Memphis Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
Refreshing or fully remodeling your kitchen in Memphis—whether you live in a Craftsman in Cooper-Young, a colonial in Germantown, or a sleek Downtown condo—demands a blend of design sense, local insight, and attention to practical details. Use this checklist to guide your project from concept through completion.
1. Establish Goals & Budget
Define Project Scope
Full Remodel: Structural changes (moving walls, relocating plumbing/electrical) vs.
Cosmetic Update: Cabinet refacing, countertop swap, new backsplash.
Set a Realistic Budget
Allocate 12–20% of your home’s market value for a midrange kitchen remodel in Memphis.
Reserve a 10% contingency (especially important if your home has hidden electrical or plumbing issues).
2. Research Local Trends & Gather Inspiration
Explore Memphis Showrooms & Open Houses
Visit Memphis design centers to touch cabinet finishes, view countertop slabs, and experience lighting demos.
Look at Zillow for recently updated kitchens in your area of town. Styles vary based on location—a bungalow in Midtown has a different vibe than a traditional brick home in Cordova.
Create a Vision Board
Include photos of materials and favorite looks you’ve found online.
Save Instagram posts from Memphis-based designers who specialize in bungalow and Craftsman-style kitchens.
Identify Neighborhood Nuances
Downtown Lofts / South Main: Industrial-chic—exposed brick walls, stainless-steel appliances, open shelving.
Midtown / Cooper-Young: Vintage meets modern—slim shaker cabinets paired with a colorful backsplash.
East Memphis / Germantown: Transitional elegance—two-toned cabinetry (navy island, cream perimeter), marble-look quartz.
3. Verify Permits & Local Code Requirements
Contact Memphis & Shelby County Permits Office
Confirm if wall removals require structural engineering sign-off (common in older Midtown homes).
Verify plumbing and electrical permit requirements, especially if converting a Peninsula cooktop to a vented range hood.
Neighborhood Covenants & HOA Rules
In subdivisions like Germantown’s Forest Hill, check if exterior changes (e.g., moving a window for better light) need HOA approval.
In Collierville, confirm if you need special clearance for any detectable work that impacts street-facing façades.
4. Hire Qualified, Local Professionals
Interview Multiple Contractors
Request examples of “kitchen remodeling Memphis” jobs—ask for recent projects in Bartlett, Arlington, or Cordova if you live there.
Verify Tennessee Contractor License and general liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage).
Review Portfolios & References
Seek out contractors whose past work reflects your desired style—browse their Houzz profiles, Facebook pages or website galleries.
Seek out reviews to get a feel for how their customers respond.
Finalize a Written Contract
Include: Scope of work, payment schedule, project milestones, warranty details, and cleanup responsibilities.
5. Plan Layout & Functionality
Assess Traffic Flow
In open-concept Memphis homes (e.g., East Memphis ranch), ensure the new island doesn’t obstruct sightlines to the family room.
If you entertain often (common in East Memphis/Germantown), plan for a large prep island with bar seating.
Optimize Work Triangle
Position sink, refrigerator, and cooktop within a comfortable triangle—allow 4–9 feet between each for efficiency.
In tighter spaces (Downtown condos), consider a galley layout or single-wall kitchen with a mobile island.
Consider Appliance Placement
For homes near Bartlett: if you have an outdoor living area, plan for a pass-through window or side door to access an outdoor grill station.
In Collierville Estates, secondary prep sinks in butler’s pantries are highly valued for seamless entertaining.
6. Select Materials & Fixtures
Cabinetry
Styles: Shaker (timeless for Germantown), flat-panel (modern Downtown), or inset (premium, classic Memphis feel).
Finish: Painted (white, soft gray) or stained wood (white oak, walnut) depending on neighborhood aesthetics.
Countertops
Quartz: Low-maintenance, wide array of veining patterns—ideal for high-traffic Memphis kitchens.
Granite/Marble: Consider honed or leathered finishes to mask water spots in the humid Mid-South climate.
Backsplashes
Subway Tile: Classic—use contrasting grout to emphasize pattern in Midtown homes.
Designer Tile: Create something unique to make your kitchen stand out.
Flooring
Wide-Plank Hardwood: Matches existing floors in older Cooper-Young or Midtown homes—choose a durable finish to resist spills.
Porcelain Tile: Wood-look or stone-look is popular in Germantown, Cordova, and Bartlett—easy to clean and moisture-resistant.
Plumbing Fixtures & Appliances
Faucets: Pull-down, single-handle faucets with matte black or brushed gold finishes are trending in Germantown.
Dishwashers & Refrigerators: Energy Star-rated models to combat Memphis’s variable electric rates—stainless-steel or panel-ready to match cabinetry.
Range Hood: Ducted hoods venting outdoors (important in humid Memphis summers) with a custom or stainless-steel finish.
7. Lighting & Electrical Plans
Layered Lighting Strategy
Ambient: Recessed LED cans spaced 3–4 feet apart—ensure smooth, even light coverage.
Task: Pendant lights over islands—consider the Poplar Pike corridor’s chic style: minimalistic glass or metal shades.
Accent: Under-cabinet LED strips to illuminate countertops—especially valuable in East Memphis kitchens with large islands.
Electrical Outlets & USB Ports
Install GFCI outlets near sinks (per code) and add USB ports on the island for charging devices during gatherings.
Plan for appliance garages or pop‐up outlets to maintain clutter-free countertops—popular in Germantown’s upscale kitchens.
Smart Controls
Pre-wire for under-cabinet lighting, integrating with home automation hubs (e.g., Alexa, Google) if you live in tech-forward neighborhoods like Downtown or Germantown.
8. Finalize Design, Order Materials & Create Timeline
Confirm Finish Selections
Double-check paint swatches, cabinet door samples, and countertop slabs in person—view under both natural Memphis sunlight and artificial lighting.
For butcher-block or natural wood accents, ensure a moisture-resistant sealcoat appropriate for humid summer months.
Order Long-Lead Items Early
Custom cabinetry, quartz slabs, and specialty hardware can have 4–8 week lead times—account for this in your project plan.
If you’ve selected imported tile (e.g., hand-glazed mosaics from local Collierville artisans), confirm shipping timelines.
Develop a Detailed Project Schedule
Week 1: Demo & rough-in plumbing/electrical framing inspections.
Week 2: Install cabinets and countertops; schedule countertop templating and fabrication.
Week 3: Install tile backsplash, flooring, and paint walls.
Week 4: Set appliances, finalize plumbing fixtures, install lighting.
Week 5: Final inspections, punch-list items, and site cleanup.
9. Oversee Construction & Quality Assurance
Demolition & Prep
Verify wall studs and floor joists are sound—older Midtown homes can have uneven framing.
Ensure proper leveling of subfloor before installing tile or hardwood.
Cabinet & Countertop Installation
Cabinets: Confirm they’re plumb, level, and square in the field. Adjust shims as needed.
Countertops: Inspect for chips/cracks upon delivery—measure twice, template once.
Tile & Flooring Laying
Ensure proper underlayment (e.g., cement board for tile) and use waterproof membranes in any areas near sinks or dishwashers.
Stagger plank seams for hardwood (or wood-look tile) to create visual flow—especially in open-concept layouts common in East Memphis ranch homes.
Fixture & Appliance Hookups
Test all plumbing lines for leaks before closing up walls.
Verify electrical circuits are correctly wired to dedicated breaker lines for cooktops, microwaves, and dishwashers.
10. Final Inspections, Walkthrough & Cleanup
Schedule Municipal Inspections
Coordinate final sign-offs with Memphis & Shelby County inspectors: electrical, plumbing, and building codes.
If your home is in Germantown or Bartlett, be prepared to schedule inspections through those city offices as well.
Detailed Punch List
Check alignment of cabinet doors, smooth operation of drawers, and absence of paint drips or tile lippage.
Test all appliances: stove, range hood, dishwasher, garbage disposal—confirm they run quietly and efficiently.
Thorough Cleaning
Remove construction dust from all surfaces—wipe down cabinets, counters, and stainless-steel appliances with manufacturer-recommended cleaners.
Seal grout lines (if porcelain or ceramic tile) to prevent staining in Memphis’s high-humidity environment.
11. Post-Remodel Maintenance Guide
Cabinet Care
Wipe down painted or stained surfaces weekly with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner to prevent buildup from Memphis’s pollen-heavy spring.
Lubricate drawer slides annually to combat spring-induced moisture that can cause swelling.
Countertop Upkeep
Clean quartz and granite with nonabrasive sprays; avoid harsh chemicals that could dull the finish in Memphis’s hot summers.
For butcher-block accents, reseal with food-grade mineral oil every 3–6 months.
Floor Maintenance
Sweep or vacuum hardwood floors weekly; deep-clean tile grout lines twice a year before and after rainy seasons.
In Germantown and East Memphis, consider a humidifier/dehumidifier to maintain indoor RH between 35–50%—protects wood floors and reduces mold risk.
Appliance Service
Clean refrigerator coils biannually to maintain efficiency amid Memphis’s summer heat.
Run your dishwasher’s cleaning cycle with a manufacturer‐recommended cleaner every 2–3 months to prevent mineral buildup from local water hardness.
Conclusion
Whether you’re updating a cozy Cooper-Young cottage, transforming a Germantown family hub, or outfitting a sleek Downtown condo, this Memphis kitchen remodeling checklist will keep your project on track. By blending local design trends, climate considerations, and neighborhood-specific insights, you’ll create a functional, stylish space that appeals to Memphis’s discerning buyers—while enjoying the daily luxuries of a thoughtfully designed home.
Ready to turn your vision into reality? Contact A Final Touch for a free consultation and let our Shelby County experts guide every step of your remodel.