light. If your kitchen lacks general lighting, that can leave you in the dark. Always confirm bulb type, brightness, and light distribution.
Create a Decorative Lighting Schedule
If you’re ordering several fixtures, document where each one goes, how high it will hang, and what switch controls it. This helps your contractor and electrician during installation and prevents costly mistakes.
Lighting Fixture Checklist Before Ordering
Design and Function
Are the fixtures consistent with the kitchen’s overall style and finish palette?
Do they provide the right type of lighting—task, ambient, or accent?
Are the fixtures scaled appropriately for the space they will hang in?
Placement and Clearance
Are ceiling heights and beam locations confirmed?
Has the cabinet layout been finalized for centering pendant lights?
Have you checked that fixtures won’t interfere with doorways or cabinet openings?
Lighting Output
Do the fixtures use bulbs that provide enough light for the task?
Are the shades opaque or directional in a way that limits brightness?
Do you need supplemental lighting to compensate for decorative fixtures?
Wiring and Switching
Do you want these lights on dimmers or controlled by smart switches?
Will each type of light have its own switch—pendants, sconces, under-cabinet, etc.?
Have you decided on bulb type and whether they are integrated LED or replaceable?
Ordering and Installation
Have you confirmed fixture sizes, finishes, and rod or cord lengths?
Do you know the lead time for each light?
Who is responsible for ordering and tracking these items?
Who will install and adjust the fixtures once onsite?
Will all fixtures be delivered in time for final inspection to avoid using temporary lighting?
HARDWARE
Cabinet hardware—knobs, pulls, latches, hinges—might be small, but these choices add up quickly in both cost and impact. They’re one of the final layers of design, but decisions about size, placement, and finish need to be made early enough to avoid delaying cabinet install.
Why Timing Matters
Hardware seems like a last-minute detail, but it often holds up cabinet installation if it's not onsite and ready. Your installer needs hardware in hand to drill holes and mount it correctly. If you're waiting on specialty finishes or custom pieces, lead times can be several weeks. Confirm selections and get them ordered in time.
Who Selects and Orders
The homeowner or interior designer typically selects the hardware. Purchasing can be handled by the homeowner, designer, or general contractor—just make sure it’s clearly defined. Ask your cabinetmaker or installer who is responsible for having the hardware onsite before install.
Installation Notes
Hardware is usually installed by the cabinet installer or the GC. Placement should be mapped and confirmed before any drilling begins—misaligned or uneven hardware is very noticeable and difficult to fix. If you're mixing knobs and pulls, make sure placement is consistent and intentional.
Estimate Tip
Your kitchen designer or cabinet supplier can often provide a general count of how many handles, knobs, and latches you'll need. Use this for estimating total cost and confirming you’ve ordered enough (plus a few extras).
Hardware Checklist Before Ordering
Style and Function
Are you using knobs, pulls, or a mix of both?
Have you tested the grip and feel—especially on larger drawers or heavy pantry doors?
Are you considering integrated edge pulls or push-to-open mechanisms?
Finish and Coordination
Does the finish (brass, nickel, matte black, etc.) coordinate with your plumbing and lighting selections?
If mixing finishes, is it intentional and balanced?
Placement
Has placement been finalized for every cabinet door and drawer?
Are all measurements consistent? (Avoid installing pulls at slightly different heights.)
Quantity and Extras
Have you confirmed total quantity needed based on your cabinet drawings?
Have you ordered a few extras in case of damage or future replacements?
Installation
Who is responsible for installing the hardware?
Are templates being used for consistent placement?
Will the installer drill a sample or walk through placement before starting?
COUNTERTOPS
Countertops are one of the most visible and functional surfaces in your kitchen. From cooking prep to cleaning to entertaining, your counters need to be both durable and beautiful — and properly timed.
Why Timing Matters
Countertops cannot be templated until after the base cabinets are fully installed. This often surprises people, but it’s critical: the fabricator needs the exact physical layout to measure and cut correctly. Once templated, fabrication and installation usually take 2–3 weeks, which can delay progress if not accounted for.
If you have cabinetry or shelving that sits directly on the countertop (like a cabinet tower or hutch), those can’t be installed until the countertops are in. Always factor this 2–3 week gap into your project timeline.
At the same time, sourcing slabs can take time, especially for natural stone. Popular or unique materials may be limited or on backorder, so it’s important to select and purchase your slabs early, even if installation is months away.
Who Selects the Material?
The homeowner typically selects the countertop material, often with guidance from a designer or contractor. You may choose your stone from:
A fabricator’s showroom (who also does the cutting and install)
A stoneyard (who supplies the slab, and then sends it to a fabricator)
Some kitchen or tile showrooms (but they usually have only small samples)
We strongly recommend seeing full slabs in person, especially for natural materials like marble or quartzite. Small samples rarely show the full veining or color variation.
Who Provides the Estimate?
The stone fabricator provides the estimate based on square footage and the type of stone. You’ll need to give them a rough layout with measurements to receive an initial estimate. Once templating is complete, the final price will be adjusted.
Who Purchases It?
This varies. The countertop may be purchased directly by the:
Homeowner
Designer
General Contractor
Fabricator
Just make sure it’s very clear who is responsible for purchasing, delivering, and inspecting the slabs.
Note: If you find a slab you love, secure it early. Natural stone is one-of-a-kind, and waiting too long can mean it sells out. Many suppliers allow you to tag or hold a slab for a limited time.
Who Installs It?
The fabricator is always the one who installs the countertops. It is not the general contractor’s job.
Pro Tips:
Ask when templating will happen and how long fabrication will take. Plan your timeline accordingly.
Provide appliance and sink specs in advance. The fabricator needs cutout sizes and faucet hole placements.
If doing a full slab backsplash, those pieces must be templated and cut at the same time.
For waterfall edges, confirm that the veining will be bookmatched (if applicable).
Ask to see your actual slab in person before fabrication begins. Photos and samples can be misleading.
Work with the fabricator on slab layout to avoid imperfections and place veining where you want it. This is especially important for islands and focal areas.
For large kitchens with multiple slabs, confirm that they’re all from the same dye lot or bundle to ensure color consistency.
If you plan on having open shelves, hutch cabinets, or panel towers that sit on the countertop, they must be installed after counters are in place — make sure your contractor understands this sequence.
This guide doesn’t cover decorative items like stools, rugs, or window treatments—but keep them on your radar. They take time to source and still impact your layout and flow.