Kitchen remodeling is one of the most exciting projects any homeowner can do.
It’s a time to unleash every whimsical idea you have, and the entire process could be a fantastic bonding experience for you and your family.
Nevertheless, it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with this pursuit and have no idea where to start.
But you came to the right place!
Here are seven steps to planning your next kitchen remodel!
7 Easy Steps to Planning Your Kitchen Remodel
1. Determine what type of kitchen renovation you need
Knowing the type of renovation you need will help you plan out your budget and timetable for the project.
There are many different types of kitchen remodels that you can choose from, but here are the most common ones:
Complete kitchen remodeling – If your current kitchen is no longer functional or needs numerous repairs, then this might be the best option for you.
A full kitchen remodeling includes everything from flooring and cabinets to appliances and fixtures.
This is the most expensive of the bunch and it will also take the longest time to complete.
Kitchen update – If your kitchen is still functional but could use some new appliances or fixtures, this would be a good option.
Kitchen extension – If there’s not enough space in your current kitchen, then adding on to your existing space might be a good choice for you.
2. Collect ideas
You can collect images from magazines and online sources like Pinterest, or you can even take consented photos of people’s kitchens that you like to help inspire you in your planning process.
The more you know what you want, the easier it will be to create it.
Consider the style of your current home and its surrounding neighborhood when deciding on a design for your new kitchen space.
Research options for flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and appliances that fit within your budget and help meet your needs as well as personal style preferences.
3. Sketch out your ideas
For sure, you now have an idea of the improvement you want in your kitchen, but you have to resent these ideas on paper visually.
This will help ensure that your design is cohesive, functional, and efficient.
Don’t worry about getting it perfect; just get down on paper what you envision for your new space so that when you go shopping later on, you will know exactly what you’re looking for.
The remodeling contractor you’ll end up hiring will also be delighted to work with you because you can communicate what you want through your sketches.
4. Determine the budget of your project
It’s crucial that you know how much money you have to spend on the project before getting started.
This can be tricky because it is often difficult to estimate what each phase of the project will cost until it is well underway.
To determine an accurate budget for your kitchen remodeling project, start by making a list of everything that needs to be replaced or repaired in the room and then add up those costs.
Once you have an idea of what all this will cost, consider any cash that may be available from sources such as insurance claims or tax credits, and then subtract that amount from your total budget.
You should now have enough information to develop a realistic estimate of how much money will be needed for your project.
5. Determine the timetable for your kitchen remodeling project
Plan an overall timeline for your home improvement project based on your budget, costs, schedule, and other factors like holidays, vacations, and family commitments that may affect the progress of this pursuit.
Depending on how extensive your project will be, it could take a couple of months or more than a year.
Make sure to prepare for this time period and have a backup like a temporary outdoor kitchen.
6. Hire a reliable general contractor
At this point, you now need professional help in getting this ball rolling.
Hiring a reliable general contractor is probably the most critical choice you’re going to make.
Ask your friends, relatives, and neighbors to get a list of the most reputable remodelers in the area.
You can also check online listings and compare local companies’ websites.
Remember to keep your searches local.
Get estimates from contractors who specialize in kitchens.
You’ll want at least three bids for the job so that you can compare apples with apples.
And don’t just look at the price — also consider quality and reputation when comparing bids from different contractors or subcontractors.
Hiring the lowest bidder is usually not a good idea because they may offer you subpar work and materials.
Make sure to do a thorough interview among your candidates before hiring one.
Moreover, be sure that the remodeler you hire is well-versed in the necessary paperwork like permits and inspections that need to be secured prior to beginning work.
These requirements vary per city, so say you live in Los Angeles, California, the contractor should be knowledgeable about requirements there.
Ideally, the contractor would be able and willing to secure these on your behalf.
To ensure you get the highest return on your investment, you may consider IDB Enterprise as your remodeling company.
7. Prepare for the start of the project
Here are some things you need to get done prior to the commencement of your project.
- Diligently browse all paperwork.
- Sign the contract with the remodeler once you approve everything.
- Finalize the design.
- Get on the same page with your family, so everyone is prepared to adjust.
- If you choose to leave your home and relocate while the remodeling is going on, plan your relocation accordingly.
If you choose to stay at your home during remodeling, consider the following steps:
- Put up a temporary kitchen.
- Empty your fridge and consume the perishables.
- Use a mini-fridge to store other unconsumed perishables.
7 Easy Steps to Planning Your Kitchen Remodel – Conclusion
Planning a kitchen remodel isn’t always as easy as you might think.
There are a ton of factors to consider, and sometimes the process simply overwhelms the do-it-yourselfer.
Whether you are doing the renovation yourself or hiring a contractor, it is vital to be organized from day one so that when the project is finally finished, you know that all of your bases were covered.
All in all, the most important thing to remember when planning this home improvement project is to be patient.
Whether you’re attempting something small or an extensive overhaul, the end result is sure to be worth your wait.
Best of luck!
