Modern kitchens are the heart of your home and if you are considering a kitchen remodel, you’ll want to plan ahead. Your kitchen is where you prepare meals for your family and in many cases, it will be used for multiple purposes. You’ll want to renovate in a way that gives you the kitchen you’ll love, both in beauty and function, as you will be spending a good amount of time here. There are countless options during renovation and it is easy to get carried away and spend too much. From the choices available, settle for the one most suited to your lifestyle and use our tips to plan ahead.
It’s All in the Details
It is immensely important to be mindful of the smaller details and not just have the big picture in mind of how you want your kitchen space to be. The renovation process will be simple if you know exactly what you want. Plan out the details, the expenses, and the time duration, then meticulously stick to the plan of action. A thoughtfully planned out kitchen remodel will save you from a lot of hassle and also help you stay within budget.
Calculate the total cost and be aware of the breakdown. The labor fee, cost of cabinets, appliances, and flooring should all be on paper. Many people start the process without giving everything proper consideration and when things go wrong they are not sure how to tackle the situation. It is therefore important to source ideas online, gather information, and discuss your ideas with a professional for better planning. And, be careful not to make multiple changes in the middle of the kitchen upgrade as they can make your cost rise.
Consider the Layout of the Kitchen
You should know the exact area of the kitchen and how you want to use the space to your advantage. Since you are remodeling, you will want to make use of every nook. By knowing the space, we mean that you should have the exact measurements and buy or design things accordingly. Space will determine how you can design your kitchen and which elements you can add or subtract. In a small kitchen, you would not want to waste even an inch of space and in a large kitchen, you can have the luxury of adding things like an elegant island.
Similarly, if you are adding or modifying any countertops and cabinetry, you should know how tall or wide you want them to be. Figure out beforehand where you want the walkways and where you want certain appliances. If you want the fridge in a certain corner, measure the fridge and check in advance whether it would fit there or not. And if you are thinking of buying a new cooktop, measure the exact inches and then do the shopping accordingly. With all these details mapped out, the chances of going wrong are rather slim.
Leave the Major Systems in Place To Save on Your Kitchen Remodel
Try to keep the plumbing, electricity, gas, and pipe-connected elements in place. If you disturb them, it can lead to unnecessary complications that can consume a lot of time, energy and be very expensive as well. Consult a professional, such as a kitchen designer and contractor for such issues. Do not hesitate to get advice if you need to accommodate any new wiring or want any change in plumbing done.
Choose all the New Stuff you Want Beforehand the Remodel
If you are buying new fixtures, new flooring, new appliances, or any other upgrade, choose it before you start the actual work. It will be a disaster if you go shopping for the new material while the renovation is going on, only to discover that it is out of stock. To avoid disappointments, you should know the materials you are getting, how they will be used in your kitchen, and exactly what they will cost you.
Get Good Quality Stuff
Renovating a kitchen is not a small task. It is wise to be clear on your goals and invest in quality. There is no point to go through so much hassle of a renovation if only after a while you start experiencing problems because of the poor quality of products used or poor workmanship. Your goal should be getting durable materials and products that enhance the functionality of the kitchen. Use products and materials that are long-lasting, easy to maintain, and pleasing to the eye. Make sure your contractor is skilled so the job is done right.
Sort Out your Renovation Priorities
You are the best judge of what is most important for you in the kitchen. List it all down. Put down your number one priority which you absolutely cannot do without and work it down to the least important one. When you encounter any unexpected cost hit, you will know which upgrade option you can let go of. This will help you be on top of things and you will be able to take care of your topmost priorities.
Be Prepared for the Unforeseeable
Even if you have everything sorted, be prepared for the unexpected. Things do not always go as planned, and any situation can arise that can delay the remodel process or cost you more than what you had anticipated. There may be an electrical or plumbing concern in an older residence or any other budget busters. Be prepared for going past the deadline you had initially planned and most importantly keep a little extra money aside, in case the cost exceeds the budget. These preparations will keep you safe from the unexpected surprises.
Final Word
Renovating is a nerve-wracking task no doubt, but you can make it successful if you avoid the common mistakes many homeowners make. You now have some useful tips to help you before you get started with your remodel project. Hopefully, they will make the renovation simpler and get you the kitchen you want.