Even during the pandemic, homeowners continued to renovate their kitchens, creating more updated and efficient spaces. If your current kitchen looks a little dated or the layout isn’t functional anymore, it’s time for a kitchen renovation.
So how do you prepare for a kitchen renovation project without busting the budget? Use these tips to make the most of your renovation and avoid costly mistakes.
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Determine Your Needs
Take a look at your kitchen and determine what works and what doesn’t. Do you want more storage space or a bigger kitchen island? Is your kitchen so outdated that you’re embarrassed to let other people see it?
Make a list of your needs and wants. During the planning stage, it’s a good idea to take a look at the latest kitchen trends. Take note of any designs, colors, and finishes that you like.
Consider your family and lifestyle too. If you have kids and pets, you might want to opt for more durable flooring. If you’re often busy, you’ll want to choose cabinets and countertops that are low-maintenance and easy to keep clean.
When you know what you want, it makes the process of buying materials or working with a kitchen designer much easier.
Finalize the Budget
Separate your needs and your wants as you create your budget. You may need to cut back on high-end finishes and materials if your budget doesn’t allow for them.
A kitchen renovation can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 or more depending on the materials, labor, and other factors. Be firm with your budget—You don’t want to spend more than 5% to 15% of your home’s value.
Go down your kitchen renovation checklist and research the costs for each part of the project, or work with a kitchen designer. Cabinetry, installation costs, and appliances are some of the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel.
Take Measurements
Accurate measurements can prevent costly mistakes later on. Whether you plan to work with a design company or you want to DIY the job, you need to take good measurements and photos.
You’ll want the floorplan, measurements of the walls, the location of doors and windows, dimensions of your floors, island, and countertops. Measure and measure again, and have someone else double-check your work to ensure accuracy.
This is a crucial step as the wrong measurements can cause problems with the timeline and result in wasted materials.
DIY or Hire Professionals
Many homeowners choose to perform a renovation on their own, but there are benefits to hiring a professional designer. A kitchen design company has access to contractors and materials, and they can help keep you on your timeline and within your budget.
If you can’t afford to hire a designer, you can still DIY the renovation. Keep in mind there are certain aspects best left to the pros, such as the plumbing and electrical work.
If you’re doing work yourself, make sure you get the necessary permits and licenses and invest in high-quality materials and tools. Avoid taking shortcuts that you’ll regret later.
You can find useful articles for home owners if you need guidance.
Tackle That Kitchen Renovation
As long as you take time to plan ahead, your kitchen renovation should go smoothly. Soon, you’ll have a beautiful and functional kitchen that you’ll love to use!
For more home advice and construction tips, be sure to check out some of our other articles.
