The room your home actually lives in.

All cabinet layouts, countertop materials, tile, fixtures, appliances, and finish details are finalized and documented before a single trade is scheduled. Locking selections at this stage prevents the costly change orders and schedule delays that derail most kitchen projects.

We submit permit drawings to the city and simultaneously place orders for custom cabinetry and stone countertop slabs — the two items with the longest fabrication lead times, typically 6–12 weeks for semi-custom and 8–14 weeks for fully custom. Permits are tracked in parallel so the two timelines converge.

Adjoining rooms are masked with poly barriers and zipper walls to control dust. Existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances are removed and disposed of, exposing the framing, subfloor, and rough plumbing and electrical that will be reconfigured.

If the project includes removing a wall, relocating a door, or raising ceiling height, structural work — including any engineered beam installation — happens now, before rough trade work begins. A structural engineer reviews plans when load-bearing elements are involved.

All in-wall and under-floor supply, drain, vent, electrical rough-in, gas lines, and any HVAC duct modifications are run before walls close. New circuit loads for high-draw appliances (range, refrigerator, dishwasher, hood) are planned and roughed at this stage.

The city inspector reviews framing, structural, plumbing, electrical, and gas rough-in before any wall surfaces go up. Passing all rough inspections is required before proceeding; we schedule the inspector and resolve any corrections promptly.

Thermal and acoustic insulation is installed in any exposed bays, then drywall is hung, taped, floated, and textured to match the existing finish. Corner bead, recessed light rings, and outlet/switch boxes are set flush before texture is applied.

Walls and ceilings receive a prime coat followed by the finish color, chosen to be applied before cabinetry so paint can be cut in cleanly. New flooring — whether hardwood, tile, or LVP — is installed at this stage, with cabinetry to sit on top, simplifying future replacement.

Upper and lower cabinets are set plumb, level, and scribed to wall and ceiling irregularities. Crown molding, light rail, and decorative end panels are fitted. Shim gaps and toe kicks are addressed before countertop templating can occur.

A digital template is taken from the installed cabinets and transmitted to the stone fabricator, who cuts, edges, and polishes the slabs to exact dimensions. The finished stone is delivered and set in one installation session; seams are epoxied and surfaces are sealed.

Backsplash tile is set and grouted with countertops in place for precise cuts at the top edge. The plumber trims out sink, faucet, garbage disposal, and dishwasher supply; the electrician installs outlets, switches, under-cabinet lighting, and hood. Appliances are set and connected.

Touch-up paint, hardware installation, final cleaning, and a systematic punch list close out the project. The city inspector issues final sign-off, and we walk through every item with you before handing over the space.