What It Takes to Renovate Your Kitchen or Bathroom: A Beginner’s Guide
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom? knowing what to expect can help you plan smarter, stay on budget, and avoid costly mistakes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide—plus smart tips and must-ask questions—to help you navigate your first renovation project with confidence.
🧠 Start With the Right Questions
Before reaching out to designers or contractors, ask yourself:
What’s not working? Is it layout, lighting, storage, or style?
How do I use the space daily? Cooking, entertaining, getting ready in a rush?
What’s my total budget? Include design, materials, and construction.
Do I need permits? Most likely yes, especially if plumbing or layout changes.
💡 Tip: A design-first approach helps clarify the entire scope before you commit to building.
🎨 Step 1: Hire a Designer Who Understands Renovations
Interior design isn’t just about colors—it’s about building code, functionality, layout, and specifying fixtures that actually get built. At Soft Design, we specialize in renovation-ready design that includes:
Layout planning for kitchens, bathrooms, or ADUs
Mood boards and finish selections
Realistic 3D renderings
Materials list (with retail or trade pricing)
Permit-ready drawings (optional)
📝 Step 2: Prepare for Permits
If your remodel involves:
Moving plumbing or walls
Upgrading electrical systems
Installing new windows or skylights
...you’ll likely need permit drawings.
🔍 Check your city’s website for local permit requirements or ask us—we’ve worked in multiple jurisdictions across California and Utah.
🧰 Step 3: Hire a Contractor
With clear plans and a detailed materials list, you can confidently approach licensed contractors for bids. A complete design helps prevent mid-project changes and ensures everyone’s on the same page from day one. Soft Design offers connections to the best General Contractors in your area.
🛠️ If you already have a contractor, we’ll coordinate with them directly to keep things moving smoothly.
🛒 Step 4: Material Sourcing
Once the design is finalized, it’s time to order materials. We’ll guide you on:
Cabinet types and lead times
Countertop options (quartz, natural stone, etc.)
Title 24–compliant lighting and fans
Fixtures and finishes that meet code and style
✨ Final Tips for First-Time Renovators
Don’t skip design. It saves time and money in the long run.
Budget for the unexpected. Especially in older homes.
Ask questions. No question is too small. You deserve to feel confident.
Ready to Start Your Kitchen or Bathroom Renovation?
At Soft Design, we support homeowners and contractors with affordable interior design services that go from design to permits to construction. Whether you're planning a kitchen makeover or updating a dated bathroom, we’re here to guide you—remotely and affordably.
📩 Book your first consultation today and get your project started the right way.