KITCHEN SELECTIONS CHEATSHEET

Renovating a kitchen means making dozens of decisions—and understanding who is responsible for each one. This section walks you through the main kitchen selections, breaking down what they are, who typically handles them, what affects timing and budget, and what you might not know to ask. It’s your cheat sheet for clarity, confidence, and fewer surprises.

COUNTERTOPS

Who provides the cost estimate?

  • A stone fabricator provides pricing based on the material and square footage.

  • To get an accurate estimate, the homeowner or designer must supply a rough layout with dimensions.

  • Stone selection may happen at the fabricator’s showroom or at a stoneyard, where full slabs can be viewed. Some tile or kitchen showrooms carry small samples, but we strongly recommend viewing actual slabs in person.

Who selects it?

  • Usually the homeowner, often in collaboration with a designer or contractor. Choices include stone type (quartz, marble, granite, quartzite), edge detail, and finish.

Who purchases it?

  • Can be purchased through the designer, GC, or directly by the homeowner. Always clarify who is managing the order and delivery.

Who installs it?

  • The fabricator will install the countertops. This is not done by the GC.

Important Timing Note:

  • Countertops cannot be templated until all base cabinets are fully installed. This is a critical step in the process.

  • After templating, fabrication and installation typically take 2–3 weeks.

  • If any cabinetry (such as upper shelves or cabinet towers) is designed to sit directly on the countertop, those cannot be installed until the countertops are in place.

  • This often causes delays if not accounted for. Always include this 2–3 week window in your overall project timeline.

CABINETRY & STORAGE

Who provides the cost estimate?

  • A cabinet maker, kitchen design showroom, or cabinet supplier provides the pricing. Cost varies based on whether the cabinets are stock, semi-custom, or custom.

  • General contractors often include an allowance in their quote, but it may not reflect your actual preferences.

Who selects it?

  • The homeowner, often with input from a designer or kitchen specialist.

  • Key decisions include door style, construction type, finish, interior features, and more.

Who purchases it?

  • May be purchased by the homeowner, designer, or contractor, depending on the project structure. Confirm who is ordering, who is paying, and who is managing delivery.

Who installs it?

  • Typically the general contractor or a dedicated cabinet installer.

  • Important: Cabinets that are designed to sit on top of the countertop (such as hutch-style uppers or side panels) must wait until after countertop installation.

Pro Tip:

  • The cabinet maker or supplier should return to the site after demolition and framing to take final field measurements. They will then draw cabinetry into the actual space, checking for conflicts with HVAC, electrical, beams, windows, and more.

  • Skipping this step leads to expensive surprises.

  • Cabinet crown molding is often the same profile as the crown running throughout the room. Coordinate this detail early with your cabinetmaker, trim carpenter, or contractor to ensure a seamless transition and consistent design.

Warranty Note:

  • Confirm how the cabinet warranty works based on who purchases and installs them. Some warranties may not apply if a third party does the install.

TILE

Who Selects It:
Homeowner, Interior Designer, or Kitchen Designer

Where to Shop:
Tile Showroom, Kitchen Design Showroom, Online Retailers, or Stone Yard (for natural stone)

Who Provides the Estimate:

  • Tile Installer or General Contractor – must calculate accurate square footage and account for layout patterns, grout lines, and waste

  • Tile Supplier – provides cost based on the quantities the installer confirms

Who Installs It:
Tile Installer or General Contractor

Important Notes:

  • Accurate quantities are essential. Only the installer or GC should calculate how much tile is needed. DIY estimates often miss cuts, borders, and waste.

  • Overage is standard. Order 5%–10% extra to cover breakage, cuts, and future repairs. If you’re working with natural stone, overage also allows you to select or omit pieces with undesired veining or markings.

  • Request photos of the actual lot when ordering natural stone tile. Sample boards often don’t reflect real variation.

  • Always confirm all boxes come from the same dye lot. Tile color and finish can vary dramatically between production runs.

  • Tile from big-box stores often changes inventory quickly and may not allow you to match dye lots later—be extra cautious when buying from these sources.

  • Tile is often non-returnable once ordered or opened.

  • It’s better to order a little extra than to scramble mid-install. You don’t want to run out of tile at install and not be able to get the same dye lot or chance that it is out of stock.

  • Know what you are doing for the bullnnose, niches, how the tile ends at the wall. That has to be known at time of ordering the tile.

Pro Tips:

  • Clarify who is purchasing the tile, it varies by project.

  • Ask your tile installer to walk the space with you before ordering to confirm layout details, thresholds, transitions, and specialty trim needs.

  • If installing patterned or veined tile, ask for a dry layout preview to align the patterning intentionally.

  • Plan ahead for specialty finishes: bullnose, Schluter trim, mitered edges, and grout type and color.

FLOORING

Who Selects It:
Homeowner, Interior Designer, or Architect

Where to Shop:
Flooring Showrooms, Kitchen Design Studios, Big Box Stores, Online Retailers

Who Provides the Estimate:

  • Flooring Installer or General Contractor — Measures square footage and includes any necessary subfloor work or underlayment

  • Supplier or Showroom — Provides material pricing once specifications are confirmed

Who Installs It:
Flooring Installer or General Contractor

Important Notes:

  • Subfloor prep is critical. Subfloor condition, leveling, and proper sealing must match both the selected material and the location of the kitchen (e.g., basement vs. main floor). Improper prep can lead to long-term issues.

  • Kitchens have high traffic and frequent spills—your flooring must be durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.

  • Order 5%–10% overage to allow for waste, cuts, or future repairs.

  • If your kitchen connects to other flooring, confirm transition details and floor heights early.

  • Underfloor heating must be planned in advance and coordinated with the installer and electrician.

Material Overview:

  • Hardwood: Warm and timeless but sensitive to water. Prefinished options are more durable.

  • Engineered Wood: More stable in changing climates. Better suited to kitchens than solid hardwood.

  • Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Waterproof, budget-friendly, and durable. Good for families and pets.

  • Tile or Stone: Highly durable, but cold and hard underfoot. Radiant heat often recommended.

  • Cork or Linoleum: Softer and eco-friendly. May not hold up as well under heavy wear.

Pro Tips:

  • Always confirm lead times. Special-order flooring can delay the project.

  • Ask to review large samples or full planks in natural light before purchasing.

  • Review manufacturer installation guidelines. Some warranties require certified installers.

Note:
Flooring is a broad and complex topic with many variables—this is only a brief overview. Work with your designer, contractor, or flooring specialist to ensure your selection is properly planned and installed for your specific space.

APPLIANCES

Who Selects Them:
Homeowner, often with input from Interior Designer or Kitchen Designer

Where to Shop:
Appliance Showrooms, Kitchen Design Studios, Specialty Retailers, Online Retailers

Who Provides the Estimate:

  • Appliance Supplier — For pricing of each appliance

  • Installer, Plumber, or Electrician — For installation labor and necessary connections

  • General Contractor — May include appliance installation in their scope, but confirm

Who Installs Them:

  • Could be the Appliance Supplier, General Contractor, or Licensed Installer

  • If appliances require gas, plumbing, or electrical work, coordination with the proper licensed subcontractors is essential

  • Clarify who is responsible — this affects your warranty and budget

Important Notes:

  • Some appliance showrooms offer bundled pricing with delivery and installation; others do not.

  • Be sure to confirm who handles disconnecting old appliances, haul-away, and hookup.

  • For panel-ready appliances, coordination with your cabinet maker is critical.

Timeline Considerations:

  • Specialty and panel-ready appliances often have lead times of 8–12+ weeks.
    Order early to avoid delays.

  • Appliance installation typically happens after cabinetry and countertops,
    although some items (like wall ovens) may be roughed in earlier.

Key Considerations:

  • Stove/Oven Fuel Type:
    Are you using gas (natural or propane) or electric?
    This impacts utility hookups and local code requirements.

  • Cooktop Style:
    Gas, electric, or induction?

  • Range vs. Wall Oven:
    A full range combines cooktop + oven; wall ovens are built into cabinetry.

  • Ventilation:
    Hood insert, chimney-style hood, downdraft, or under-cabinet model?

  • Microwave:
    Drawer, built-in, or countertop location?

  • Panel-Ready vs. Stainless Finish

  • Specialty Appliances:
    Wine fridge, steam oven, warming drawer, espresso machine, etc.

Pro Tips:

  • Provide appliance spec sheets to your cabinet maker and GC early in the process.

  • Handles add depth—always account for clearance.

  • Warranty terms often require installation by certified professionals—double-check what's required.

PLUMBING & FIXTURES

Who Selects Them:
Homeowner, often with input from Interior Designer or Kitchen Designer

Where to Shop:
Plumbing Showrooms, Online Retailers, Kitchen Design Studios

Who Provides the Estimate:

  • Plumber — For labor and installation of all fixtures and lines

  • Fixture Supplier or Retailer — For material costs

  • General Contractor — May include rough-in labor in their estimate, but verify

Who Installs Them:
Licensed Plumber, sometimes coordinated by the General Contractor

Important Notes:

  • Confirm if your GC hires the plumber or if you're contracting one directly.

  • Some faucet finishes (like unlacquered brass) require regular maintenance.

  • If you’re adding or moving a sink, it will likely impact cabinetry, counters, and flooring.

  • Gas lines for ranges, cooktops, or dryers must be handled by a licensed plumber and may require inspections.

Timeline Considerations:

  • Plumbing rough-in occurs before drywall and cabinetry install.

  • Final fixture installation happens after countertops go in.

  • If you're planning an instant hot, water filtration system, or pot filler, make those decisions early—they impact rough plumbing.

Key Items to Consider:

  • Sink Type: Undermount, farmhouse, drop-in, workstation

  • Sink Material: Stainless steel, cast iron, composite, fireclay

  • Sink Size: Single bowl or double bowl

  • Faucet Style: Pull-down, bridge, touchless, wall-mounted, pot filler

  • Faucet Finish: Chrome, matte black, brushed brass, nickel, etc.

  • Garbage Disposal: Confirm type, location of switch, horsepower

  • Water Filtration: Under-sink system? Does it require extra space or its own faucet?

  • Hot Water Tap: Confirm tank size, installation space, and if your plumber recommends it

Pro Tips:

  • Plan for adequate space in your sink base cabinet. Overloaded under-sink storage can clash with plumbing.

  • Confirm who’s responsible for purchasing each fixture. If the homeowner supplies them, ensure they’re delivered on-site before rough-in.

  • Double-check sink and faucet compatibility — some pairings don't align.

  • Make sure your plumber and cabinet maker are aware of under-sink systems and tank sizes.

DECORATIVE LIGHTING FIXTURES

Who Selects:
Homeowner or Interior Designer

Where to Shop:
Lighting showrooms, online retailers, design centers, or local boutiques

Who Provides the Estimate:
Lighting showroom or supplier

Who Purchases:
Varies by project — may be purchased by the homeowner, designer, or contractor (confirm in advance)

Who Installs:
Electrician or General Contractor (confirm who is responsible on your project)

What to Consider When Choosing Decorative Fixtures:

  • Function: Task vs. ambient vs. decorative

  • Location: Over island, dining table, sink, or in corners

  • Scale: Proportion matters. Bring your kitchen dimensions when shopping.

  • Material and Finish: Match or intentionally contrast with hardware or plumbing

  • Shades and Bulbs: Consider brightness, direction of light, and type of bulb

Common Decorative Fixture Types:

  • Pendants (islands, sinks)

  • Chandeliers (dining areas)

  • Sconces (flanking shelves, range, or windows)

  • Flush or Semi-Flush Mounts (low ceiling kitchens)

Pro Tips:

  • Select fixtures early. Lead times can be 8–16 weeks.

  • Double-check height clearance — especially over islands and walkways.

  • If you’re not ready to purchase, flag your selections with your electrician for placement.

  • Always confirm the number of fixtures and exact dimensions with your team before rough-in.

Hardware

Hardware includes knobs, pulls, handles, latches, and hinges — the small details that impact both the look and function of your kitchen cabinetry.

Who selects: Homeowner or Interior Designer
Who provides cost estimate: Hardware supplier, showroom, or Kitchen Designer (general estimate based on quantity)
Who installs: General Contractor or Cabinet Installer
Who purchases: Varies — homeowner, designer, or GC depending on agreement

Key Items to Consider:

  • Knobs vs. Pulls: Decide on style and placement per cabinet or drawer

  • Finish: Matte black, brass, polished nickel, chrome, antique bronze, etc.

  • Style: Modern, traditional, transitional — it should coordinate with lighting and plumbing

  • Size: Longer pulls are often used on larger drawers for proportion and ease of use

  • Consistency: Mixing finishes is possible but should be intentional and cohesive

  • Functionality: Check feel and grip — especially for heavy drawers or appliances

  • Hinges: Soft-close hinges are standard in most modern kitchens. Confirm if these are included.

Pro Tips:

  • Order hardware samples and test them on a sample door before finalizing

  • Always check lead times — specialty finishes or custom hardware can take weeks

  • For a clean look, consider integrated edge pulls or push-to-open mechanisms

  • If mixing metals, do so in a way that feels balanced — for example, warm with warm (brass + bronze) or cool with cool (nickel + chrome)

  • Be sure the cabinet installer has the final hardware layout before drilling — handle placement should be consistent and level