Have you been searching online – where can I find the best kitchen remodelers near me who can help me with just the right process to revamp my kitchen? The kitchen remodeling process can be quite variable, depending on what you choose to do with your kitchen. Hiring a professional can cost you quite a lot, but the job is quickly done. However, if you choose to do it yourself, it may be pocket-friendly. But the process can be extremely time-consuming and may end up making some DIY mistakes along the way.
However, a kitchen remodel not only upgrades the look of your house but also elevates your house’s equity in terms of resale value! A beautifully remodeled kitchen makes an excellent place for personal and social gatherings and creates a lively and soothing aura in the house.
A kitchen remodel may require you to invest a lot of hours, money, and effort, but it is all worth it. And if you are rightfully aware of the entire renovation process, you can avoid any shocks or surprises that may come your way and be fully prepared for them! You can also lookup for kitchen remodel contractors near you online and contact them for a free consultation.
Here is a guide that will help you understand the steps and intricate details of a kitchen remodeling process.
Prioritize Your Planning
Before practically starting your kitchen remodeling process, your primary concern is to evaluate your wants vs. your needs. You should figure out what must go in your remodeled kitchen. You can start by deciding the things you essentially need in the kitchen and then move onto the looks of it.
While deciding the elements, you must also consider the resale value of a house and whether it is worth investing so much. All of these considerations are very crucial before making any decisions. This will help you decide your budget for the remodeling project, which you must flexible for any last-minute expenses.
Plan Your Layout
After you have decided on the kitchen remodeling budget, it is time to plan the layout of your kitchen. The 5 classic kitchen design plans are U-shaped design, One Wall Design, L-shaped Design, Corridor Design, and Double L Design. Select one of these plans that are most suitable for your kitchen layout, and develop a blueprint with general contractors, interior designers, design software, and kitchen design packages.
Professional Kitchen Remodelers or DIY?
Once you have set the budget and decided on a layout for your kitchen, you have one important decision to make. Who will work on your kitchen? There are 3 options-
- You can go for a General Contractor. These individual contractors or firms work on commission and have great expertise in such projects.
- If you do not wish to hire a contractor or a firm, you can simply act as a contractor yourself and hire sub-contractors (plumber, electrician, carpenter) to work for you.
- Doing it yourself (DIY) is also an excellent option for people who have sufficient knowledge of these projects. It also helps you to save up on a lot of money.
Brace Yourself
Once the entire planning process is done and ready, there is a minute step for you before you begin to demolish your kitchen. You need to brace yourself to live without your kitchen. Make some space in the house and shift your functional kitchen appliances to make yourself a temporary kitchen for the time being.
Start Demolishing
The demolition of the kitchen depends on the kind of remodel you want for your kitchen. An entire overhaul may need you to remove the load-bearing walls. So be ready to have some debris flying around!
Structural Build Out
This process basically involves significant construction tasks depending on the kitchen configuration and your preferences, such as breaking down walls, new windows, a new kitchen island, etc. This may require professional help. However, experienced DIYers can do it too.
Mechanical Rough-In
Once the structural construction task is over, you can go on to do the mechanical rough-in work, which includes the installation of updated plumbing wires, pipes, and HVAC ductwork. It’s best that you let licensed and professional plumbers, electricians, and HVAC workers do this because of the complex nature of the work.
Walls and Ceilings
You should wait for the construction and mechanical work such as wiring, plumbing, and HVAC inspection to finish. After which, you can begin with the insulation, installation of drywall, priming, and painting process for your walls and ceiling. This process is considerably quick and economical and will make your kitchen look like a kitchen again.
Kitchen Flooring
The professionals generally keep the kitchen flooring installation for the end of the process, to avoid wear and tears. Your expense will depend on the type of flooring you choose for your kitchen remodel. Some of the options are laminate flooring, ceramic tile, sheet vinyl, and solid hardwood, engineered wood flooring.
Cabinets and Countertops
As the kitchen remodeling process comes to an end, you can go on to install the kitchen cabinets and countertops. One can easily install the cabinets himself, but the countertops can be a bit tough. It would be best if you let the professionals install the countertop with their expertise. You should do this primarily since the kitchen countertops need to be fabricated.
Install the Appliances
You can install your appliances back in the kitchen once you’re done with the kitchen remodel. Simultaneously, install the lighting and plumbing fixtures too with the help of a plumber and an electrician who will help you to connect the water supply to the tap and the lighting fixtures to the switches, and also cover the ductwork.
Inspection of the Completed Kitchen
Once the kitchen remodeling process is over, you must inspect the entire kitchen carefully. If you have hired a GC to do the work, inspect the entire remodeled kitchen. In the end, you should let the contractor know if you are unsatisfied with anything.
A remodeled kitchen also requires official inspection of officers who will review your kitchen before stamping your permit application as complete. You can ask your contractor to arrange for such an inspection. DIY projects will need you to arrange for it yourself. This is a vital process that can help you to know whether you have invested your money rightfully.