A dream kitchen renovation is usually at the top of every homeowner?s wishlist when it comes to improving their home. But be warned: a kitchen remodel is not something to take lightly! In fact, it is one of the most intensive home remodeling projects your home can undergo.
Almost everyone has an idea of what kind of features they want for their kitchen. Maybe you want a big island, more storage, counter space or a larger sink. Or maybe you have an overall theme or feel you want your new kitchen to evoke. Do you want it to be modern? Be more of an entertainment hub for friends and family?
So, before you start renovating your kitchen, it would be a good idea to do some research or to go through a checklist of things to consider before starting your kitchen remodel. As you will find out, there are many things to consider before committing!
Consider the Cost
The average kitchen remodel ranges anywhere from $12,000 to $34,000, with more lavish remodels exceeding $50,000+. Before you make any decisions about anything else concerning your remodel, figure out a budget that is realistic.
The kitchen is one of the most expensive rooms to renovate, next to the bathroom. This is because there are so many different elements involved in a kitchen. You?ll need to hire plumbers, electricians, contractors and many other professionals to get the job done right.
Figuring out your budget will help you in the process later on, so you can be honest about what you can afford and it will help you make the best decisions moving forward. You can also use this time to figure out where you can make the most impact with the money that you do have available.
Think About Your Lifestyle
Thinking about what you will use the kitchen for to best suit your lifestyle will also help you make proper remodelling decisions. Will you be hosting fancy dinner parties every weekend with friends? Or will you just be cooking dinner for your family every night? Do you bake or cook or both? Is there room for an island? What?s working for you now and what?s not working? Answering these questions will help you when you are discussing renovations with your designer or contractor.
Appliances
Do you REALLY need to replace every single appliance in your kitchen? Think about what you use the most, and what will experience the most wear and tear. You might not need to go with the most expensive model of dishwasher, but if you cook and use the stove a lot, you could splurge on a higher end stovetop. Be realistic with your needs here, and don?t just spend the money to keep up an aesthetic when you don?t have a practical need to. Another option is to buy pre-owned appliances.
Hiring a Contractor
One of the most important things you need to do before starting your kitchen remodel is hiring a contractor that you can trust. They should have experience doing kitchen remodels, and it would be helpful if they had a portfolio for you to see their results. It would also be a good idea for you to ask them for references of past clients. Ask them lots of questions about how they operate and who would be your main point of contact. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or get a bad feeling about them, you shouldn?t hire them.
Hiring an Interior Designer
If you?re not exactly the creative type, hiring an interior designer can be crucial to the success of your renovation project. Interior designers are trained to see the big picture within an interior space that most clients cannot. They can help you with the form and function of your new kitchen so you can optimize the space in the best way possible and within the style guidelines that you choose.
Don?t Forget the Details
It?s not enough to just focus on the big things like countertops or new appliances, you also need to think about where to place the kitchen hood for proper ventilation or where you want your outlets to go. You don?t want to be finished with your kitchen only to find out you need to use an extension cord to plug in your toaster.
Be Realistic About the Timeline
This isn?t an HGTV special! Your kitchen renovation will take longer than that, much longer. Your designer and your contractor will give you a timeline for completion to the best of their ability, but it won?t always be 100% accurate. So you should be flexible with your timeline or expectations.
Double-check Materials and Packages as They Arrive
When your house becomes a construction site during your renovation, packages and deliveries tend to pile up and sometimes go unnoticed. Be sure to keep on top of your delivery schedule and to open things up as they arrive. This way you can double-check to make sure that everything you ordered is correct. This can be down to the colour or finish. It?s important to catch these mistakes before your workers have it installed!
You Might not Need a Full Remodel
There are plenty of other ways to spruce up your kitchen without undergoing a complete remodel. Installing new cabinetry, upgrading your sink or giving your kitchen a new paint job are some other examples that can make a big impact without having to gut your kitchen.
Donate What You Don?t Need
If your used cabinetry, appliances or any fixtures like your sink are still in good working condition, consider donating them. You can bring them to non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity who work to provide relief for those who need to rebuild their homes due to natural disaster or other housing needs!
Author?s Bio
Colin Hegarty is a content writer for BreezeMaxWeb that helps businesses showcase their brand through enticing copy. When he?s not working, you can find him playing net in a local beer league or biking around the city.
