Kitchen Remodeling Project—Planning Ideas & Tips
If you’ve ever carried out a home improvement project, you know what comes with it—gut-wrenching stress. Part of the reason home renovations are so stressful is because they disrupt the functioning of your household. Add to this hassle and the need to keep the entire project on schedule and within budget.
You have to keep in mind that there’s no such thing as a perfect renovation project. There may be material mix-ups, and you may change your mind about a particular fixture halfway through. So, before you hire a contractor and start knocking down walls, it’s important to plan your kitchen remodeling project.
Let’s look at the basics of planning a kitchen remodel so you can prepare adequately to bring your dream kitchen to life!
Preparing for a Kitchen Remodel
1. Set up a budget
Decide how much you want to spend, and stick to it. A major kitchen renovation can cost up to 15% of your home’s value and even more if you don’t budget properly. But setting a budget is easier said than done. One crucial factor you should consider is how long you plan to stay in the house. For instance, if you plan on selling within five years, a good rule of thumb is to think of the project as a real estate investment upgrade. This way, you can make a worthwhile return on investment when you sell.
Visit sow rooms and home stores to figure out the cost of items. Make sure to list your renovation priorities, whether that’s new kitchen appliances, a smart kitchen, or blue kitchen cabinets. It’s also a good idea to set aside a portion of your budget as a contingency to handle the unexpected. It’s not unusual to find your wiring is in need of an update when you rip out your walls.
2. Bring in a professional
It’s best to decide early on whether you’ll work with both a general contractor and a kitchen designer. Fortunately, most residential renovations companies also specialize in interior design, which means you don’t have to go through the trouble of bringing in a contractor and a consultant.
These professionals can help you get better rates on materials, helping you save money throughout the remodeling process. Their advice will prove invaluable once you start considering the repositioning of walls and other vital elements of kitchen design.
But ultimately, the advantage of bringing in a contractor early on is that they can help you decide which ideas are doable within your budget. Plus, they can bring your ideas to life using design software so you can play around with different kitchen layouts to determine what works best for you.
Basic Steps of Kitchen Remodeling Projects
You probably already know what you want in terms of the kitchen’s style and features. That said, the vital elements you should consider include:
1. Cabinetry style
Do you want a contemporary or traditional kitchen?
Kitchen cabinet ideas are usually the starting point for a kitchen renovation. That’s because different style cabinets can completely transform your kitchen and give it the update it needs. Choose a cabinetry style that works with the overall theme of your house.
2. The kitchen layout
You want a space that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. As such, the layout should optimize the kitchen’s functionality without restricting movement. For instance, choosing the right size kitchen island can determine how well your space works. It furnishes a room and provides sufficient counter space for preparing food.
3. Kitchen storage
Most people renovate just to increase their storage space. Your contractor can help you determine what storage solutions work best for your kitchen. Every household will differ, so it’s important to consider what you will be storing as you design your space. For example, you might want some dedicated shelving if you need space for special drinks.
4. Flooring
Kitchen flooring needs to be easy to clean as well as hard-wearing. High-quality tile flooring or wood flooring are enduringly popular choices for kitchens – they work with virtually any interior décor style and can be customized to individual tastes.
Work with the Right Contractor for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project
Here’s a tip: Finding the right contractor is the only way to cut costs without cutting corners. Ensure they have a stellar reputation and the experience needed to work on your kitchen remodel. Also, make time for snagging, as some projects may need a little refining.
If embarking on a major project, arrange with your contractor to fit a temporary kitchen as part of the kitchen installation process. Doing so ensures the renovation project doesn’t interfere too much with your household routine.
Avery Remodeling provides bathroom remodeling and kitchen remodeling services. We have the expertise and resources to bring all your ideas to life and the project management experience to ensure all work is completed on time and within budget. Our team has years of experience you can’t find with other contractors. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
