1. Observe and protect
Document what's driving the project, hold off on demo until it's recorded, and gather what history you have — permits, past work, roughly how old the kitchen is.
2. Evaluate the house and site
A kitchen scope holds together when cabinetry, appliance clearances, lighting, venting, plumbing, and electrical capacity are all worked out together — before any of it gets ordered.
3. Define a written scope
Spell out prep work, protection for the rest of the house, material specs, access logistics, permits, testing, cleanup, and how change orders get priced.
4. Compare providers
Verify each provider's credentials on your own, and read the reasoning behind a bid rather than just comparing totals.
5. Inspect closeout
Walk the finished job against the written scope, confirm inspections cleared, collect warranty paperwork, and ask what maintenance is left to you.