Are you ready to pull the trigger on the kitchen remodel you’ve been wanting?
The journey from Point A to Point B can be bumpy at times but having some guidelines to follow will pave the way to a smooth remodel you’ll love.
One of the most important aspects of renovating your kitchen is to know where to begin.
Step 1: Find your vision
You can’t start a trip without knowing your destination and you can’t start a remodel without having a vision.
Gather inspiration from as many sources as you can. Look at magazines, books, home remodeling television shows, your friends’ kitchens, and anywhere else you can think of!
Collect photos and make lists of what you like to show your contractor.
Once you have a handle on what direction you want to go, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Plan, plan, plan
The planning phase of your project is a lot more involved than developing your vision.
There are some specific details that need to be nailed down with a solid plan:
- Budget. Nothing is worse than getting excited about a fancy-schmancy refrigerator, just to find out it isn’t in the budget. Decide how much money you can devote to the project before you start shopping for the fun stuff.
- Style. Think about what kind of feel you’re going for. Is a more contemporary kitchen right up your alley? Or is a traditional style more suited to you? It’s important to know your style to maintain consistency.
- Layout and use. If you’re constantly cooking, baking, and hosting, your kitchen may be designed differently than someone who rarely does those things. It’s also necessary to consider how much traffic the room gets. Does the family tend to gather in the kitchen frequently? Are there kids helping you cook and bake? You’ll need to put some thought into these factors in order to plan the most functional layout.
The next order of business is to figure out who’s going to help you bring your vision to life.
Step 3: Find a contractor
Stick with the professionals to make your transition from old to new as smooth as possible.
Show them the plans that you’ve made already and talk through any potential issues.
You’ll want a contractor who is licensed to work in your area and who is willing to listen to your ideas while guiding you through the process.
Don’t be afraid to ask for references and to read online reviews of the company you choose to work with.
Step 4: The fun stuff
Finally, the part you’ve been waiting for! Choosing the items that will transform your kitchen.
Your contractor will help you as you made decisions about:
- Appliances.
- Cabinets.
- Countertops.
- Flooring.
- Lighting.
Depending on your budget, you may or may not be able to replace each and every one of these items but this gives you a general idea of what you’ll be thinking about.
Step 5: Here we go!
All your ducks are in a row and now it’s time to step back and let your contractor and their team do their part!
Some people choose to stay at another location while the work is being done, while others decide to just live with the inconveniences.
Think microwave meals!
While your contractor will give you an estimate of the length of the project, expect that it could be longer or shorter, depending on a variety of factors.
The first time you step foot into your beautiful new kitchen will make the rough days of construction all worth it.
