There are very few home remodeling projects that will give you more joy – and more headaches -than remodeling your kitchen. If you decide that you want to make it a DIY project, it could take several months to complete, and you may be without a kitchen during that time. Custom countertops is a major factor when it comes to remodeling your kitchen.
Hiring a contractor is a much better idea because it will be done professionally and faster, though the cost may be higher. However, your new kitchen will make the entire process worthwhile.
Below, we’ll explain a few things you need to know about remodeling your kitchen before you embark on this journey.
Table of Contents
Set Your Budget
Chances are you have an idea of a budget, but it’s important to understand that this remodel is going to get expensive. The national average is around $25,000. If you want to upgrade your appliances or sink to the top-of-the-line models, you can expect to spend more than $30,000.
When you set your budget, make sure you have some wiggle room because there will be some unexpected costs. Start by determining your bottom line – exactly how much can you or will you spend on the remodel. Then, calculate 80% of that total.
This is what you will spend on the kitchen; the remaining 20% will cover any unexpected costs. By setting your budget this way, you can avoid breaking the budget with overruns.
Get Design Help
The first step in your kitchen remodel is designing your dream kitchen. While you may have some ideas, you still need a blueprint. You may think that you can save money by skipping this, but that’s not a good idea. By starting your remodel with a detailed design/blueprint, you save time and money in the long run.
Also, make sure that your kitchen is designed with functionality in mind- especially if you plan to use it a lot. While you may think you want an Instagram-worthy kitchen, function matters more than anything.
For example, a large single-basin sink may look great, but a double sink is more functional and while open shelves look nice in pictures, cabinets with doors make more sense unless you plan to keep your dishes neatly stacked at all times.
Communicate Everything Clearly
Even when you trust your contractor, they are not mind-readers. You must make sure that you communicate every single detail as clearly as possible. Then, double-check to make sure they understand. You need to know they understand exactly what your expectations are.
Check on the progress frequently and ask questions. It’s important to make sure everyone is on the same page. It’s easier to make corrections before the work is done than it is for them to go back and fix it after being done incorrectly.
Choose One Showpiece
While a remodel does give you the opportunity to showcase your personal style, you don’t want to do too much. One showpiece is typically enough. For example, if you choose a bold/unusual tile for your backsplash or floor, you don’t want to do too much with the rest of the kitchen.
After all, you don’t want it to look like the circus is in town. If there’s something that you really want to include, go ahead, just do it during the design phase, not the work phase so that you can plan for it. Also, by adding details during the work phase, you may also increase your cost and risk for design issues.
Don’t Forget the Small Stuff
Many people put a lot of attention on backsplashes and cabinets. However, there’s not always a lot of thought put into where the trash is or where the outlets are located or counter space. These are things that are important when you’re working in your kitchen.
Another thing that is often forgotten is venting. Proper venting keeps smells, steam, and smoke from filling your kitchen and home. Improper ventilation can cause your smoke alarms to go off every time you try to fry something.
Check Everything As it Comes In
A good contractor already knows this and will ensure that it gets done. However, it’s important to make sure that what you get is what you wanted.
When you order your kitchen components, there’s no guarantee that you will get what you ordered- mistakes happen. However, it’s a lot easier to fix it if you catch the mistake when they come in rather than after everything is installed.
Document Everything
It’s important to document the entire process. Before any work is done, make sure to take lots of “before” pictures from every angle. While this isn’t critical for a remodel, it will allow you to look back to where you started so you can see how far you’ve come.
Conclusion
Remodeling your kitchen can be a major headache. However, once it’s done, it will bring you the most joy of any other home remodeling project.
While you can make this a DIY project, it may take more time, money, and energy than you can or are willing to spend. Instead, hire a professional that has a stellar reputation in the local area and will guide you along every step of the way.
Author Bio: Miller’s Residential Creations is a custom home builder and remodeling company in Martinsburg, WV. Everything they do is custom – no cookie-cutter designs. They offer free consultations to people living in Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties.
