What to Expect When Remodeling a Kitchen

Kitchen feeling outdated? Looking for increased storage space or a more functional design? Remodeling a kitchen is the Happily Ever After to all your culinary dreams. From new appliances and flooring to cabinetry and countertop installation, a remodel is a great way to add value, functionality, and style to your family’s most used space. Not to mention creating the perfect cooking, entertaining, and gathering environment to suit all your needs. 

Planning your renovation

Planning the Design

The first step in planning your kitchen remodel is determining how you want the room to look.  Consider the layout of your current kitchen…what works and what doesn’t? Need to knock down a wall? Or add one? Add a bigger pantry? Move the sink or range for better functionality? You can look at photos online for inspiration, create a Pinterest board, or consult a professional designer if you’d like assistance with this process. Once you have a plan for how you want the space to look, it’s time to consider which elements in your kitchen simply need an update and which need to be replaced. 

Choosing Materials

After deciding on a design plan for your kitchen renovation project, start researching different materials that fit your style as well as your budget parameters. For example, if you’re looking at new countertops, you may consider natural stone options such as granite or marble. Both of these materials come with their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so research them thoroughly before making your selection. Additionally, other items, such as cabinetry, should also be chosen carefully. Depending on the desired style, you may opt for a custom build or perhaps a cost-effective ready-made option better fits your plans. Remember that selecting materials isn’t only about aesthetic preferences but also durability and quality so that your remodel will last through many years of making memories. 

Identifying Budget Parameters

Once you have decided on specific design elements, it’s essential to make sure your dreamiest plans fit into realistic budget expectations. No one wants construction delays or sticker shock after the final bills roll in! Work with your licensed remodel and renovation contractor to plan the details and establish a budget. While construction sometimes includes unforeseeable hiccups that might affect the total cost, thinking through and factoring in as many costs as possible will give you more peace of mind before you commit financially. 

Executing the remodel

Now comes the messy part. Demolition and the inconvenience of living in a temporary construction zone. But hold tight! Your new kitchen is waiting for you just on the other side. If you’re doing any of the work yourself, be sure to take safety precautions with every step of the process, including wearing protective gear when needed. Also, make sure that your contractor follows proper building practices so that everything is up to code once it’s completed. Steps like rerouting plumbing, new wiring, or installing appliances require extra attention. And while we’re sure that your brother-in-law is great at DIY, having these steps completed by a qualified professional is the best way to ensure a safe, trouble-free finished product in both appearance and functionality. 

Finishing the remodel

Painting and Finishing

After all of the major remodeling and installations have been completed, it’s time to give your kitchen those final gorgeous touches–painting walls and cabinets, installing new trim or crown molding, new backsplash tiles, and more. This is where your style will shine. If you are using a contractor for this step, make sure they use high-quality paint that is durable enough to withstand wear without chipping or fading over time. Choose timeless colors and soothing patterns that match the overall design scheme of your new kitchen without falling victim to fleeting trends that will quickly put your new kitchen back into the outdated category.

Flooring

The flooring in any room plays an important role in both its functionality and aesthetics, but this is especially true when it comes to kitchens. Consider choosing flooring such as hardwood or tile which are easy on the feet yet still tough enough for daily traffic. These options come in a variety of color choices and styles that will easily coordinate with other elements throughout the space. Once you have chosen your material type, hire a qualified installer who will ensure proper measurement, cutting angles, and adhesives.

Final Inspections

You’re nearly there! After everything is in place, you’ll need to arrange for a final inspection before officially declaring your kitchen remodel complete. A city official will come to your home to check the safety of elements such as plumbing connections, wiring, structural integrity, etc., in case anything needs adjusting before full usage begins. Consider having a professional inspector also visit earlier during a large remodel to catch any potential problems that can be addressed early on in the construction phase to avoid additional costly repairs after your remodel is already complete.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a successful kitchen remodel is one that takes into account all the necessary elements, such as design, material selection, and budgeting. Hiring qualified professionals will mean your plans are executed with skill and care. By doing your research before beginning any work, taking safety precautions during construction, installing items properly, and conducting final inspections, your kitchen renovation should be a glowing success! So, get creative with your designs, enjoy the process, and live happily in your space. Your culinary dreams are just a remodel away.