Are you tired of not being able to open the fridge while someone is at the stove? Fed up with trying to arrange your pots and pans in cupboards that are too small? A kitchen renovation is an exciting prospect! That doesn't mean it isn't without stress, however. If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, consider these steps to a smooth kitchen renovation.
How to Start a Kitchen Remodel
Step One: Weigh Your Wants vs. Needs
Sometimes it can be helpful to list all the things you dislike about your current kitchen. These items are indicators of your must-have features. Then, consider perusing kitchen showrooms, magazines, and online sources to get inspiration for your wants. The world of kitchen design is expansive, with more features and products than you can imagine. The trick is to determine necessities from things that would be nice. Thoroughly consider what activities typically happen in your kitchen, how you move about the space, and what layout will work best for your family. If you can get your vision as precise as possible, the experts will have an easier time bringing your dream to life!
Step Two: Determine a Budget
There's always a bit of disagreement about whether you should go shopping first to determine prices or set a budget first. For most individuals, there is a number that they cannot exceed. While your budget doesn't have to be written in stone, deciding a ballpark range of how much you can reasonably afford to spend can help guide your choices regarding designing your kitchen and shopping for products.
Step Three: Create a Timeline
How long your kitchen remodel takes depends on the space size and what you want to do. However, budgeting nine months to a year can be sensible for a complete kitchen renovation. Remember, this includes the time it will take to work with a contractor and plan everything out. The actual labor should only take a few months. Your renovation could take shorter or longer, but don't rush things. A project as important and comprehensive as remodeling the "heart of your home" deserves a sensible timeframe.
Step Four: Go Shopping
On to the fun part! Going shopping is an excellent way to see what new products and features have hit the market since the last time you updated your kitchen. It can also help adjust your budget expectations as you determine the cost vs. quality of certain items. You'll need to make major decisions when it comes to furnishing your kitchen, as a kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive projects homeowners can tackle. Therefore, don't take browsing flooring, lighting, cabinetry, countertops, or appliances lightly. Do your research, shop online and in person, and keep track of all the product specs in a detailed spreadsheet for easy reference.
Step Five: Call the Experts
Once you have a good sense of what your kitchen remodel entails, it's time to call in the experts. You will likely want the assistance of a kitchen designer who can help optimize the functionality of your space and a contractor who oversees the build-out of the designer's plans. A contractor will also work with the various other teams, like plumbers and electricians, who are required to bring your dream kitchen to fruition. Don't wait to turn to the pros; working with qualified kitchen experts can get your job started on the right foot and keep it running smoothly!








