Meet the pros: Kitchen designer, contractors, and other remodel experts

You deserve to feel comfortable and confident as you begin your kitchen remodel. A key part of that is simply knowing who’s involved and what their role is. That’s why we’ve created this guide–to introduce you to the kitchen designer, general contractor, and other remodel professional who help make your dream kitchen a reality. 

Not every project requires every professional listed. Depending on the project’s scope, you may have different team members in your home at various stages. By understanding what each professional does, the process will be clearer and easier to follow, leaving you free to focus on the exciting part: creating a kitchen you love. 

Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

To help you take control of your remodel from the very start, we offer Rebode Jumpstarter. This free, short quiz captures your kitchen style, functional needs, and budget goals. You can then experiment with colors, materials, and layouts right in your own space using our AI tool. Once you’re ready, we’ll connect you with a local kitchen designer to transform your ideas into a beautiful, functional space.

Kitchen designer

Your kitchen designer is your partner and guide throughout the remodel. Their job is to keep your vision front and center, communicate with you clearly, and help you navigate every detail with confidence.

From the very beginning, your designer will help map out the big picture—style, layout, storage needs, budget, and timeline—so you feel empowered in the renovation process and confident that they understand what matters most to you.

Beyond design, your kitchen designer can also connect you with trusted remodel professionals, like general contractors, plumbers, and electricians, ensuring you have the right team in place to bring your new kitchen to life.

Your kitchen designer helps you bring to life the kitchen you want—the way you want it. Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

General contractor

The general contractor is like the project manager for your remodel. They coordinate the demolition and building phases with your designer to set a realistic timeline, purchase the materials you’ve chosen, and hire the right subcontractors to keep everything moving smoothly. 

General contractors also handle permits, an essential step that if overlooked, can cause frustrating delays. They’re especially valuable for large-scale kitchen renovations that involve changing the layout, installing new cabinetry, or updating lighting and plumbing. 

Your kitchen designer can recommend trusted local professionals they’ve worked with before. If you’d like more information, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry website is a helpful resource for identifying a great general contractor.

Subcontractors, installation specialists, and more

Together, your kitchen designer and general contractor coordinate skilled subcontractors and specialists. While your project may not require them all, these are the experts you might meet—each playing a role in bringing a homeowner’s dream kitchen to life with care, precision, and excellence.

• Demolition specialists: Demolition professionals are crucial in large-scale renovations or gut remodels. They safely and efficiently remove old cabinets, flooring, appliances, and even take down walls, creating a clean slate for your new kitchen. 
• Cabinet installers:Cabinet installation specialists focus on assembling and installing your new cabinetry, especially for semi-custom or premium options. They carefully handle uneven walls and complex layouts to make sure your cabinets fit perfectly and look flawless.
• Countertop specialists: Countertop installers carefully review your cabinetry before measuring, cutting, and polishing your new surfaces in their workshop. They then transport and install your countertops with precision, ensuring a perfect fit and finish.
• Electricians: Electricians handle the wiring and electrical work in your kitchen. They install new light fixtures, add outlets, and update wiring as needed to support any layout changes.
• Plumbers: Plumbers focus on your water lines and drainage, both existing and new, making sure sinks, dishwashers, and other appliances work well without leaks.
• Floor and tile installers: Flooring specialists are responsible for removing your old floors and expertly installing your new ones. Tile installers work specifically with tile, not only for your floors but also for your backsplash.
• Appliance installers: Appliance installers are experts in putting in new dishwashers, ovens, stoves, range hoods, refrigerators, and any other appliances you may want in your new kitchen.
• Painters: Painters prepare and finish your walls, ceilings, trim, and even cabinets. Their attention to detail and expertise with different surfaces and finishes give your kitchen a clean, polished, and professional look.

Cabinet installers work with your space’s layout to bring cohesion and polish to your cabinetry. Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Start working with a team of kitchen remodel experts

A successful kitchen remodel brings together a team of skilled professionals. Take the first step with Rebode Jumpstarter, where you can explore styles, kitchen elements, and materials for your dream kitchen. Once you’re ready, a local kitchen designer will help you assemble a trusted team of experts, turning your ideas into a beautiful and functional kitchen you’ll love.