A kitchen remodel can be a great investment. It can make your home more functional and stylish, and if done right can greatly add to the value of the home. However, it is important to plan ahead and not to underestimate the scope of the project. To get started, take a look at this mini-guide for remodeling your kitchen.
How Will Your Kitchen Be Used
The first thing to ask yourself is how do you use your kitchen? The demands on a kitchen vary greatly. Are you a gourmet chef, or an aspiring one? Are there two or more cooks in the family? Do you regularly use the kitchen as a place to hang out? Will the kid’s homework be done there?
All of these considerations will dictate what is needed. Do you plan to entertain a lot? You are going to need plenty of countertop space and extra storage for entertaining. Are there two chefs in the family? This may translate into even more countertop space. If the kids eat in the kitchen, you will want a table big to accommodate everyone. If you can’t live without top-of-the-line appliances or specialty appliances such as a wine refrigerator, you will need to budget wisely.
Determine Changes to the Layout
Though the layout will be determined to a large extent by the space available, determine where it would seem natural for more space or storage. Decide the type of storage you want based on your needs, the available space, and free-standing furniture like tables and chairs. However, be prepared to alter plans, your general contractor may have a valid reason why it won’t work exactly as you envision. Planning ahead will help you easily articulate your dream for a new kitchen.
Create a Plan and Budget
The budget largely consists of renovation costs as well as the cost of new appliances, cabinets, plumbing and electrical, and materials such as granite countertops. However, be careful. High-end details such as recessed refrigerators and in-wall ovens will add to the costs. Other major cost considerations are structural changes, including removing walls, new flooring and/or a new island.
Choose Cabinetry, Countertops, and Floors
There are endless cabinetry, countertop, and flooring choices. Make sure you put aside enough time to consider your options. Don’t forget small details like cabinet hardware or back-splash. These are like the jewelry on your kitchen remodel and can easily take as much time as picking wall colors or flooring materials.
Find the Right Contractor
This is where it can go very right or very wrong. Do not make the mistake of underestimating the role of a good general contractor. A general contractor’s job is to guide and oversee the project as a whole. He or she must efficiently oversee the team of specialists such as framers, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, carpenters, and stonemasons, as well as the floor remodeling experts. A good general contractor will need to understand the order of a remodel and be able to schedule appropriately.
