Cali Dream Construction | Design-Build General Contractor Phone: (858) 434-7166 | Email: [email protected] | Website: San Diego County and surrounding areas. Last updated: January 2026

Checklist planning for a kitchen remodeling in Chula Vista

Table of Contents

This page is built to be printed or saved. If you want the deeper explanations behind each checklist item, use these companion guides:

  • Big-picture planning: (See: `01-hub-guide.md`)
  • Pricing and allowances: (See: `02-cost-pricing.md`)
  • Permits: (See: `03-permits-rules.md`)
  • Mistakes to avoid: (See: `04-mistakes-avoid.md`)
  • Hiring and contracts: (See: `05-contractor-selection.md`)

Kitchen details

Pre-planning checklist

  • [ ] List your top 3 problems with the current kitchen (function first).
  • [ ] Decide your scope level: refresh / mid-level / full gut. (See: `01-hub-guide.md`)
  • [ ] Decide if you’re keeping the layout or moving plumbing/electrical.
  • [ ] Identify any “non-negotiables” (island, pantry, specific appliance size).
  • [ ] Measure the kitchen and note window/door locations.
  • [ ] Take photos of every wall (good lighting, wide angles).
  • [ ] If HOA applies, request renovation rules and approval steps.

Budget checklist

  • [ ] Choose a realistic target range (not a single “perfect number”).
  • [ ] Decide where you’ll spend and where you’ll save (cabinets vs counters vs appliances).
  • [ ] Set aside a contingency for unknowns, especially if doing a full gut.
  • [ ] Confirm what “allowances” mean in proposals. (See: `02-cost-pricing.md`)
  • [ ] Decide whether you’re financing or paying cash (neutral planning).
  • [ ] Plan for temporary kitchen costs (takeout, small appliances) during downtime.

Design + layout checklist (function-first)

  • [ ] Identify your primary cook(s) and how many people use the kitchen at once.
  • [ ] Note pain points: prep space, storage, lighting, traffic flow, and venting.
  • [ ] Decide if you want an island, peninsula, or no island.
  • [ ] Confirm comfortable clearances around seating and main walk paths.
  • [ ] Plan the landing zones: where hot pans and groceries naturally land.
  • [ ] Choose your sink size and placement based on how you actually use it.
  • [ ] Decide where trash/recycling will live (and keep it near prep).
  • [ ] Confirm pantry strategy: tall pantry cabinet, closet pantry, or open shelving.

Selections checklist (to prevent schedule stalls)

  • [ ] Cabinet door style + finish selected.
  • [ ] Cabinet hardware selected (and confirm hole spacing if needed).
  • [ ] Countertop material selected; confirm edge profile and sink type.
  • [ ] Backsplash tile selected; confirm quantity and lead time.
  • [ ] Flooring selected (if replacing) and transitions planned.
  • [ ] Sink, faucet, and accessories selected (soap dispenser, water filter, etc.).
  • [ ] Lighting fixtures selected (or at least fixture requirements defined).
  • [ ] Appliance package confirmed with exact model numbers.
  • [ ] Paint colors confirmed (walls, trim, ceiling as applicable).

Permit + HOA checklist

  • [ ] Identify whether electrical/plumbing/gas/structural work is in scope.
  • [ ] Confirm permit triggers with City of Chula Vista Development Services Department (or equivalent local building office). (See: `03-permits-rules.md`)
  • [ ] Confirm who pulls permits and schedules inspections (contractor vs homeowner).
  • [ ] If HOA applies, confirm:
  • [ ] Required approvals and timeline
  • [ ] Work hours and noise rules
  • [ ] Parking and dumpster rules
  • [ ] Contractor insurance document requirements
  • [ ] Common-area protection requirements (condos/townhomes)

Communication checklist (keeps the project calm)

  • [ ] Confirm your primary point of contact.
  • [ ] Decide the update rhythm (weekly schedule updates recommended).
  • [ ] Decide how decisions are documented (email or shared selection sheet).
  • [ ] Confirm how you’ll be notified about inspections, delays, or changes.
  • [ ] Confirm who approves changes and how quickly approvals are needed.

Quality-control checklist (simple, but effective)

  • [ ] Take “before” photos of every wall and inside cabinets.
  • [ ] Photograph rough plumbing/electrical before drywall closes (if applicable).
  • [ ] Walk the site after rough-in and after cabinets are set (before counters).
  • [ ] Confirm outlet locations and under-cabinet lighting placement before final.
  • [ ] Keep product manuals and warranty info in one folder.

These lists look long, but they reduce decision fatigue later. Most remodel stress is “too many decisions at the wrong time.” This keeps decisions early, when they’re cheaper.

Contractor checklist

  • [ ] Verify license and insurance before signing.
  • [ ] Require a written scope with inclusions and exclusions.
  • [ ] Require an allowance list for any unselected items.
  • [ ] Confirm permit approach and responsibility. (See: `03-permits-rules.md`)
  • [ ] Confirm the change-order process in writing.
  • [ ] Confirm communication cadence (who, how often, how documented).
  • [ ] Use milestone-based payments tied to progress.
  • [ ] Ask about dust control, floor protection, and daily cleanup expectations.

Pre-construction checklist

  • [ ] Order long-lead items early (cabinets, countertops, appliances).
  • [ ] Confirm appliance specs with your cabinet layout.
  • [ ] Confirm lighting plan (ambient + task + under-cabinet).
  • [ ] Confirm hood ventilation plan (duct path, termination).
  • [ ] If permits apply, confirm submittal status and inspection sequence.
  • [ ] Identify where materials will be staged (garage, spare room, etc.).
  • [ ] Plan a temporary kitchen zone (microwave, coffee, dishwashing).
  • [ ] Communicate schedule and expectations to household members.

During-construction checklist

  • [ ] Confirm weekly schedule updates (even a short one).
  • [ ] Keep decision questions answered quickly to avoid schedule stalls.
  • [ ] Document changes in writing (signed change orders).
  • [ ] Walk the site at key milestones (after rough-in, after cabinets, before counters).
  • [ ] Protect pets and kids from jobsite hazards.
  • [ ] Keep receipts and documentation for any owner-provided materials.

Decision log (simple template)

Keep a running list with three columns: Decision, Approved by, Date. Examples:

  • Countertop material and edge profile
  • Faucet model and finish
  • Backsplash tile and grout color
  • Light fixtures and bulb color temperature
  • Hardware style and placement

This prevents the “I thought we agreed on…” moments that slow projects and create frustration. It also makes it easier for your (858) 434-7166 | Email: [email protected] | Website: local remodeling experts to discuss your remodeling goals. Our team specializes in Chula Vista home renovations and understands the unique needs of local homeowners.