Thinking about a new kitchen and not sure where to start? This guide breaks down the most popular kitchen remodels homeowners tackle first so you can plan with confidence. From cabinets and countertops to lighting and flooring, you will find ideas, typical costs, practical tips, and a clear order of operations. If you live in southeastern Wisconsin, High Quality Contracting can help you design and build a kitchen that fits your style, budget, and daily routine.

What Do Homeowners Tackle First?

Most homeowners begin with high impact updates that improve both function and style. The first projects often address storage, work surfaces, and lighting. Cabinets and counters lead the list, followed by backsplashes, flooring, and appliances. Simple layout changes like adding an island or expanding a pantry are also common early choices. These upgrades deliver daily value, raise resale appeal, and can be completed in phases if needed.

High Quality Contracting works with homeowners across Muskego, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Ozaukee counties to plan kitchens in a smart sequence. That means focusing first on the improvements that solve real lifestyle needs, then layering in finishes that elevate the space.

The Most Popular Kitchen Remodels Right Now

1. Cabinet Updates

Cabinets shape the look and function of the kitchen, which is why they are one of the most popular kitchen remodels. You can refresh what you have or invest in new cabinetry that maximizes storage.

• Painting or refinishing your existing boxes offers a fresh, clean look at a lower cost if the cabinets are in good shape.
• Refacing replaces doors and drawer fronts while keeping the cabinet boxes, a smart middle ground when you want a new style.
• New semi custom or custom cabinets let you redesign storage, add soft close hinges, deep drawers, pull outs, and better corner solutions.

Typical installed costs in southeastern Wisconsin vary by scope and materials. Many homeowners choose to pair cabinet work with new hardware and interior organizers, which boosts daily convenience without a big footprint change.

2. Countertops That Perform

Countertops are a top priority because they affect prep space, durability, and the overall look. Quartz remains a favorite for its strength and low maintenance. Granite and porcelain slabs are also popular for their style and heat resistance. Butcher block adds warmth and is great for islands. Budget friendly laminates have improved in design quality and can work in light use kitchens.

• Quartz offers consistency and easy care for busy families.
• Granite delivers a unique, natural look.
• Porcelain slabs resist stains and heat and work with modern styles.
• Butcher block brings natural charm and is repairable with sanding and oil.

High Quality Contracting helps you choose slabs and edge profiles that match your cabinet style and backsplash plan. Countertops are usually installed after cabinets but before backsplash and plumbing trim.

3. Stylish and Easy to Clean Backsplashes

A backsplash protects walls and ties the design together. Simple white or colored subway tile remains a timeless choice. Patterned mosaics, large format tiles, and full slab backsplashes are also popular for a dramatic effect. Homeowners often start with a classic layout, then add interest with a contrasting grout or a herringbone pattern behind the range.

• Subway tile suits both modern and traditional kitchens.
• Mosaic accents add personality in small doses.
• Full slab backsplashes simplify cleaning and feel upscale.

The best time to install a backsplash is after countertops are in place and before final painting and trim.

4. Durable Flooring

Kitchen floors take a beating, so durability and easy care are key. Luxury vinyl plank, porcelain tile, and site finished hardwood are the most popular kitchen remodels for flooring today. Many homeowners in southeastern Wisconsin choose options that tolerate spills and seasonal humidity while blending with nearby rooms.

• Luxury vinyl plank offers warmth underfoot and strong scratch resistance.
• Porcelain tile is tough and water resistant with many styles, including wood and stone looks.
• Hardwood, when properly sealed, creates a timeless, continuous flow in open plans.

High Quality Contracting can evaluate subfloor condition, layout transitions, and floor heights so doors, appliances, and baseboards fit correctly.

5. Layered Lighting

Good lighting changes everything. Start with recessed or flush mount overhead lights, then add pendants over islands or peninsulas and under cabinet lights for task work. A dimmer allows you to shift from bright food prep to cozy entertaining in seconds.

• LED recessed cans provide efficient, even coverage.
• Pendants add style and focus lighting where you work and gather.
• Under cabinet lighting removes shadows and makes counters safer and more useful.

Upgrading your lighting often involves small electrical changes and new switches. High Quality Contracting includes licensed electricians who can update circuits to meet current code.

6. Appliance Upgrades

Whether you need a quiet dishwasher, a slide in range, or a counter depth refrigerator, appliance updates are common first steps. Many homeowners choose energy efficient models to control utility costs and add features like convection cooking, air fry, or smart control. If you plan to panel a dishwasher or fridge, coordinate that with your cabinet plan.

It is best to select appliances before finalizing cabinet measurements to avoid fit issues. High Quality Contracting will measure and plan clearances, venting, and water or gas lines during design.

7. Islands and Peninsulas

Adding seating and storage is a top request, which makes islands and peninsulas one of the most popular kitchen remodels. An island can hold a microwave drawer, trash pull out, deep drawers for pots, and electrical outlets for small appliances. If space is tight, a peninsula can create a breakfast bar without changing the entire layout.

Your contractor will check clearances so people can move comfortably and appliances open fully. In many homes, a 36 to 42 inch walkway around the island is the goal.

8. Layout Tweaks and Openings

Minor layout changes deliver major benefits. Examples include removing a short wall to improve sight lines, shifting the fridge to a more central spot, or widening a doorway for better flow. These smaller moves often avoid the cost of a full redesign while creating a more functional work triangle.

High Quality Contracting can assess what is load bearing, what can be opened, and how to reroute electrical or HVAC safely. Design first planning helps control costs and avoid surprises.

9. Pantry and Storage Solutions

Smart storage keeps counters clutter free. Pull out shelves, tray dividers, utensil organizers, and blind corner solutions are popular additions. If space allows, a cabinet style pantry or a small walk in pantry can change the way you cook and shop.

Consider zones for baking, coffee, pet supplies, and school lunches. Grouping tasks saves steps and makes mornings easier.

10. Sinks and Faucets

Workhorse fixtures matter. Large single bowl sinks fit sheet pans and pots. Double bowls make it easy to separate prep and cleanup. Farmhouse sinks add character. Touchless and pull down faucets are now common for their convenience and water savings.

Plan sink and faucet selections with your countertop choice to ensure the correct cutouts, holes, and mounting style.

11. Windows, Doors, and Ventilation

Bringing in light and fresh air elevates any kitchen. New windows or a larger patio door brighten the space and can improve energy efficiency. Proper ventilation with a range hood removes smoke, steam, and odors. If you enjoy high heat cooking or searing, the right hood and ducting are essential.

12. Paint, Trim, and Hardware

Never underestimate the power of finishing touches. Neutral walls, clean trim, and new cabinet hardware pull the room together. Matte black, brushed nickel, and warm brass are all current favorites. These details are often the final step and make the space feel complete.

How to Prioritize Your Kitchen Remodel

If you are planning in phases, follow a sensible order that avoids rework and extra costs.

1. Define your goals. Decide what is not working and what must change.
2. Set a realistic budget with a small contingency for unknowns.
3. Select appliances early so cabinet and electrical plans match.
4. Lock in layout and cabinet plans before ordering materials.
5. Install cabinets and rough in plumbing and electrical before finishes.
6. Add countertops, then backsplash, lighting, and plumbing trim.
7. Finish with flooring, paint, and hardware for a polished look.

High Quality Contracting provides design support and detailed proposals so you understand the sequence and timeline. Clear communication and professional scheduling keep your project on track.

Budget Benchmarks for Southeastern Wisconsin

Every kitchen is unique, but these ranges help with early planning. Your actual cost will depend on size, material choices, and scope.

• Cosmetic refresh: paint, hardware, backsplash, faucet, lighting updates. Many projects fall in the five to twenty five thousand range.
• Pull and replace: new semi custom cabinets, quality quartz or granite, updated lighting and flooring. Many projects fall in the twenty five to sixty five thousand range.
• Full renovation: custom cabinets, layout changes, structural work, high end finishes, new windows or doors. Many projects fall in the sixty five thousand to one hundred fifty thousand plus range.

High Quality Contracting is licensed and insured and has more than 25 years of experience delivering kitchens at many price points. We balance wish lists with budget to help you invest where it matters most.

Return on Investment and Resale

Kitchens influence resale value and buyer interest. In many markets, a well planned minor to midrange kitchen remodel returns a solid portion of its cost while giving you years of enjoyment. The best returns come from improvements that buyers notice immediately, such as updated cabinets, modern counters, fresh lighting, and efficient layouts. Classic finishes and durable materials tend to hold value longer than ultra trend forward choices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing appliances after cabinets are ordered, which can cause fit problems.
• Skipping ventilation for a powerful range, leading to lingering odors.
• Installing flooring before cabinets when the plan calls for cabinet replacement, which can add rework.
• Underestimating lighting and outlet needs for modern cooking and charging.
• Forgetting trash and recycling pull outs that keep floors and counters clear.
• Ordering materials without checking lead times, which can delay the schedule.
• Not verifying permits when moving walls or utilities.

High Quality Contracting builds planning into every project so you avoid these costly missteps. Our in house team coordinates carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and finishes to deliver a smooth experience.

Why Homeowners Choose High Quality Contracting

High Quality Contracting, Inc. is a Muskego based general contractor serving southeastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Ozaukee counties. Since around 1999, our team has helped homeowners update and build spaces that stand the test of time. We bring a design first mindset, skilled carpenters, and a commitment to clean job sites and clear communication.

• Licensed and insured with more than 25 years of construction and remodeling experience.
• A+ rating with the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau and accredited since 2009.
• Member of NARI and recipient of Angi Super Service Awards for customer satisfaction.
• In house craftsmen who deliver detailed carpentry and careful installs.
• Design support and detailed proposals so you know what to expect at every step.
• Respect for your home with daily cleanup and courteous crews.

Whether you need a simple refresh or a full redesign, High Quality Contracting plans and builds kitchens that feel cohesive, work hard, and look great for years.

Our Kitchen Remodel Process

A smooth process matters as much as the final picture. Here is how we guide each project from idea to completion.

1. Consultation: We listen to your goals, measure the space, and discuss options and budget.
2. Design and estimate: Our team recommends layouts, materials, and fixtures. You receive a clear proposal with scope and pricing.
3. Selections: We help you finalize cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, lighting, and hardware so everything coordinates.
4. Pre construction: We schedule trades, confirm lead times, and secure permits when required.
5. Build: Skilled carpenters and licensed trades complete demo, framing, rough ins, cabinets, counters, tile, flooring, and trim.
6. Walkthrough: We review the finished work with you, address punch list items, and share care and maintenance tips.

From the first call to the final walkthrough, you work with a team that takes pride in craftsmanship and treats your home with respect.

Design Tips That Make a Big Difference

Small choices can raise the function and feel of your kitchen without raising the budget.

• Use drawers for pots and pans. They are easier to access than deep base cabinets.
• Place a pull out trash near the sink and dishwasher to streamline cleanup.
• Add an outlet with USB or USB C at the island for charging devices.
• Choose a neutral cabinet finish and add color with a backsplash or paint for a look that ages well.
• Extend upper cabinets to the ceiling where possible for extra storage and a finished look.
• Include a shallow pantry cabinet with roll outs to keep snacks and baking goods visible.

Are These the Most Popular Kitchen Remodels for You?

The most popular kitchen remodels share a common goal. They make daily life easier while improving the look and value of the home. Start by listing your must haves, then match them to the updates that deliver the strongest impact. Cabinets, countertops, lighting, and storage are reliable first steps. From there, decide if layout tweaks, a new island, or appliance upgrades will boost how you cook and gather.

If you live in or near Muskego, Milwaukee, New Berlin, Franklin, Hartland, or surrounding suburbs, High Quality Contracting is ready to help. Our local knowledge, long standing reputation, and full service team make us a trusted partner for kitchens across southeastern Wisconsin.

Ready to Plan Your Kitchen?

Let High Quality Contracting turn your ideas into a kitchen you love to use every day. Call 414-405-7542, email Nick@highqualitycontractinginc.com, or reach out during our regular hours, Monday through Friday 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 7 AM to 3 PM. We will walk you through options, provide a detailed proposal, and schedule your project with care. Start with the most popular kitchen remodels that matter for your home, and we will handle the rest.