Planning for a kitchen remodel may not seem like a major undertaking to some, but it still requires proper planning. Looking ahead before you begin your remodel can help you stay on your timeline, avoid expensive mistakes, and ensure that your end result matches your initial goals and vision. Here’s everything you need to know about how to plan a kitchen remodel that brings you closer to your dream home.
Review Your Existing Kitchen and Layout
When you’re ready to begin your kitchen remodeling process, take some time to review what you currently have. This gives you the opportunity to decide what you like and don’t like about your kitchen, what you wish you had instead, and how you’d like to update the space. During this phase of your remodel, you can also begin discussing what a new kitchen might look like.
Think About Traffic Patterns
Think about how your kitchen will be used before you finalize your plans. Kitchens are busy spaces, and various factors will have an effect on your final design, including the kitchen’s location in your home, the number of people using it, and the frequency of its use. Considering how traffic flows through the space will help you make it more comfortable to enjoy.
Get Inspiration From Other Kitchen Remodels
Getting additional inspiration for your remodel can be the best part of the process. Scour home magazines, Pinterest boards, and even friends’ kitchens for remodeling ideas and photos. Then, collect all of your references and begin deciding which features you have to have in your kitchen and which would be nice to have if possible. Think about how the design will flow with the rest of your home as well.
Establish a Budget
Kitchen remodels range in cost, depending on your needs and the size of your space. Establish a budget and make some rough estimates about how much it would cost to have everything you want in your kitchen, then make adjustments as necessary. An estimate from a professional contractor can be helpful at this stage, as certain elements may be more or less expensive than your research indicates depending on your unique kitchen space and goals.
Decide on New Appliances and Fixtures
Many homeowners choose to upgrade all of their appliances and fixtures when they remodel the rest of their space. Keep an eye out for sales to cut costs, and conduct thorough research ahead of time about which appliances and brands you’d prefer in your home. Fixtures may seem like a small element of the kitchen, but the right ones can help set the tone of the room and bring everything together. Choose eye catching colors, finishes, and shapes to lend some extra personality to your kitchen.
Plan for Kitchen Downtime
In the midst of all your planning, don’t forget to plan for your meals now that the kitchen will be unusable. Kitchen remodels can take as many as 6-12 weeks for serious customization, necessitating some forward thinking. You may find it helpful to purchase a mini fridge for meals that don’t need cooking, or arrange to borrow a friend or family member’s kitchen a few times per week to prep meals ahead of time.
Hire a Professional Kitchen Remodeler
To ensure that your kitchen remodel goes smoothly, hire a professional instead of taking the DIY route. A professional will carry the necessary insurance to cover payments for injuries or other accidents, protecting your own finances in the process. They’ll also have the necessary skills to complete your remodel accurately and on time, with plenty of experience to help them troubleshoot and change tactics if necessary along the way. Though it may require a larger initial investment, hiring a professional kitchen remodeler increases the likelihood that your remodel will be finished perfectly.
Speak To a Professional Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
Speak to the professional kitchen remodeling contractors at Monumental Contractors for more information about how to plan for a kitchen remodel. The team at Monumental has years of experience in kitchen, bathroom, basement, and complete home remodeling, allowing them to expertly create the home of your dreams. All of its contractors are insured. Monumental provides free design sessions to help you begin planning your remodel and estimates that allow you to properly budget for your next exciting project. To receive help understanding how to plan for a kitchen remodel, or to get started on your project, contact Monumental Contractors today.