1. Observe and protect
Note what's off, hold back from tearing into anything before it's documented, and pull together whatever history you have on the kitchen — permits, past work, home age.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Getting a kitchen scope right means lining up cabinetry, appliance clearances, lighting, venting, plumbing, and electrical capacity before any wall gets touched.
3. Define a written scope
Spell out prep work, protection for the rest of the house, material specs, access needs, permits, testing, cleanup, and how a change order gets priced.
4. Compare providers
Verify each provider's credentials independently, and read the reasoning behind a bid — not just the number at the bottom.
5. Inspect closeout
Walk the finished job against the written scope, confirm inspections passed, collect warranty paperwork, and ask what maintenance is still on you.