What Homeowners Should Know About Kitchen Remodels

A kitchen remodel can transform your home, creating a space that’s more functional, stylish, and perfect for entertaining. But while Pinterest boards and magazine spreads make it look easy, the reality of remodeling involves careful planning and thoughtful decision-making. Before you pick up a sledgehammer, here’s what every homeowner should know — and how NorthLight Custom Builders helps make the process smooth and stress-free.

Open-Concept Kitchens: Know Your Walls

Many homeowners want to remove walls to create an open kitchen-living area. But not all walls are created equal. Some are bearing walls, essential to your home’s structure, while others may house ductwork, plumbing, or electrical wiring.

NorthLight’s Pre-Construction process includes a thorough review of any walls you want to remove. If a wall looks like it might be structural, we collaborate with engineers and architects early on to explore safe and effective solutions. This prevents surprises and ensures your remodel is both beautiful and structurally sound.

Moving Plumbing Is Tricky

A common misconception is that plumbing can be moved anywhere easily. The location of your pipes, water supply, and drains can limit how flexible your kitchen layout can be. Moving plumbing often requires careful planning and collaboration with licensed plumbers, especially in high-end remodels.

During Pre-Construction, NorthLight works closely with plumbing experts to determine what’s feasible and how best to achieve the design you want — without unnecessary delays or costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • During Pre-Construction, NorthLight evaluates walls for structural support, plumbing, and electrical systems. If a wall is load-bearing, we explore engineering solutions to safely remove or alter it.

  • Not always. The location of existing plumbing and drains impacts feasibility. Our team works with licensed plumbers to plan the best layout while minimizing extra costs.

  • Pre-Construction time varies depending on the project size and complexity. For a typical kitchen remodel, this phase usually takes a few weeks, ensuring all challenges are identified before construction begins.

  • Absolutely. By identifying potential obstacles early and planning solutions, homeowners avoid costly surprises and delays during the build phase.

NorthLight’s Collaborative Approach

Every kitchen remodel is a team effort. NorthLight coordinates clear communication with designers, engineers, architects, electricians, and plumbers to ensure every element — from layout and lighting to cabinetry, appliances, electrical, and venting — works together seamlessly. With today’s modern appliances often requiring additional circuits or updated systems, our team plans proactively to avoid surprises. Our goal is to turn your dream kitchen into reality while minimizing stress and maximizing results.

Get in Touch

A kitchen remodel is exciting, but it requires careful planning and expert guidance. From evaluating walls to moving plumbing, NorthLight’s Pre-Construction process helps homeowners make informed decisions and achieve a space that’s functional, beautiful, and built to last.