How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel in Sacramento (Without Crying Over Cabinets)

Thinking about a kitchen remodel Sacramento? First—congratulations. Second—buckle up. It’s going to be a beautiful ride, but not without dust, decisions, and at least one late-night Pinterest spiral questioning everything you’ve ever loved about subway tile.

Inspired by the style and wit of Emily Henderson, here’s your honest, hilarious, and actually-helpful step-by-step guide to remodeling your kitchen without losing your mind (or your takeout budget).

✅ Step 1: Admit There’s a Problem

Be honest: Are your drawers from the Carter administration? Does your microwave sit on a folding table? Can you only open the fridge if the dishwasher isn’t also open?

If yes to any (or all), you’re ready. It’s time.

🗂️ Step 2: Set a Budget (and Then Add 15%)

You know that budget you wrote down? It’s adorable. Now add 15% for the stuff you forgot—like permits, wall surprises, and that faucet you’ll fall in love with that costs more than your first car stereo.

Pro tip: In Sacramento, the average mid-range kitchen remodel runs $45K–$75K, depending on size, materials, and scope.

🏠 Step 3: Assemble Your Team

Contractor. Designer. Therapist. Possibly all three.

Look for Sacramento pros with:

Local permit knowledge
A sense of humor
Glowing reviews not written by bots

Ask questions like: “Will you laugh when I change my mind for the third time on backsplash?”

🎨 Step 4: Make the Big Design Decisions

AKA “The Five Fights You’ll Have with Yourself”:

Open shelving or closed cabinets?
Quartz or marble? (Your heart says marble. Your budget says quartz.)
Matte black or brushed brass?
Island or peninsula?
Is a pot filler necessary or just really cool?

Remember: Sacramento homes have charm and quirks—design for both.

🪚 Step 5: Demolition—Say Goodbye to That Beige Tile

It begins. The walls come down. The floors come up. The air fills with dust and contractor radio.

Pro tip: Label every drawer of your temporary kitchen setup. Yes, even the one holding emergency M&Ms.

🔧 Step 6: The Rebuild—Where Magic (and Delays) Happen

This is when things get real. Cabinets go in. Backsplashes get grouted. You second-guess the cabinet color, then see it in daylight and swoon.

Expect a hiccup or three. Maybe the tile was backordered. Maybe your faucet came in rose gold when you meant brushed nickel. It’s fine. Deep breaths.

✨ Step 7: The Finish Line—And It’s Gorgeous

The appliances hum. The lighting glows. The countertops sparkle. And you? You’ve made it.

Your kitchen remodel Sacramento is no longer a Pinterest board—it’s real, it’s beautiful, and it’s 100% yours.

Now invite people over, show off your pull-out trash drawer, and enjoy the kitchen you fought (and paid) for.

✅ Final Thought

Yes, remodeling is messy. Yes, it’s stressful. But it’s also so worth it. Especially when the result is a space that works, reflects your style, and brings joy to the actual heart of your home.

And if you’re still choosing between pendant lights #37 and #38? Pour a glass of wine. You got this.

🧰 CALL TO ACTION

Need help designing your dream kitchen (without the chaos)?
Our Sacramento design team makes remodeling personal, beautiful—and even a little fun. Let’s do this together.