Homeowner Checklist: Planning Your Kitchen Remodeling in San Diego

By Cali Dream Construction | January 09, 2026 | La Jolla

Last updated: January 2026

!Print-friendly kitchen remodel checklist

If you want a kitchen remodel to feel predictable, your best tool isn’t a mood board—it’s a checklist. Kitchens have more moving parts than most home projects: cabinets, counters, electrical, plumbing, inspections, lead times, and daily life logistics.

Use this as a print-friendly planning guide for San Diego homeowners. If you want the bigger picture first, read (See: 01-hub-guide.md). If you want a detailed estimate, call/text (858) 434-7166 or request a quote at https://www.calidreamconstruction.com.

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Table of contents

• Pre-planning checklist
• Design detail checklist
• Budget checklist
• Durability and maintenance checklist
• Contractor checklist
• Selections and ordering checklist
• Pre-construction checklist
• During-construction checklist
• Final walkthrough and closeout checklist
• Who we are
• Trust and jobsite habits
• How to get an estimate
• What happens next

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Pre-planning checklist

• □ What’s the main problem with your current kitchen (storage, workflow, lighting, layout)?
• □ What must improve for the remodel to feel “worth it”?
• □ What do you want to keep (appliances, flooring, window locations)?
• □ What are your non-negotiables (island seating, pantry, range size, sink type)?

• □ Decide whether you’re keeping the same layout or changing it
• □ Identify traffic paths (especially if the kitchen is a hallway)
• □ Confirm you have enough clearance for the dishwasher and island stools
• □ Identify where trash/recycling will live (small detail, big daily impact)

• □ Are you in a condo/HOA (La Jolla, planned communities, Carmel Mountain Ranch, many Chula Vista neighborhoods)?
• □ Do you have tight street parking (common in North Park)?
• □ Where will deliveries go, and where will demo debris be loaded?

If you’re not sure which scope level fits, use the scope guide in (See: 01-hub-guide.md).

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Design detail checklist

These are the “small” decisions that often turn into big frustrations if they’re skipped.

• □ Where will trash/recycling live? (pullout vs hidden vs freestanding)
• □ Do you want more drawers instead of base cabinets with shelves?
• □ Pantry strategy: tall pantry cabinet, wall pantry, or a dedicated pantry closet
• □ Spice storage near the cooking zone
• □ Sheet pan and cutting board storage (vertical slots help)
• □ Where do small appliances live day-to-day (toaster, mixer, air fryer)?

• □ Single bowl vs double bowl (based on how you wash and prep)
• □ Faucet type (pull-down vs pull-out) and clearance under windows
• □ Dishwasher location and door swing clearance
• □ Water filtration, instant hot, or dedicated beverage faucet (if desired)
• □ Under-sink access: make sure shutoffs are reachable after installation

• □ Where do you want seams to land (especially around islands)?
• □ Do you want a full-height backsplash in any areas?
• □ Confirm outlet locations relative to backsplash tile layout

• □ Ambient lighting (recessed) placement matched to the cabinet plan
• □ Task lighting (under-cabinet) planned early to avoid “afterthought wiring”
• □ Accent lighting (optional) for shelves or toe-kick
• □ Outlet plan for charging, coffee station, and small appliances
• □ Confirm any dedicated circuits needed for new appliances

• □ Hood type and size direction confirmed early
• □ Duct route planned before cabinets are finalized
• □ Confirm where the exterior termination will be (scope-dependent)

These details are why a measured site visit is so valuable before final pricing. If you want help dialing in the plan, call/text (858) 434-7166.

Budget checklist

• □ Choose your scope level (refresh vs mid-range vs full gut)
• □ Review typical San Diego price ranges (See: 02-cost-pricing.md)
• □ Decide what matters most: cabinets, counters, appliances, layout, or lighting

• □ Set aside a contingency appropriate to your home’s age and scope
• □ Expect older homes to require more flexibility (electrical/plumbing surprises)

• □ If your quote includes allowances, confirm what each allowance covers
• □ Ask whether tax, delivery, and installation are included in allowances
• □ Confirm how over/under allowance costs are handled

• □ Confirm payment schedule is tied to progress milestones (See: 05-contractor-selection.md)
• □ Avoid paying far ahead of completed work
• □ Keep a reasonable final payment until punch list completion

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Contractor checklist

• □ Prepare a simple scope description: layout changes, finish level, and must-haves
• □ Gather inspiration images but also prioritize functional needs

• □ Ask who your day-to-day contact is
• □ Ask how permits and inspections are handled (See: 03-permits-rules.md)
• □ Ask about dust control and daily cleanup
• □ Ask how change orders are priced and approved (See: 05-contractor-selection.md)
• □ Ask for a realistic timeline and what drives it (cabinets, permits, etc.)

• □ Verify license and insurance (CSLB and proof of coverage)
• □ Confirm who is responsible for permits and inspections
• □ Confirm what warranty is included in writing

If you want a full contractor selection framework, see: (See: 05-contractor-selection.md).

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Durability and maintenance checklist

San Diego homes get real use—sand, kids, pets, and entertaining. Before you commit to finishes, ask:

• □ Will this countertop show every fingerprint or water spot?
• □ Is the cabinet finish easy to touch up if it gets nicked?
• □ Can the flooring handle spills and wet mopping without swelling?
• □ Are the backsplash grout lines realistic for your tolerance for cleaning?
• □ Are you choosing finishes for your daily life (not just the showroom)?

Durable choices don’t have to look “basic.” They just have to be honest about how you live.

Selections and ordering checklist

Selections drive schedule. The earlier you lock them, the calmer your build will feel.

• □ Cabinets: layout, door style, finish, lead time confirmed
• □ Appliances: models/specs confirmed (dimensions + power requirements)
• □ Vent hood approach: duct routing confirmed early
• □ Countertop material direction: type selected (exact slab later if needed)

• □ Backsplash tile selected
• □ Sink and faucet selected (confirm cabinet compatibility)
• □ Lighting fixtures selected (or at least fixture types/locations)
• □ Flooring direction confirmed (especially transitions and under-cabinet strategy)
• □ Hardware selected

• □ Confirm what the contractor orders vs what you purchase directly
• □ Confirm delivery location and inspection of materials upon arrival
• □ Confirm how damaged items are handled and who coordinates replacements

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Pre-construction checklist

• □ Identify a temporary kitchen area (microwave, coffee, dishwashing plan)
• □ Plan meals for weeks when the kitchen is limited
• □ Plan safe zones for kids/pets
• □ Protect nearby rooms if you work from home

• □ Confirm where the crew parks and where materials can be staged
• □ Confirm dumpster/haul-away plan (street vs driveway considerations)
• □ Condo/HOA: confirm elevator reservations and protection requirements

• □ Confirm jurisdiction (City of San Diego vs Encinitas vs Chula Vista vs County)
• □ Confirm permits are pulled before work begins if required
• □ Confirm HOA approvals are obtained (if applicable)

Permits and HOA rules are explained here: (See: 03-permits-rules.md).

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During-construction checklist

• □ Ask for a weekly update: what’s complete, what’s next, what decisions are needed
• □ Confirm inspections are scheduled when required
• □ Confirm any “unknown” discoveries are documented with options and pricing

• □ Ensure floor protection and dust containment stay in place
• □ Confirm daily cleanup expectations
• □ Keep a running punch list during the build (small items are easier to fix early)

• □ Avoid adding scope midstream unless it truly matters
• □ If you do change scope, require a written change order with cost and schedule impact

If you want a list of common mistakes that derail projects, see: (See: 04-mistakes-avoid.md).

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Final walkthrough and closeout checklist

• □ Cabinets: doors aligned, drawers smooth, hardware installed
• □ Counters: seams acceptable, caulking clean, no major chips
• □ Plumbing: no leaks, shutoffs accessible, disposal and dishwasher run
• □ Electrical: lights operate correctly, outlets tested, GFCI/AFCI where required
• □ Ventilation: hood operates and vents correctly (scope-dependent)

• □ Final inspection sign-off (when permits apply)
• □ Warranty documentation in writing
• □ Product manuals and care instructions
• □ Touch-up materials (paint name, grout color, extra tile if available)
• □ Final lien releases where appropriate

A clean closeout is a sign of a professional contractor.

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Who we are

> Cali Dream Construction is a Design-Build General Contractor serving San Diego and San Diego County.

> Homeowners choose us for:

> - A coordinated design-build process

> - Clear scope and transparent pricing

> - Permit-aware planning and inspection-ready workmanship

> - A clean jobsite and consistent communication

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Trust and jobsite habits

The details that protect your home:

• Licensed & insured: Licensed & Insured General Contractor (CA). CSLB #1054602.
• Permit awareness: jurisdiction and inspection planning (See: 03-permits-rules.md)
• Cleanliness: protection, dust control, daily cleanup
• Communication: documented scope decisions and regular updates

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How to get an estimate

If you want an estimate that’s detailed and realistic:

1. Call/text: share your goals, neighborhood, and address

2. Site visit: measurements + review of existing conditions and constraints

3. Scope definition: confirm layout changes, systems work, and finish level

4. Timeline discussion: align lead times and approvals with build phases

5. Written proposal: clear scope, allowances (if any), and next steps

Start by calling/texting (858) 434-7166 or requesting a quote at https://www.calidreamconstruction.com.

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What happens next

If you decide to move forward, a well-run process should feel simple and structured:

1. Call or text: we’ll ask a few questions about your goals, timeline, and address

2. On-site walkthrough: measurements, existing-condition review, and constraint check (parking/HOA included)

3. Scope confirmation: align on what stays, what changes, and what needs upgrading

4. Schedule alignment: confirm lead times and any approvals so the timeline is realistic

5. Written proposal: clear scope, pricing, and next-step options

Back to the full guide: (See: 01-hub-guide.md). If you want cost planning: (See: 02-cost-pricing.md).

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Call/Text: (858) 434-7166 • Email: info@calidreamconstruction.com • Website: calidreamconstruction.com

License: Licensed & Insured General Contractor (CA). CSLB #1054602. • Serving San Diego County and surrounding areas.

Map: Google Maps

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