Kitchen Remodeling: Where Do I Start?

Remodeling your kitchen comes with challenges, but getting a headstart on several key factors can make a world of difference in handling stress, reducing cost, and providing you with the most desirable kitchen remodel.

There is no other room more commonly renovated than the kitchen – and with good reason! The area is a hotbed of community, activity, and socialization. Everyone goes in and out of their kitchen multiple times a day. However, the constant use takes a toll on kitchen appliances, countertops, and aesthetics.

Coupled with the fact that your tastes and preferences are ever-evolving, the kitchen is a perfect place to experiment with new styles, designs, and layouts that better suit you, your needs, and your family. While it can seem daunting, a kitchen renovation becomes easier with three essential considerations – design, budget, and professional help.

Step One – Plan Your Design

Planning a brand-new kitchen requires some forethought on what color and style choices you may be looking to implement. First, consider your needs. Are you looking for a family-oriented kitchen design, a modern kitchen design, or a gourmet kitchen design?

A family of five who doesn’t find themselves making many homemade meals may not require a chef-grade range that many gourmet kitchens often have. Similarly, a couple who doesn’t plan on having children will not need to consider any childproofing measures and will have more freedom with design and coloring.

Families who embark on a kitchen renovation will want to consider pantry space and countertops that are easy to clean, not easily stained, and flooring that works for the many messes that children can make.

Also, consider how often you entertain others in your home. Having frequent gatherings wherein the fridge may be in constant use may mean investing in a more reliable model or a deep-freezer that can free up both appliances for extra storage.

When you – and your partner or family – have considered your needs, desires, and color choice for your new kitchen remodel, it’s time to work on researching options that fit within your budget. 

Step Two – Research & Budgeting

There’s no denying that remodeling your kitchen will require some budgeting. The good news? You can choose to go as “big” or small with your remodel as you’d like. When formulating a budget for your kitchen remodel, you will need to consider many different things. Primarily, these include hidden costs, the quality of the items you want, and how many appliances you need.

Hidden costs are often unavoidable, but you can adjust your budget to manage them. These costs typically include taxes, labor, the cost of materials, and delivery fees. You’ll have to decide what you’re willing to settle for and which items you are inclined to dish out more money to have installed.

The quality of material and appliances are another key concern when budgeting for a remodel. While making your budget, think about the areas of your kitchen that get the most use. These will likely benefit from higher-quality material. If your family uses the oven frequently, purchasing a reliable and better-quality stovetop oven may be worth the additional cost.

Finally, tally up the cost of all your desired remodeling materials and labor. Knowing the overall cost of the services you require to remodel your kitchen will make looking for professionals a lot easier since there will be a more limited pool to choose from.

Step Three – Look for Professionals in Your Area

Even the greatest do-it-yourselfers usually can’t remodel an entire kitchen on their own. It’s often a good rule of thumb to call in professionals to ensure your remodeling project gets done the right way.

Peruse the listings of contractors and companies who do home remodeling and renovations and choose from a pool of professionals who know what you require.

One of the biggest things to remember is the amount of work you require and how much you are willing to pay others to get that work done. Take time to get quotes from several different contractors and companies to see which price range works best for you. Remember that browsing for quotes may take time and that having patience during this stage will make things go smoother.

When you find professional services in your area that you feel fit your budget, keep communication open with them. You don’t need to know all of the technical terms for what you’re trying to remodel, but being able to point out what you want to be changed will go a long way.

Kitchen remodeling can be stressful at times. However, in the end, your labor will be entirely worth it. Start by planning, budgeting, and looking for the professional help you require, and you’ll see how much easier a renovation can become.

By following these steps, you’re halfway toward getting your new kitchen modeled and installed, so you can enjoy using it every day!