What Makes a Great Kitchen Remodel? It’s More Than Just Cabinets and Countertops

June 24, 2025

If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, you're probably picturing the end result: the quartz counters, soft-close drawers, that new tile you saw on Pinterest.


But here’s the truth: the best kitchens don’t just look great—they work great. At The Building Company, we’ve helped homeowners across Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and beyond design kitchens that are beautiful, yes—but also practical, intuitive, and built to last.


Let’s talk about what really makes a kitchen remodel worth the investment.

🧭 It Starts with Layout—Not Finishes

You can have the most expensive appliances and high-end materials in the world, but if the layout is clunky, it’s going to be frustrating every single day.


That’s why we always begin with flow:



● Is the work triangle efficient?


● Can multiple people cook or move around comfortably?


● Is there enough prep space where it matters—next to the sink, near the stove?


● Will an island make things better—or worse?


We collaborate with your designer (or help connect you to one) to make sure your kitchen layout is tailored to your space and how you live.

🔎 Function Before Finish

It’s tempting to jump straight into the fun stuff—tile samples, cabinet colors, and lighting fixtures. But the functional pieces are what truly determine your day-to-day satisfaction.


We help clients think through:


● Storage: Deep drawers vs. uppers? Pantry or pull-outs?


● Lighting: Task lighting, ambient light, and natural light all play a role.


● Appliance placement: Where’s your fridge in relation to your prep area? Can you open the dishwasher and the trash pull-out at the            same time?


● Trash & recycling: Built-in, discreet, accessible.


These are the kinds of details that are easy to miss on a Pinterest board—but make all the difference when you’re actually living in the space

🧰 Material Choices That Work Hard

Here in the Inland Northwest, we’ve seen just about every trend come and go. What never goes out of style? Quality.


We guide clients toward materials that balance durability, maintenance, and budget:



● Quartz countertops are still king for their performance and clean look


● LVP flooring is unbeatable for busy families (and Spokane winters)


● Cabinet finishes that resist chipping, fading, and wear


And remember: it’s not just about what you pick—it’s how it’s installed. A great backsplash with sloppy grout or uneven spacing still looks off. Our in-house crew and trade partners take pride in the execution

🧩 Sequencing & Disruption

Let’s be honest: kitchen remodels are disruptive. You're living without a central hub of your home for weeks. That’s why we take our pre-construction planning seriously.



● We help you plan for temporary kitchen setups


● We sequence trades efficiently to avoid dead time


● We communicate clearly—because uncertainty adds stress


Most full kitchen remodels take 8–12 weeks once construction begins. But how those weeks feel comes down to how well the project is managed. We’re proud of how many clients tell us, “It actually went smoother than I expected.”

🧱 Real Clients, Real Results

In South Hill, we recently worked with a family who loved to cook but were constantly bumping into each other. By adjusting the island, adding a prep sink, and opening the kitchen into their dining area, we gave them space to collaborate—and host.


Over in Post Falls, a retired couple wanted low-maintenance materials and better lighting. The quartz countertops, LVP floors, and undercabinet LED system changed the feel of the home completely—without changing the footprint.



Different goals. Same result: a kitchen that feels like theirs

Thinking About Remodeling Your Kitchen?

Let’s have a conversation—not a sales pitch.


We’ll talk through your goals, your timeline, and your options—then help you decide if now’s the right time to move forward.


📱 Call or text:509-890-0222

 📧 Email: info@pnwbuild.com

 🔗 Schedule a consult

________________________________________

The Building Company is a proud member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). These affiliations reflect our commitment to craftsmanship, continuing education, and high standards of client care

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