The process of planning a kitchen is basically one of determining how you use your kitchen (the answer involves more than just "cooking") and what features you'd like, then deciding on your priorities so you can fit as many features as possible into your budget. Virtually anything can be done to a kitchen–walls can be moved, plumbing can be changed and electrical service can be added. But the less you spend on major structural or mechanical work, the more money you'll have to put into better cabinets, higher-grade flooring and more stylish and functional fixtures.

The following list of questions will lead you through some of the issues you'll have to resolve before you're ready to design your new kitchen. There are no right or wrong answers–only your preferences. Carefully consider each question; make notes as you go, and don't be shy about changing your mind. A kitchen is the most complex and the most used workshop in the house, and it's important that your remodeled kitchen matches your needs and lifestyle as closely as possible.