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Repair planning guide

Kitchen and bathroom planning

Plan kitchen and bathroom projects around the systems that matter most — ventilation, plumbing, electrical, moisture control, permits, and fixture layout. No luxury-remodel or value claims.

Overview

Kitchens and bathrooms concentrate plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and moisture in a small footprint, which is why planning them well matters more than the finish choices. This guide focuses on those underlying systems and on getting the layout and permits right — not on luxury upgrades or what a remodel might be 'worth.'

Plan the systems before the finishes

Ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and moisture control determine how well a kitchen or bath performs and lasts. Decide these before picking finishes.

  • Ventilation — exhaust moisture and cooking byproducts to the outside.
  • Plumbing — supply, drainage, and venting for any moved or added fixtures.
  • Electrical — adequate, correctly protected circuits for the space's use.
  • Moisture control — surfaces and detailing that tolerate humidity and splashing.
  • Permits — confirm what your jurisdiction requires before work begins.
  • Fixture and layout planning — clearances and workflow before finishes.

Moisture and ventilation

These rooms generate moisture continuously. Good ventilation and moisture-tolerant detailing reduce the risk of mold and hidden damage; EPA guidance on indoor air quality and moisture is a useful reference.

Layout within the systems

Plan fixture placement and clearances around where plumbing and electrical can practically go. Moving services is possible but adds scope — account for it early rather than discovering it mid-project.

Planning checklist

  • Map existing plumbing and electrical before planning a new layout.
  • Plan exhaust ventilation to the outside for both kitchen and bath.
  • Confirm circuits and protection match the space's intended use with a licensed electrician.
  • Choose moisture-tolerant materials and detailing for wet areas.
  • Confirm permit requirements before work begins.
  • Finalize fixture clearances and workflow before ordering finishes.

What to verify locally

Local rules vary and change. Confirm these with the right local authority.

  • Permit and inspection requirements for plumbing, electrical, and ventilation changes.
  • Whether licensed trades are required for the work you plan.
  • Requirements vary by location. Verify with your local building department.

When to contact a licensed professional

  • Any plumbing relocation or new drainage/venting.
  • Any electrical circuit changes or additions.
  • Ventilation routed through walls, ceilings, or the roof.

Documentation to collect

  • Measured drawings of the existing space and services.
  • Your planned layout with fixture locations.
  • Product specifications for fixtures and ventilation.
  • Any permits and inspection records.

Related guides

  • Energy efficiency

    Planning guide

    How to plan insulation, air sealing, HVAC, windows, appliances, and electrical-readiness upgrades, with links to official DOE/Energy.gov and ENERGY STAR guidance. No unsourced savings claims.

    Open guide →

  • Permits & code

    Planning guide

    A plain-language orientation to why permits and inspections exist and how to find your local requirements. Permit and code rules vary by jurisdiction — always verify locally.

    Open guide →

  • Water damage risk

    Planning guide

    Plan around common water-intrusion paths — drainage, roof, gutters, grading, plumbing, and basements — with EPA/FEMA/CDC guidance and clear caveats for mold and structural risk.

    Open guide →

From the platform

  • Data catalog →What the platform's housing data covers — context, not design guidance.

Official background reading

Public-sector references. Housing BuildDesignHub summarizes general guidance and links the source — it does not speak for these agencies.

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Planning guide · last updated 2026-06-01