10 Steps to Remodeling Your Kitchen

Hardware -- the pulls and knobs -- can make or break your cabinets. I prefer pulls over knobs, except for small drawers, but it's an individual choice. Choose a style and type of finish that complements not only your cabinets but the age of your home. Try to avoid trendy finishes that will scream "time warp" in a few years.

Contractors Can Complete the Kitchen Remodel

This is when you call back the electrician and the plumber to install your appliances. Electricians will finish out the installation by adding receptacle plates and pulling forward your receptacles to match the backsplash.

Typically, your range hood will be installed first. This might require a roof jack to vent the exhaust. Never vent exhaust directly into your attic.

Take great care to cover your flooring when wheeling in the heavy duty appliances such as the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher. Make certain each is aligned and plumbed.

If you have an undermount sink, it will already be installed by the countertop installers; however, any other type of sink is installed after the counters and backsplash are in place. The plumber will hook up your faucet and insert the airgap for your dishwasher into the countertop.

Check for leaks. Make sure every appliance is working properly before paying the contractors in full.

_{At the time of writing, Elizabeth Weintraub, DRE # 00697006, is a Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate in Sacramento, California.}