Our kitchen is often the hub of family life. It’s a place of cooking disasters and culinary masterpieces. Of gossip, a daily catch-up, or a late-night supper. It’s the heart of a home and worth the time and effort to make it look perfect.
But don’t start shopping just yet if you intend to remodel your kitchen.
First, read through our guide on how to prepare for a kitchen remodel. We’ll explain what you must decide and plan before taking a sledgehammer to your old cabinets.
Agree on the Scope
Not all kitchen upgrades are the same. You need to define the scope. Without that, you’ll risk adding extra mini-projects to your kitchen renovation, lengthening the time and cost.
Think about the type of kitchen remodel you want. It could be:
- A simple cosmetic makeover
- A more involved renovation
- An entire kitchen overhaul
It’s essential you know what you want from the start. Cosmetic work is generally fast and straightforward. Overhaul, in contrast, might need new plumbing and electrics.
The latter will need extra planning, and you’ll need to allow extra time for that project size.
Set a Budget
You must set a budget at the beginning of your remodeling project. A clear budget will help guide you away from overspending later.
Split your budget into smaller sections to cover specific costs. You’ll want a budget for the materials, labor, and appliances. You should also add an extra contingency budget of around 20% to allow for unexpected costs.
Most people find at this stage that what they want doesn’t fit within their budget. If that is the case, start creating a list of must-have work versus nice-to-have. You can add nice-to-have items to your contingency budget.
This phase of your planning is also an excellent time to look at ways to save money. For example, you might get cheap cabinets during a Black Friday sale.
Choosing a Style
Your next step is to think about your remodeled kitchen’s style and overall look.
First, consider how your kitchen will fit your house’s architecture and existing interiors. You may prefer something that’s in keeping with the rest of the house.
The age of your house will also shape your style. If you have an old building and traditional kitchen features, you could accentuate these in your final design.
However, don’t rule out a mix-and-match approach. Sometimes a traditional home can look breathtaking with an ultra-modern kitchen at the center.
To narrow your ideas, create a mood board. Collect kitchen trends from interior design articles, Pinterest and Instagram. That will help you bring your look together so it’s more coherent and aesthetically pleasing.
Don’t Forget Practicality
Getting the style right is crucial, but don’t forget about the importance of functionality. You need to balance the two.
Your kitchen serves an essential purpose. You want to achieve a remodeling that offers convenience, space, and practicality.
Think about how and when you use your kitchen. You may prefer a large workspace for chopping and preparing if you are a keen amateur chef. Extra storage and shelving are essential if you like to keep things tidy and minimal.
Plan Your Kitchen Layout
You need to create the optimum layout for your kitchen. It should be ergonomic and maximize all available space.
The first rule is to ensure you can stand in your kitchen and move comfortably between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. You shouldn’t have barriers or awkward spaces getting in your way.
Think about how you use appliances too. For example, put the dishwasher next to the sink so you can rinse and stack. And keep ovens and stoves away from entrances to ensure they are at a safe distance.
Choose Your Appliances
When deciding on your layout, you’ll also want to use this time to choose appliances and fixtures. The size and type you pick will determine your overall kitchen design.
First, be practical. Some appliances may seem appealing (a wine fridge, for example.) Still, if you don’t use them regularly, it may not be worth the time or money. Plus, it’s probably not the best use of space.
When choosing items, think about the long-term costs. A higher-quality model may last longer. It may also be more energy efficient.
Your Cabinet Choice
Most kitchen remodels include new cabinets and countertops. These can dramatically affect the look and style of your kitchen. Start by choosing the material for the cabinets.
You’ll need to consider the pros and cons of laminate vs. solid wood. Your budget will shape your decision here.
Countertops come in many materials, including granite, laminate, solid wood, and quartz. You should pick the ones that best match your cabinet material and are durable and easy to clean.
Plan Your Kitchen Lighting
Well-placed lights will help create the perfect ambiance in the kitchen. They must also be practical. You’ll want bright lights for cooking and preparing food.
Think about using a layered approach to your kitchen lights. Have low lighting to illuminate the space and brighter spotlights for when you work.
Remember the value of natural lighting too. If you have small windows and lack natural light, choose lighter blinds. Depending on your room shape, you could also add a skylight to add brightness.
Storage
When planning your kitchen remodeling project, consider how you can maximize space. Storage is always an issue, and there are many modern kitchen gadgets you might want to buy – but they all take up space!
Think about clever ways to use your kitchen area. For example, you can add a pull-out pantry for narrow spaces and pull-out corner cabinets. Don’t forget about high areas and under-sink spaces for extra storage ideas.
Plan your shelf height to give you flexibility in your storage. Short-height spaces are ideal for small items like spice pots, whereas tall shelving is essential for glasses and bottles.
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Designs
If sustainability is high on your priority list, research this before starting your remodeling project.
First, choose the most energy-efficient appliances that fit your space and budget. Check the Energy STAR label on the device to compare which models offer the most efficient solution.
Second, focus on the most eco-friendly and sustainable materials for kitchen units and countertops. Bamboo or some sustainable types of wood are often a good choice.
A water-saving faucet is also necessary, as that will help you reduce your water use. Finally, use energy-saving lighting and as much natural light as possible.
Getting the Work Done: Professional or DIY?
Another decision you’ll need to make before starting your kitchen remodeling is whether you want to hire a professional. You can get all the work done by a professional, some of it, or choose to do everything yourself.
Weigh up the scope of the project, your skills, budget, and timeline to find the best option.
Structural projects involving plumbing and electrics will always need a trained professional. You may also need a professional for specific safety or building regulations.
Remember that paying for a professional will often be the most cost-effective long-term option, as they will get it right the first time.
Preparing for Everyday Disruption
Living without a kitchen is often challenging, especially if you have a young family. Plan what to do when your kitchen is out of bounds during the remodeling project.
Get timescale advice from the contractor so you know how long the disruption will last.
Consider whether you have room in your home for a mini-kitchen space like a microwave and mini-fridge. If not, you may want to contact a relative or friend for help.
Alternatively, some people choose to go away to a hotel or Airbnb while the most disruptive work takes place.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Take some time to think through the potential issues with your remodeling before you start. Planning and managing these risks will reduce problems and costs later.
One of the most common pitfalls is failing to set a realistic budget. To avoid this, do plenty of research to get costs, obtain professional quotes, and don’t rely on your own estimates.
Another common pitfall is forgetting about the importance of function. You don’t want to create a beautiful-looking kitchen that isn’t practical, such as one lacking storage space.
Think about the style, too. Many people choose on-trend designs that quickly go out of fashion. You’ll probably spend a sizeable budget on a good renovation, so you want it to be as timeless as possible.
How to Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel
We hope our guide on how to prepare for a kitchen remodel has given you food for thought. Planning your remodeling project will help you get that dream finish you desire.
When you are ready to take the leap, contact our expert team at Dallas Pro Contractors. We can give you a quote for your kitchen remodeling project and advise you on how to get that perfect look and finish you want.
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