How to Plan a Kitchen Renovation from Start to Finish

HANNAH A · MAY 8 , 2025

START WITH A VISION

The first step in any kitchen renovation is to define your goals. Before you begin browsing tile samples or appliance packages, take a moment to consider what you truly need and want from your space. Are you looking to improve storage, create a more open layout, or design a space that’s perfect for entertaining? Thinking about how you use your kitchen on a daily basis—and how you’d like it to function better—will help you make clear, confident decisions throughout the renovation process.

ESTABLISH A REALISTIC BUDGET

Once your goals are clear, the next important step is creating a realistic and thorough budget. This should include everything from design services and permits to construction costs, appliances, finishes, and a buffer for unexpected expenses. At ENE Builders, we work closely with our clients to develop transparent budgets that reflect the full scope of the project. Our goal is to help you invest wisely, with no surprises along the way.

GET INSPIRED AND DEFINE YOUR STYLE

With a budget in place, now comes the fun part—gathering inspiration. While platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are great for initial ideas, we encourage clients to focus on materials, layouts, and design elements that align with the architecture of their home and their long-term lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the warm textures of Spanish revival style or the simplicity of organic modern design, our team can help you refine your vision into something cohesive and timeless.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT DESIGN + BUILD PARTNER

The success of your renovation often comes down to the team you choose. At ENE Builders, our full-service design and build approach ensures you have one streamlined process and one dedicated team guiding your project from start to finish. We handle everything—design, permitting, procurement, scheduling, and construction—so you don’t have to juggle multiple vendors or contractors. This integrated model reduces delays, miscommunication, and unnecessary costs.

DIVE INTO DESIGN & PLANNINGS

During the design and planning phase, we turn your vision into detailed plans. This includes finalizing the kitchen layout, selecting materials like countertops and cabinetry, choosing appliances, and specifying lighting and hardware. We use mood boards and 3D renderings to bring your ideas to life before construction begins. This gives you confidence in the design while allowing us to fine-tune details that matter most.

HANDLE PERMITS & ORDER MATERIAL

Once the design is finalized, our team handles all necessary permitting and city approvals. Simultaneously, we place orders for custom cabinetry, fixtures, and finishes. Having all materials on site before demolition begins helps us keep the construction phase on schedule and minimizes the risk of supply delays.

BEGIN CONSTRUCTION

The transformation begins with demolition and continues through framing, electrical, plumbing, flooring, cabinetry, and final finishes. Depending on the complexity of the renovation, this phase can take several weeks to a few months. Throughout the process, our project managers are on site to coordinate trades, oversee quality, and communicate updates—so you always know exactly what’s happening.

COMPLETE WITH FINISHING TOUCHES

As construction wraps up, we focus on perfecting the space. This includes final paint, hardware installation, appliance hookup, and cleaning. We’ll walk through your new kitchen together to make sure every detail is exactly right. From soft-close drawers to under-cabinet lighting, our goal is to deliver a kitchen that feels beautiful, functional, and entirely custom to you.

LET’S BUILD SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

At ENE Builders, we believe a kitchen should reflect the way you live. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply enjoying your morning coffee, your kitchen deserves to be thoughtfully designed and expertly built. If you’re ready to begin planning your renovation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

ENE BUILDERS | LA + OC Remodeling

Family owned affordable design+build firm

Specializing in Spanish revival , Modern Mediterranean Organic Design

From A-Z: Architecture | Design | General Contractor | Showroom Details obsessed + Planning perfection