Defining Your Kitchen Remodel Goals
Taking on the project of remodeling can be very overwhelming. This is especially true when you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen. The process often begins with more questions and less answers than you think you can come up with. However, there are five things you can do that will make the kitchen remodeling process run – from start to finish – much smoother than you could have ever anticipated.
Assessing Your Current Kitchen Layout
Create A Budget
Before you start any project, you definitely need to create a budget. Figuring out how much you want to spend and have available to spend can be the deciding factor in what you need to look for when it comes to different aspects of the kitchen. For many, however, this can be a daunting task, especially if you are trying to take this on alone. It is recommended that you hire a contractor to take on this project, and they can help you plan a budget. You will need to figure out how much you are going to spend on flooring, granite countertops, appliances, and walls, not to mention cabinetry. You may find that some items are less expensive than you had anticipated, which means you have extra money to spend on upgrades elsewhere, or to save in case of an unexpected expense.
Plan for the Unexpected
As mentioned, unexpected expenses could come about during a kitchen remodeling project. For instance, as you take out the cabinets you may find that you need to replace walls you were not originally planning on replace. You may also find that the wiring in the walls is out of date with current electrical codes and needs to be replaced as well. In addition, when swapping out your old sink for a new one, you may find some issues with your current plumbing, which could also lead to additional costs. Be sure and include a little cushion in your budget for these unexpected costs, and be aware that they are possible.
Determine the Layout
Another factor you need to consider – once you have your budget in place – is whether or not you plan on changing the layout of your kitchen. You may find that your current kitchen does not work well with your family’s needs. For instance, maybe you could benefit from a kitchen island or breakfast bar, or a built-in workspace for homework or school projects. Creating a list of pros and cons about your current layout could help you determine if you need to consider other options. The most common types of kitchen layouts include an L-shaped layout, a galley kitchen, and a U-shaped layout. Once the layout is determined, you can begin choosing other elements of the kitchen.
Make the Big Decisions
The next step you need to take – even before starting – is making the big decisions. This means you need to figure out what type of countertops you want, such as granite countertops. You will also need to make decisions on cabinetry, flooring, backsplashes, and appliances. Make sure you have all the measurements you need prior to shopping for anything. You need to know how much space you have for the appliances you choose, and how much granite countertop you are going to need. It is recommended that you have a professional company take these measurements, so that you know there will be no mistakes on your part. This could help you reduce the likelihood that you experience any unexpected costs from this point of view.
During this step, you will also want to start thinking about your color palette. Determining this early can provide you with many advantages. For instance, if you choose an orange palette, and you want brown granite that has gold flecks or swirls, this may be something that needs to be specially ordered. Not knowing this in advance could put the remodeling project on hold right in the middle of it, leaving you without a kitchen for longer than expected, which can alter the ending budget.
Don’t Leave Out the Details
Planning out every little detail of your remodel before even starting can help reduce the budget in the long-run. As you learned, even something as small as a specially ordered slab of granite countertop can set you back a few weeks. Make sure that you select the exact colors you want as early as possible on all aspects of the room. In addition, be sure to consider the small details, such as hardware for cabinetry, grout colors for floor tiles, and even the backsplash material you want to choose. Furthermore, lighting is a big part of a perfect kitchen, and definitely not a detail you want to forget about.
Taking the time to really think about what you want in a kitchen, how you need it to function, and plan the details can really help you have a smooth remodel. Talking to a contractor or designer can also ensure that the details are covered, and that your dream kitchen will be completed in enough time for you to host a spring get-together.
