Remodeling a kitchen is exciting, but it's important to keep safety, versatility and a budget in mind.

Redesigning a kitchen has an impact that extends well beyond one room -- it can breathe new life into an entire home. But it also can be a daunting do-it-yourself project that comes with a sizable price tag. So here's a checklist of 10 "must do" steps when designing or redesigning a kitchen to save money and maximize potential.

10-step kitchen remodeling checklist

Redesigning a kitchen has an impact that extends well beyond one room -- it can breathe new life into an entire home. But it also can be a daunting project with a sizeable price tag. Here are 10 key steps when designing or redesigning a kitchen to save money and maximize potential:

Top kitchen: Bigger and brighter

When Mike and Christy Swords moved their family of six into their Portage Path home in East Lansing six years ago, they knew it would eventually need some remodeling.