How to plan a kitchen remodel in Modesto, step by step
By Victor Sanchez, owner of Vicsa Construction ·
Plan a kitchen remodel in this order: decide how much of the layout changes, get a scale drawing, choose cabinets early because they set the schedule, get the permit if plumbing, gas, electrical or walls move, then build. In Modesto, permits inside city limits come from the City of Modesto; in unincorporated areas like Salida they come from Stanislaus County.
A kitchen remodel is a few hundred decisions wearing a trench coat. Here is the order we make them in with our customers, so the big ones come first and the fun ones (handles, finally) come last.
1. Decide how much of the layout changes
This is the biggest decision for your budget. Keeping the sink, range and fridge where they are keeps plumbing, gas and electrical mostly in place. Moving the sink to an island, or taking out a wall, adds rough-in work, inspections and sometimes a beam. Neither is wrong. Just decide this first, because everything else follows from it.
2. Get it drawn to scale
A sketch on a napkin hides problems. A scale drawing shows that the dishwasher door hits the island, or that the corner cabinet will never open fully. We draw every kitchen before demolition, and you sign off on the drawing with the price.
3. Choose cabinets early
Cabinets set the schedule on most kitchen jobs. Stock cabinets arrive faster than semi-custom or built-to-measure ones, and counters can only be measured once cabinets are installed. Choose cabinets before demolition day, not after.
| Cabinet type | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | Standard layouts, tighter budgets | Fixed sizes, so fillers are needed on odd walls |
| Semi-custom | More sizes, finishes and inserts | Longer lead time |
| Built to measure | Odd walls, full-height storage, islands | Highest cost, but fits the room exactly |
4. Pull the permit
In California, moving or adding plumbing, gas, circuits or walls needs a permit. Swapping cabinet doors or a counter in place usually does not. Inside Modesto city limits, the City of Modesto issues residential permits. In Salida and other unincorporated areas, Stanislaus County does. Turlock, Ceres and Riverbank each run their own. We file the permit as part of the job and schedule the inspections.
5. The build, in order
- Protect the rest of the house and set up a temporary kitchen.
- Demolition.
- Rough plumbing, gas and electrical, then the inspection.
- Any repairs found behind the walls, priced in writing first. (Here is what usually turns up.)
- Drywall, then cabinets.
- Counters are measured, made and installed.
- Backsplash, fixtures, appliances, trim and paint.
- Final inspection and a walkthrough with you.
A note for Valley kitchens
Water around Modesto leaves mineral scale on faucets and glass. Ask about finishes that wipe clean easily, and consider a filtered tap at the sink. Your future self, holding a sponge, will thank you.
Ready to start with step one? See how we remodel kitchens, or ask for a free estimate. New customers get 10% off.