A kitchen remodel can be one of the most harrowing (yet rewarding) experiences for residents of Rhode Island.
Make the wrong decisions and the experience can be traumatic enough to provoke PTSD, and expensive enough to inspire you to cut up every credit card you own and bury your cash in the backyard. But make the right ones and you can expect improved livability, usability, and return on your investment for years to come.
Fact is, much of our family lives seem to revolve around time in the kitchen, and when you’ve grown tired of looking at your dated and worn cabinets from the ’70s, or have found that we’ve outgrown the size or use, a remodel is in often in order.
So how can the “Average Joe” carry out a successful kitchen remodel without the heartache, hair-tearing and stacks of bills? Read on for five smart remodeling strategies that will make your next remodel a breeze.
Kitchen Remodeling and Design Ideas and Tips
- Pick Your Own Budget – and stick to it!
Why wait for a crew of contractors to tell you how much you should shell out for your kitchen? While labor costs and regional pricing differences may play a role, some online tools online can help you build out a virtual view and price list for every item in your new kitchen, helping you plan ahead.
Everything from layout to colors, cabinets and more can be shopped for and priced out ahead of time, helping you establish a solid foundation and understanding of the financial limits you need to work within.
Other time, consulting with pros like those at Cumberland Kitchen can help you price out the perfect design and help you choose cabinetry, shelving, countertops and more that will be both visually stunning and functional, all while staying on budget.
- Take Measurements First – utilize your space to the fullest
While an 8-foot octagonal granite island or a professional-size fridge or range might be the type of things the kitchen of your dreams is made of, the rest of your home (and available space) may not agree. Before getting your heart set on a particular design element, make sure it will fit through your home’s doors and other access routes.
There’s nothing worse than realizing you need to knock out a wall to accommodate that gorgeous custom-cut slab of artisanal marble you just shelled out big bucks for.
- Plan for Storage - Then Plan Again
We’ve all been there: no matter how much space you have in your kitchen, it seems we all constantly need more. Our kitchens overflow with extra sets of dishes, a dozen specialty baking pans, or the giant Thanksgiving turkey roaster. The solution? Plan for more storage up front.
We generally advise that those planning a remodel to establish a plan that incorporates more storage than you think you will use, considering future needs (such as the growth of your family or collection of kitchenware over time). As the years go on, you’ll definitely fill it up, even if it means you’ve got a few empty cupboards now.
- Have a Margin of Error on Timing – nothing goes 100% as planned
No matter how skilled your contractor is, things will inevitably come up which stall the remodel process. If you’ve got your heart set on a Thanksgiving unveiling for your new and gorgeous kitchen, set a timeline with your contractor that will get them done by a month early, say by Halloween.
That way, when the inevitable delays happen, you won’t be stressing about serving your family their Thanksgiving dinner in a construction zone.
- When in Doubt, Call an Expert
If you’re overwhelmed by the myriad of options available for your kitchen remodel, or you need some help choosing and scheduling contractors, never fear – a professional designer can light your way.
The team at Cumberland Kitchen loves helping homeowners like yourself plan, budget for and design the perfect kitchen remodel.
Closing Thoughts about your Next Rhode Island Remodel
No matter what part of the world you live, and no matter your taste, budget or house size, a beautiful and painless kitchen remodel is well within your grasp. Follow a few of the simple strategies above to get the most from your next remodel, and look forward to having the kitchen of your dreams, yours to enjoy for years to come.
And when you’re ready, reach out to Cumberland Kitchen in Rhode Island for help. From design ideas to custom kitchens and everything in-between, their friendly team will help make sure you find just what you need.








