How to Plan the Layout for a Kitchen Remodel

A Brand New Kitchen

Remodeling an existing kitchen is not for the faint-hearted. It involves cabinetry, major appliances and electrical and plumbing work. If you plan to move walls, windows or doorways, the job will be even more complex. Building codes may have changed since the kitchen was built; and when you remodel, you will have to meet current codes. Making a thorough and carefully considered plan before you begin is essential to a successful project.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Building codes for your area

Instructions

Measuring

1. 

   Measure the dimensions of your kitchen, and draw it to scale on graph paper. Show the locations of doors, windows, electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, cabinets and appliances.

2. 

   Lay a new sheet of graph paper over this drawing, and mark in just the existing walls, doorways and windows. Indicate changes you intend to make on this sheet. Use the original drawing for reference in locating where things are now.

3. Determine whether you need more space.You can gain additional space by converting part of an adjoining room or a closet or by building on to increase the size of the room. Consult your building codes and setback requirements (not to mention your budget) to see which of these options will be possible.

4. 

   Decide whether appliances need to be replaced or moved. Putting a new appliance in the same spot as the old one is simple, unless the new one is a different size. Measure available space carefully before purchasing new units. Also make sure that electrical and plumbing connections are compatible with new appliances. Otherwise, these systems will have to be updated.

5. Keep in mind the "work triangle" in which the refrigerator, stove and sink are within convenient working distance of each other. Any number of arrangements are possible, but each leg of the triangle should be between four and seven feet for ideal working conditions. Measure the distances and make adjustments if they are too close or spread too far apart.

6. Plan for equipment and ingredients to be stored near where they will be used. Cake pans and mixing bowls should be in the same area as flour and sugar, and not too far from the oven. Dishes and silverware should be close to the dishwasher or the table.

7. 

   Walk through your new layout in your imagination and go through the motions of your typical work in the kitchen. Make sure you have included a spot for cookbooks, planning meals, feeding pets, storing your recyclables or any other activity that you want to do in your kitchen. Make adjustments as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• For ideas on good layouts, find books in your local library. Wander through a home improvement store to see what new conveniences are available.

References

• Kitchen Remodeling A Do-it-Yourselfer's Guide; Paul Bianchina; 1988
• The Complete Guide to Kitchens; Black & Decker; 2004

Resources

• Kitchen Layouts