There’s a lot to consider when you’re planning a kitchen renovation. Whether you already have a good idea of what you want to do or you don’t know where to start, this list can help you get organized. Use it to identify all the daily activities you’ll need to accommodate in your final plans. You may find that this list helps you design a kitchen that’s even better than you first imagined.

• • You and your kitchen

  • Do you spend a lot of time in your kitchen during the week?

  • Do you also spend a lot of time in the kitchen on the weekend?

  • Do you usually cook simple heat-and-serve meals?

  • Do you regularly cook meals with several dishes?

  • Do you regularly cook and freeze make-ahead meals?

  • Do you enjoy cooking as a hobby?

  • If yes, do you cook gourmet meals?

  • If yes, do you can or freeze produce from the garden?

  • Cooking and prep for families

  • Does your family have more than one cook?

  • Do your children or teenagers make their own snacks?

  • Do small children play in the kitchen?

  • Other kitchen activities

  • Are you planning to do business work in your kitchen?

  • Do you plan to pay bills?

  • Will you be using a computer?

  • Do you read in the kitchen?

  • Do you feed your pets in this room?

  • Do you recycle?

  • Do you sort or fold laundry?

  • Do you re-pot plants or other small gardening tasks?

  • Do you engage in crafts?

  • Do you sew?

  • Other kitchen activities involving the family

  • Do you eat meals together?

  • Do you relax and visit with guests?

  • Do you watch television?

  • Do you listen to music?

  • Do your children do their homework in the kitchen?

  • Do you casually entertain friends and family?

  • Do you formally entertain family and friends?