Remodeling your kitchen is a major undertaking. It can last weeks or even months with strangers traipsing through your home and making noise and mess.
Before you start, be clear on what you’re trying to achieve and what is realistically possible. You’ll also want to have a clear budget in place.
1. Identify Your Needs
Kitchen remodeling is a major undertaking. It can be stressful, time consuming and expensive. However, it is also very rewarding. If done well, a kitchen remodel can increase the value of your home as well as improve your daily life.
The first step in any kitchen remodel is identifying your needs. This includes determining what areas of the kitchen need to be updated and deciding on a budget. Having a number that you are comfortable with can help you make selections down the road and avoid over-spending.
For example, if the layout of your kitchen is good but the cabinets are old and outdated, consider refacing instead of replacing them. This could cost significantly less, but still update the look of your kitchen. Similarly, if your hardwood floors are worn but structurally sound, consider having them sanded and refinished rather than replaced.
2. Create a Budget
A remodeling budget should be established from the start, and it will largely determine what you’ll be able to accomplish. It is important to make sure that you factor in all costs, including materials, contractors, and structural changes.
Consider hiring a kitchen designer to help you create the perfect design for your space. The consultation will give you a great understanding of how to proceed, what pitfalls to avoid, and what a realistic kitchen remodel cost will be.
Creating a spreadsheet to track your costs and budget will also keep you in the know, so you’ll be able to catch any unexpected expenses before they spiral out of control. It’s a good idea to set aside a percentage of your budget for any unforeseen issues that may arise during the remodeling process.
Remember that the little things add up. Be careful of adding extras as they will quickly eat up your kitchen remodel budget.
3. Create a Design
Having a clear vision of what you want your new kitchen to look like will save time and money throughout the remodeling process. Spend time researching design ideas online and by visiting home renovation stores to observe layouts, designs, and appliances.
Create a kitchen mood board with paint samples, fabric scraps, finish and flooring samples and photos of lighting and appliances to tell your contractor what you love about your current space. This will help your contractor visualize your design and determine what can be done with the space you have.
It’s also a good idea to consider what would be the most functional for you and your family. For example, locating items used frequently together will save you time and energy, such as putting coffee mugs and grounds near the coffee maker for that groggy early morning jolt and arranging dishes and flatware near the dishwasher to make unloading easier.
4. Decide on a Contractor
Once you have your list of contractors whose track records look clean and whose work ethic looks responsible, ask them to give you pricing quotes. The more quotes you get (generally a minimum of three) will help you determine which contractor offers the best value for your money.
Ask each contractor to provide detailed costs of materials, labor and any additional project overhead. Request that they include their estimated profit margin. Ideally you should expect to pay 10 percent at contract signing, three payments of 25 percent evenly spaced throughout the remodeling process and a check for the final 15 percent once the job is completed and you are satisfied with the quality of workmanship.
It is also important to remember that a kitchen remodel can be costly. Depending on the remodeling type you choose, the total cost of the kitchen may run close to 100K. If you are budget conscious then consider a small kitchen facelift instead of a full renovation.
5. Start Demolition
If you are planning on handling the demolition yourself, it is important to take a few steps before you start swinging that sledgehammer. Proper demolition makes for a safer remodel, and can save you time and money in the long run.
Start by removing anything you can easily remove like shelves and cabinets. This will give you more space to work and make the job easier. It’s also a good idea to turn off the water before you start demoing so that you don’t accidentally break any pipes. And don’t forget to have a plan for the leftover debris!
Once you’ve cleared out your kitchen and completed any necessary rough-in work, it’s time to begin demolition. This includes any framing or plumbing that may be needed for your new design. Once the demolition is complete, you can move on to hanging drywall. This is where the kitchen really starts to come together!
6. Begin Remodeling
Remodeling your kitchen is an excellent way to add value to your home. It can also make your home more comfortable and functional. However, it’s important to consider your goals and budget before beginning. It’s also important to choose durable materials that can withstand heavy use and resist damage.
The first step in the process is determining what your goals are for the kitchen remodel. This can range from a simple facelift to a complete gut renovation. This will determine the scope of your project, which will affect the amount of time and money it will take to finish.
It’s also important to decide if you want to incorporate any layout changes. If you’re changing the floor plan, it’s a good idea to use a time-tested design concept known as the Kitchen Triangle to ensure proper workflow and efficiency. This will help you save time and money in the long run.
