What Kind of Contractor Do I Need for a Kitchen Remodel?
A kitchen remodel is the most multi-trade project in most homes. Even a mid-size renovation touches half a dozen trades in a specific order, and getting that sequence right is most of the job. Here is who does what — and why a full kitchen is usually run by a general contractor rather than hired one trade at a time. Note that once you move plumbing, add circuits, or change the layout, the work typically needs permits.
The 6 trades this job usually needs
A single problem often spans several trades. Here is who does what, and why.
Remove the old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures to open the space up.
Everything downstream starts from a cleared room.
Move or update supply and drain lines for the sink, dishwasher, and any island.
Layout changes almost always shift where the water needs to go.
Add or relocate circuits, outlets, under-cabinet lighting, and appliance connections to code.
Modern kitchens need more power and more dedicated circuits than older ones provided.
Install the cabinetry, then template and fit the countertops.
These set the look and must be installed in the right order after the rough-ins.
Lay the new flooring and the backsplash.
Both are fitted around the finished layout.
Finish the walls, ceiling, and trim.
Paint is the last step, once the dust-producing work is done.
Not sure this matches your situation?
Describe what is happening in your own words and get a trade-by-trade breakdown for your exact problem — free, no account required. You can then reach out to any qualified pro.
Describe my problem →Common questions
Do I need a general contractor for a kitchen remodel?
For anything beyond a cosmetic refresh, usually yes. A kitchen touches five or six trades that have to run in the right order; a general contractor sequences them and keeps the job on track. Small updates like new hardware or a fresh coat of paint you can hire out directly.
What order do the trades go in for a kitchen?
Roughly: demolition, then plumbing and electrical rough-in, then drywall and paint prep, cabinets, countertops, flooring and backsplash, appliances, and final paint and trim. Managing that sequence is what a general contractor does.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A typical full remodel runs several weeks to a couple of months depending on scope, custom cabinetry lead times, and permit timelines. Layout changes that move plumbing or walls add time.
Do I need permits for a kitchen remodel?
Usually, once you move plumbing, add electrical circuits, or change the layout. Your contractor typically pulls the permits; skipping them can cause problems when you sell.