It is exciting and daunting when you start down the road of a kitchen remodel. Since the kitchen acts as the central hub of the household, it is a challenge when it is out of commission. This article helps you to create a plan to get started.
What do you want?
Have a family meeting, discuss and decide what you do not like about your current kitchen. I would suggest having a separate notebook or folder where you keep your kitchen remodel documentation.
Ask yourself and all family members what they think they need in the kitchen, and be sure to document this information. The next step is to prioritize the order of the items you do not like. If you need direction, HGTV offers worksheets you can print out: How do you use your kitchen? and What are your kitchen goals?
Next, determine what style you want in your kitchen. The number of products and colors can be intimidating so you will want to be prepared with ideas and a plan when you talk with a contractor. Save ideas and pictures in a Pinterest board to share with contractors of all the features that you want in a kitchen. Determine your timeline. Custom kitchen cabinets can take three to six months to get to you; prebuilt and stock cabinets take less time.
What is your favorite kitchen style?
In my experience, this is where people seem to get bogged down in the process. If you have ever walked into a kitchen store, you are overwhelmed by the choices, unsure how to pull it together. Go through these photos to get an idea of things you like, and reach out to me for a consultation to help you pick the right elements. Making the right choices can save you money and aggravation.
Create a Budget
The hardest part is matching what you want with your budget, that’s why it’s important to sit down and create a list of what you want from your kitchen. The types of remodels that involve changing plumbing, adding new electrical wiring, structural changes all mean higher costs. Understanding the cost of items will give you some idea of the overall project scope. According to HomeAdvisor, the basic rule is that a remodel should cost no less than 5% of the home’s value and no more than 15%. For information on how much a kitchen remodel will cost, click here.
Budget according to National Kitchen & Bath Association:
- Cabinetry and Hardware: 29%
- Installation: 17%
- Appliances and Ventilation: 14%
- Countertops: 10%
- Flooring: 7%
- Lighting: 5%
- Walls and Ceilings: 5%
- Design Fees: 4%
- Doors and Windows: 4%
- Faucets and Plumbing: 4%
- Other: 1%
Get Quotes
To find a Kitchen Remodel Contractor in your area, click here. Another idea is to reach out to your neighborhood on Facebook and ask if they would recommend a contractor or ask your friends.
Next week I will offer some ideas as to how you can survive a kitchen remodel. If you need help picking a color palette for your kitchen, call me at 610-955-8202 for a consultation!
By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram. Featured photo from Pixabay.