Planning a kitchen remodel can be daunting. Knowing where to start, how the process works and what you should budget is tricky. We want to give you the information needed to make these decisions and start the journey to your dream kitchen!
Step 1
DREAM & RESEARCH
The first step is fun and exciting! (In fact you've probably already started). Look through pinterest, houzz and other websites to find pictures of what you want your kitchen to look like. Gather ideas for style and layout, then narrow them down by what will work with your space and budget.
Think about the following major details: colors scheme, flooring options, cabinets (colors/styles), backsplash, countertops, appliances, lighting, functionality and seating.
Focus on the big picture and don’t get bogged down in the small details, we will revisit the design farther along in the process!
Step 2
PLAN YOUR SPACE
Kitchens are the heart of the home and should fit your family's lifestyle. You want it to be functional for you. Whether that’s entertaining guests, cooking for the family, or a quick bite before rushing out the door. How do you use your current kitchen on a daily basis? What would you change about your kitchen?
Start by choosing a design plan that works for you. There are two popular ones we recommend, the “Work Zones” and the classic “Work Triangle”. These layout patterns will help you determine what is the best fit for you.
Determine if you need to change the layout, footprint or location of your kitchen. Changing the footprint or location of your kitchen can be expensive, especially if there is major plumbing, electrical, or load bearing walls to move. In our experience opening up the kitchen to the rest of the house has been truly transformative and “totally worth it” according to our customers!
Step 3
SET YOUR BUDGET
Kitchen remodels are the most complex and expensive project you can undertake in your home. It’s also the most rewarding project that you and your family will enjoy for years to come! It’s difficult to know how much a kitchen remodel will cost. There are so many variables and every project is different. Understanding this we have invested time to develop a Kitchen Budget Tool so you can get a handle on the numbers from the start!
When planning your budget, don’t just think in terms of materials that will be purchased. Remember that labor costs are a large part of the project, as well as any plans/drawings, permit fees, delivery fees and taxes. Kitchen remodels are a big job, and it is likely that there may be unforeseen added costs once you start. In our experience remodeling kitchens, it is not uncommon for the cost to be about 15% more than expected. We do our best in the design and estimating phase to account for as many unforeseen challenges as possible, in order to be as accurate as possible on pricing.
One great thing to remember is a tasteful kitchen remodel adds resale value to your home. Remodeling magazine says 70%-80% of what you spend on your kitchen remodel goes straight into equity in your home!
Step 4
FIND & HIRE A TRUSTED CONTRACTOR
Hiring the right pros for the job is the most important part. There are a lot of contractors out there, but not all are the same. A kitchen remodel is an extensive job and will require experience and professionalism in several fields. This could include a carpenter, plumber, electrician, designer, etc. Not to mention, planning, coordinating, and managing the project.
Do your research by asking those you trust, doing Google searches and reading reviews, viewing various contractors websites and Facebook pages and reading reviews there, as well as looking at the portfolios of work that contractors have completed. You can also look up contractors license numbers and business names on the state and local government websites to ensure they are legitimate.
A large remodel such as a kitchen is a serious project and will affect your daily life, so spend time intentionally moving through these steps, and you will reduce the stress of the remodel process, and end up with the kitchen of your dreams! For more information check out our website; we would love to serve you!
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