Cali Dream Construction — Design-Build General Contractor Call/Text: (858) 434-7166 Email: [email protected] Website: San Diego County and surrounding areas.

Last updated: January 2026

--- Printable checklist

Table of Contents

How to use this checklist

This is a homeowner-first checklist for planning a kitchen remodeling in Carlsbad, California. It’s designed to keep your project calm, predictable, and aligned with a realistic budget.

Two ways to use it:

  • Print it and bring it to estimate meetings.
  • Use it as a decision deadline list so you’re not rushed once construction starts.

If you want the full guide that explains the “why” behind each step, start here: (See: )

Pre-planning checklist

Start here before you pick finishes.

  • [ ] Write down your top 3 goals (more storage, better layout, brighter lighting, etc.)
  • [ ] Decide what you want to keep (layout, windows, flooring) vs change (walls, plumbing, island)
  • [ ] List your pain points (traffic jams, no prep space, bad lighting, weak ventilation)
  • [ ] Decide how you use the kitchen (daily cooking vs entertaining, kids, pets)
  • [ ] Take photos of your current kitchen and measure approximate dimensions
  • [ ] Identify constraints: HOA rules, condo protection requirements, parking/staging limitations
  • [ ] Decide whether you plan to live in the home during the remodel
  • [ ] Collect any old plans or prior remodel notes if you have them
Tip: The earlier you decide whether walls/plumbing move, the easier it is to plan permits and avoid mid-project surprises. (See: )

Budget checklist

A good budget is not a single number—it’s a range with priorities.

  • [ ] Choose a realistic budget range based on scope (refresh vs mid-range vs full gut)
  • [ ] Decide which 2–3 items are worth spending on (cabinets, counters, appliances, lighting)
  • [ ] Decide where you’re willing to keep it simple (backsplash complexity, custom details)
  • [ ] Set aside a buffer for older-home discovery (subfloor, wiring, plumbing condition)
  • [ ] Make a “must-have” vs “nice-to-have” list
  • [ ] If you may finance, understand the full cost of financing (fees/interest)
  • [ ] Confirm your allowance expectations match your finish level

For realistic Carlsbad pricing ranges and what drives them: (See: )

Budget math: set your range, then align selections

A useful planning exercise is to set:

  • a comfortable budget (what you want to spend)
  • a maximum budget (what you can spend if the scope truly requires it)

Then align selections to that range. Example:

  • If your comfortable budget is in the refresh range, keep layout mostly in place and avoid moving plumbing/gas.
  • If you want layout changes and premium finishes, expect to be in a higher tier—and plan allowances accordingly.

This isn’t about “cheap vs expensive.” It’s about matching scope and finish level so your bid doesn’t turn into constant change orders.

Contractor checklist

This is the section that prevents most homeowner regret.

If you feel uncomfortable asking these questions, remember: a kitchen remodel is a major investment and the work happens inside your home. A professional contractor expects homeowners to verify licensing, understand allowances, and review payment schedules. Calm transparency is a good sign.

  • [ ] Verify license through CSLB (active, correct classification)
  • [ ] Request a certificate of insurance (general liability and workers’ comp when applicable)
  • [ ] Get a written scope of work (not vague, not “we’ll figure it out”)
  • [ ] Review allowances and confirm they’re realistic
  • [ ] Confirm who handles permits and inspections (if scope triggers permits)
  • [ ] Confirm the change-order process is written
  • [ ] Confirm protection plan (floors, dust control, daily cleanup)
  • [ ] Confirm communication plan (who you talk to, how often you get updates)
  • [ ] Confirm a rough schedule and decision deadlines
  • [ ] Compare bids based on scope and risk, not just price

Contractor selection deep dive: (See: )

CTA: If you want a detailed proposal with a clear scope and allowance plan, call/text (858) 434-7166.

Pre-construction checklist

Once you sign and before demo begins:

  • [ ] Finalize major selections (cabinets, counters, appliances) or confirm allowances
  • [ ] Confirm appliance specs and venting plan (especially range/hood)
  • [ ] Confirm lighting plan (task/ambient/accent) and switching locations
  • [ ] Confirm outlet locations (small appliance zones, island outlets)
  • [ ] Confirm material lead-times and delivery dates
  • [ ] Confirm permit status and inspection schedule (if applicable)
  • [ ] Plan your temporary kitchen (microwave, coffee, dish-washing plan)
  • [ ] Clear cabinets and nearby rooms for dust protection
  • [ ] Protect valuables and fragile items in adjacent spaces
  • [ ] Decide where pets will be during work hours
  • [ ] Confirm parking/staging plan with your contractor

Neighborhood logistics notes: (See: )

Selections checklist (to prevent ordering delays)

A kitchen remodel schedule often depends on a few “long-lead” decisions. You don’t need every decorative detail on day one, but you do want these items decided (or clearly allowed) early.

Cabinets

  • [ ] Cabinet line selected (stock / semi-custom / custom)
  • [ ] Door style and finish selected
  • [ ] Hardware style confirmed (or allowance set)
  • [ ] Any specialty storage features decided (trash pull-out, pantry pull-outs, spice pull-outs)
  • [ ] Confirm panel-ready appliances if you want integrated look

Countertops

  • [ ] Material selected (and slab vs prefabricated clarified)
  • [ ] Edge profile chosen
  • [ ] Sink type confirmed (undermount, farmhouse, integrated)
  • [ ] Backsplash plan decided (full-height, 4" splash, tile)
  • [ ] If stone is selected, confirm how seams will be placed (good fabricators discuss this with you)

Appliances

  • [ ] Range type chosen (gas vs electric/induction)
  • [ ] Hood/ventilation requirements confirmed (duct size and route)
  • [ ] Refrigerator specs confirmed (depth, door swing clearance)
  • [ ] Dishwasher specs confirmed (panel-ready vs standard)

Flooring and finishes

  • [ ] Flooring material selected and transitions planned
  • [ ] Paint color direction decided (even if final swatch comes later)
  • [ ] Backsplash tile direction decided (size/pattern complexity affects labor)
Tip: If you want a clean, calm build, lock the “big decisions” early and leave small aesthetic choices for later—without delaying ordering.

Temporary kitchen checklist (so life doesn’t feel upside down)

Many homeowners can stay home during a remodel, but you’ll be happier if you plan a temporary setup.

  • [ ] Choose a counter or table area for a microwave/toaster oven/coffee station
  • [ ] Decide where dishes will be washed (laundry sink, bathroom sink, temporary station)
  • [ ] Set up a bin system for daily essentials (plates, cups, utensils)
  • [ ] Plan food storage (cooler space if fridge access is interrupted)
  • [ ] Plan trash/recycling access during construction
  • [ ] If you work from home, plan quiet hours and workspace separation
  • [ ] If you have pets, plan safe separation from work zones

Even a basic plan reduces stress significantly.

During-construction checklist

To keep the project smooth while work is underway:

  • [ ] Do a quick walk-through at key milestones (after demo, after rough-in, after cabinets)
  • [ ] Keep decisions timely (tile pattern, grout color, hardware placement)
  • [ ] Review change orders in writing before work proceeds
  • [ ] Keep a running punch list (small items you notice)
  • [ ] Confirm daily cleanup expectations (trash, tools, dust control)
  • [ ] Communicate promptly if something feels off—early fixes are easier than late fixes

If you want to understand common stress points (and how to prevent them), read: (See: )

Final walkthrough checklist

Before final payment and closeout:

  • [ ] Cabinet doors and drawers aligned and operating smoothly
  • [ ] Countertops installed cleanly (seams and edges acceptable)
  • [ ] Sink, faucet, disposal, dishwasher working (no leaks)
  • [ ] Outlets/switches/lighting working and labeled where needed
  • [ ] Appliance installation complete and functioning
  • [ ] Backsplash clean and consistent; grout and caulk lines finished
  • [ ] Paint touch-ups complete; trim clean
  • [ ] Floors protected during work and cleaned at the end
  • [ ] Punch list completed or scheduled with dates
  • [ ] Warranty information provided in writing
  • [ ] Permit finals complete and documented (if permits were pulled)

Closeout documents checklist (easy to forget)

These items are often overlooked, but they matter later:

  • [ ] Final invoice that matches the signed scope and approved change orders
  • [ ] Warranty information in writing (what’s covered and for how long)
  • [ ] Manufacturer info for key products (cabinets, counters, fixtures)
  • [ ] Care instructions (stone sealing guidance if applicable, cabinet cleaning guidance)
  • [ ] Permit final documentation if permits were pulled
  • [ ] Any specialty subcontractor documentation if provided (for example, appliance installation notes)

A good closeout package makes resale, maintenance, and future upgrades easier.

Tip: If something isn’t finished, it’s reasonable to keep a small final payment tied to completion of punch list items.

How to get an estimate

A good estimate starts with clarity.

  1. Call/text (858) 434-7166 or request a quote at (858) 434-7166 Email: [email protected] Website: trusted remodeling professionals to discuss your remodeling goals. Our team specializes in Carlsbad home renovations and understands the unique needs of local homeowners.