Finding ways to improve your home is always an exciting time.
A major investment, such as remodeling your kitchen, is a huge undertaking that requires the help of a professional to be successful.
Sure, finding the right home improvement company is a vital step, but so is the initial planning for the project.
Here, we outline the pointers you need in evaluating remodeling companies in Agoura Hills, CA.
But before that, take a look at this list of remodeling mistakes you ought to avoid.
Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes That Every Homeowner Should Avoid in Agoura Hills
Not Optimizing Space
Create a small step-saving work core even in large kitchens.
You don’t want to walk a mile to prepare dinner, or worse, create dead space in the room.
Choose areas that will be used during food preparation, dining, and family time.
For instance, a breakfast nook is an excellent way to add flair without taking up too much space.
Keeping Aisles Too Narrow
Kitchen lanes must be broad enough to accommodate everything that happens in a kitchen.
Clearance assists multiple cooks in navigating the space and maneuvering around one another.
When planning your new kitchen, ensure that all lanes between islands, walls, and appliances are 42 to 48 inches wide.
Consider offsetting the location of major components, such as sinks and ranges, so that two people do not collide.
Putting Aesthetics Before Function
Yes, your kitchen should be attractive. More importantly, it must be functional.
Consider the size and orientation of doors, appliances, and cabinets while planning the area.
Ovens and refrigerators can require a lot of space.
Take a tour through the room and design door openings to avoid creating a crowded kitchen.
Overloading and Island Oversizing
In a large kitchen area, two islands are frequently preferable to one.
It’s a bad idea to enlarge an island since anything longer than 10 feet is difficult to navigate.
And reaching the center of an island that is more than 4 feet deep is difficult.
Overcrowding an island with dishes, baskets, and other goods results in a similar issue.
Make sure that no island storage goes beyond the countertop’s rim.
Overcrowding
A little peninsula is typically preferable over an island in a tiny kitchen.
Keep your space in mind at all times to create the most excellent possible redesign.
Don’t overcrowd a small area; there are many possibilities for different sizes and styles.
Making Changes After Work Has Begun
Before you start your kitchen remodel, make sure you have all of your ducks in a row because delays and modifications in the middle can cause expenses to skyrocket.
Do your study and consider all of your options ahead of time.
Then, before the professional begins installation, double-check that everything has arrived.
Inadequate Storage Planning
A good design adapts storage to the objects utilized in certain places.
There are hundreds of storage choices available, including open storage, cabinets, shelves, and more.
If you choose to go with glass door cabinets for a sleek design, keep the contents clean and elegant as well.
Not Accounting for Get-togethers
Expect friends and family to converge in any size kitchen.
People are drawn to where the action is, and your guests won’t want to linger around in the living room while you’re cooking those fragrant dishes.
Create interactive space in your new kitchen, whether it’s a corner nook, an island with seats, or a banquette.
Making Hasty Design Decisions
Materials might appear very different in a showroom than in your home.
Don’t make any impulsive design decisions, such as flooring or countertop materials, until you’ve taken some samples home to see how they actually look in your kitchen.
You could also wish to test the models in lighting that are comparable to what you have.
Once you’re confident in your initial plan, it’s time to look for and vet kitchen remodeling companies.
How to Interview Kitchen Remodeling Companies in Agoura Hills
At this point you probably already have a list of the final three or four kitchen renovation companies in the area, the next step is to interview them.
Here are some essential pointers you ought to cover during the interview:
License, bonding, and insurance
If they’re missing any of these, they’re not worth interviewing.
A license will naturally weed out the non-professionals.
It certifies that the pros have gone through some training and standardization.
Bonding and insurance will protect you and your property in the event of accidents or malpractice.
Experience
Ask how many years the company has been in business in Agoura Hills, CA.
Generally speaking, the longer they’ve been operating, the better.
In your search for a home improvement company, you might come across those specializing in specific construction areas, so ask about a company’s level of expertise in kitchen remodeling.
Some are focused on building custom cabinets, while others specialize in electrical or plumbing work, and still, others handle flooring exclusively.
Depending on your tastes and budget, you can also find companies who specialize in traditional designs like French country kitchens or modern designs like chic urban kitchens.
Make sure to hire the company with the most relevant experience concerning your planned project.
Portfolio
A good renovation company would have a gallery of previous work available for viewing.
Check these out and ask relevant questions.
Don’t be afraid to go with a company that you think will provide a design more suited to your taste
References
References exist to back up a company’s portfolio.
Be sure to ask for these references and verify them by calling a few previous customers and asking them about the experience.
Warranty
Be sure to ask about a company’s warranty on both job and materials and see that the company explains the extent of such.
Timetable
Ask how long the project might take.
See that the timeframe is reasonable, and beware of those who will overpromise regarding completion time.
Estimate
Upon viewing your place, they should have a professional estimate of the required amount to complete the project.
The assessment should be clear and comprehensive.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask about the payment schedule.
You must know how much you should pay and when.
Dismiss a company that is ambiguous in pricing and payment plan.
Run away from a company that requires full payment upfront as this is neither safe nor ethical.
Roster of contractors
Be sure to ask who your assigned contractor and subcontractors will be and ask for their credentials.
See that the company assigns you a competent team.
Finding the Right Kitchen Remodeling Company in Agoura Hills – Conclusion
One of the greatest ways to increase the value of your home is to remodel your kitchen.
In fact, studies have shown that an attractive kitchen can add 15 percent to 20 percent to your home’s value.
If you’re on the verge of starting a project like this, it is important that you find a company that offers quality services for your budget.
Whether you want to include a new countertop or update your cabinets, you want to be certain that the company that performs this work is reliable.
Otherwise, you may be wasting money and time while making your home less attractive.
The pointers outlined above can help you land the best remodeling company in the city and avoid costly mistakes.