Remodeling Job Stories | Maylene, AL Kitchen Remodel
I. Project Overview
Blake and Ashley Walker’s kitchen remodel project was an example of how Reliable’s expert service can take a space into the modern era! Just look at these before and after pictures!
For this project, a strong planning phase that included detailed design selections, field measurements, and coordination meetings ensured smooth sailing once the project actually started. All the demolition and mechanical rough-ins were completed efficiently and were followed by major milestones such as cabinetry installation, countertop placement, interior painting, and flooring and backsplash installation!
II. Project Timeline
The Carpenter project ran from late November of 2025 to February of 2026. Constant communication and oversight through our project software, Buildertrend, allows all of our clients to be completely aware of all aspects of design and construction from start to finish!
This chart tracks the progress of the entire project, beginning with the early planning and ending with the final inspections and close-out. During the summer and early fall, the focus was on preparation and coordination. A series of selection meetings and site visits were held to finalize cabinetry layouts, confirm field measurements, and choose important design elements such as flooring, backsplash tile, countertops, sinks, and plumbing fixtures. These early milestones allowed the project team and homeowners to make informed decisions before construction began, helping ensure materials could be ordered and timelines could be set with confidence.
Take a closer look at the pictures of the Walker’s expert kitchen remodeling project for their Maylene, AL home, with this before and after gallery!
III. Design-Build-Remodel
As the project moved into late fall, the schedule shifted from planning into active construction. Work officially began with job-site preparation, including floor protection and dumpster delivery, followed immediately by demolition. Rough-in work for plumbing, gas, and electrical systems took place soon after, along with the required inspections to confirm code compliance before walls were closed. This phase also included appliance deliveries and drywall repairs, which prepared the space for the installation of cabinetry.
These steps ensured that design concepts translated accurately to the existing structure. Verifying wall dimensions, floor elevations, and appliance clearances allowed the team to fine-tune cabinetry layouts and confirm that selected products would fit properly. This phase also included important design selections such as backsplash tile, luxury vinyl plank flooring, countertops, sinks, and plumbing fixtures. Making these choices ahead of construction provided the benefit of streamlined scheduling later, since materials could be ordered in advance and trade partners could coordinate their work more efficiently.
You can see in the third picture a piece of plywood in the shape of a range hood, and we’re going to go into a little detail about this, as it was a very important part of the kitchen remodel! This plywood spacer is the same .5″ width as the tile for the backsplash, and was where we mounted the new range hood onto. The overall purpose of this spacer was so that we did not drill metal screws into the backsplash tiles, which would have cracked and broken and looked terrible if we did so!
By mid-November, the schedule transitioned from preparation into active construction. Jobsite readiness began with the delivery of a dumpster and the installation of floor protection, both of which are essential for maintaining safety and minimizing disruption to the rest of the home. Demolition followed soon after, creating a blank slate for the new design while allowing trades to access structural and mechanical systems behind walls and under floors. At the same time, rough-in work for plumbing and gas systems began, ensuring that new fixtures and appliances would be supported by properly routed supply lines and connections. This coordinated sequencing helps reduce delays by allowing multiple tradesmen to work together in the most logical order.
The early construction phase continued into December with electrical rough-in work and the associated inspections required for code compliance by Alabaster, AL city building officials. These inspections are an important benefit to homeowners, as they confirm compliance to all relevant local and state building regulations.
You can see where we installed the GE 30″ Wall-Mount Pyramid Chimney Hood for the new gas stove that would be installed later!
As the schedule progressed through mid-December, cabinetry installation became one of the most exciting milestones for homeowners. Cabinets define both the functionality and appearance of a kitchen, so seeing them in place often provides the first true sense of the finished design. Adjustments such as relocating light fixtures and templating for countertops occurred simultaneously, demonstrating the importance of coordination among trades. Interior painting also began during this period, helping to refresh surrounding surfaces and enhance the overall aesthetic. Completing these tasks in close succession helped maintain momentum and ensured that subsequent finish work could proceed without interruption.
You can see the Walker family chose some beautiful Daltile Farrier tiles for the backsplash, as well as some brand new LVP flooring, Barker Hollow Rowan SPC planks from Mohawk!
The Walkers chose Galena Square cabinetry, in Alabaster color, from Wellborn Cabinet, with Jeffrey Alexander Sutton cabinet handles, in Satin Bronze for the cabinetry, as well as Quartz “Prestige” countertops from Maranatha Stone & Floors!
Toward the end of December, countertop installation marked another major step forward. With countertops in place, plumbing fixtures could be set out and the space began to regain functionality. This stage typically offers homeowners the benefit of visual clarity, as the combination of cabinetry, countertops, and paint colors provides a strong preview of the completed kitchen. It also allows installers to confirm alignments and make any necessary adjustments before moving into detailed finish work.
The new year brought a focus on finishing elements and system completion. Backsplash tile installation and grouting added texture and visual interest while also protecting wall surfaces from moisture and daily wear. Flooring installation followed, contributing to both durability and design continuity throughout the space. Electrical trim-out and appliance connections were completed during this time, restoring essential kitchen functions and enabling final testing of systems. These steps illustrate how the finishing phase combines craftsmanship with technical precision to deliver a polished result.
Additional details such as cabinetry trim work, crown molding, and appliance installations continued through mid-January. During this period, cleanup efforts and punch-list corrections were also performed. Addressing punch-list items is a valuable part of the remodeling process because it ensures that minor adjustments, touch-ups, or refinements are completed before the project is considered finished. This attention to detail helps enhance overall quality and homeowner satisfaction.
For appliances, Mr. Walker chose a Sharp 24” Concealed Control Microwave Drawer, a GE 30″ gas range from Allsouth Appliance Group, a Kohler Task undermount kitchen sink, and a Single Handle Pull Down Kitchen Faucet from Delta Faucet! All the plumbing related fixtures came from V&W Supply! You can almost all of these brand-new appliances in the pictures to the right!
IV. Conclusion of the Walker Project
In the final weeks of the timeline, the project shifted toward formal inspections and final approvals. Plumbing, electrical, gas, and overall building inspections were scheduled to confirm that all work met local codes and safety standards. Successfully passing these inspections provides homeowners with peace of mind, knowing that the renovation was completed professionally and responsibly. Once approvals were secured, remaining finishing tasks, such as installing the peninsula island outlet, were completed to finalize functionality and convenience within the newly remodeled kitchen.
On that note, Mrs. Ashley Walker left us a few kind words in her review!
“We had a great experience with James and his team. James is an excellent communicator and kept us informed every step of the way. I highly recommend them.“
Overall, the timeline demonstrates a comprehensive and well-sequenced remodeling process that balanced careful planning with efficient construction practices. From early design meetings through demolition, installation, finishing, and final inspections, each phase built upon the previous one to deliver a cohesive result. This structured approach not only helps maintain project momentum but also supports clear communication, quality workmanship, and a positive remodeling experience for the homeowner.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a licensed general contractor that provides a wide variety of exterior remodeling services to customers throughout Birmingham, AL and the surrounding areas. Our staff members are proud to be members of this great community and provide services to the following locations:
Our Services
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel isn’t good at just one type of home remodel. We’re adept at many different home improvement services. This means that you won’t have to hire multiple contractors to work on your place if you choose to do more than one update at a time. Our team of experienced professionals can handle the following:
