Dry air and wood
The National Weather Service notes Reno's high-desert setting, and indoor air can be very dry, especially in winter. Wood cabinets, butcher block counters and wood floors expand and contract with humidity changes, and very dry air can cause cracks and gaps in solid wood. Quality cabinets with stable construction handle this better. Let wood materials acclimate in the house before installation, and keep indoor humidity moderate if you use a humidifier.
Plumbing on exterior walls
Reno winters are cold; Washoe County's residential design criteria use a 17°F winter design temperature, and NOAA's engineering weather data for the Reno airport records about 123 freeze-thaw cycles a year. Kitchen sinks are often under windows on exterior walls, and pipes in those walls can freeze. During a remodel, insulate and air seal exterior walls carefully, keep pipes on the warm side of the insulation, and avoid running supply lines through unheated spaces. If you're moving the sink to an island, plumbing and venting can be routed through the floor.
Ventilation
A range hood vented outdoors removes cooking heat, moisture and grease. In winter, ductwork passing through cold spaces should be insulated to prevent condensation, and the exterior damper should close tightly to keep cold air out. Large hoods may need makeup air.
Appliances and electrical
If you're switching from gas to induction or adding appliances, have an electrician review your panel. Older Reno-area homes may need a panel upgrade for a full electric kitchen.
Removing walls
Before removing a wall, determine whether it's load-bearing and what runs inside it. Northern Nevada's seismic design requirements may affect beam and connection design; an engineer can advise.
Permits
Kitchen remodels with plumbing, electrical, gas, mechanical or structural changes need permits from the City of Reno, City of Sparks or Washoe County.
Before you hire
Ask Reno kitchen remodelers for an itemized proposal with allowances, a schedule with cabinet and countertop lead times, how they'll keep plumbing out of cold walls, and what their workmanship warranty covers. Look up the contractor with the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Living through the remodel
Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, a small refrigerator and a place to wash dishes. In winter, plan for that space inside the house rather than in a cold garage. Ask for a written schedule that includes inspections and lead times for cabinets and countertops.
Lighting
Layered lighting, with ceiling fixtures, under-cabinet task lights and pendants over an island, makes a kitchen safer and more useful, especially on short winter days.
Choosing appliances early
Choose your range, refrigerator, dishwasher and hood before cabinets are ordered and countertops are templated. Appliance sizes set cabinet dimensions, countertop cutouts and the electrical and gas work the kitchen needs.
Flooring
Tile and luxury vinyl handle spills and tracked-in snow well. Decide whether new flooring runs under the cabinets before they're installed.