kitchen layout assessment before renovation
You might be wondering why your kitchen doesn’t seem as welcoming as it used to, or if it’s just time for an update. You’re not alone in asking that question! A kitchen remodel can be an excellent upgrade to any kitchen. It can create a more spacious space. It can increase the usable workspace and offer more storage. It can even add a brighter ambiance and a cleaner and more comfortable gathering space.
However, planning a kitchen renovation can feel overwhelming. A professional kitchen renovation contractor will provide guidance to help you narrow your needs and convert them into decisions that are practical and realistic regarding your schedule, budget and vision.
Assess Your Space
Before you start planning your kitchen remodel, take a look at how your current space is laid out and how you’re using it. If something doesn’t fit your needs, you can plan to have the kitchen renovation contractor fix that. Some things to ask yourself: What is the main thing that I find frustrating with my current kitchen? Where does the mess end up accumulating in my kitchen? Is there adequate workspace, especially when near the stove and the sink? Am I constantly stepping around people in my kitchen?
Kitchen remodeling should address these issues first. A kitchen renovation contractor will also help you address these concerns. The design choices can make a huge difference as the layout and flow, and there is a good rundown at nkba.org/kitchen-bath-planning-guidelines, of the space, the lighting levels, and the storage solutions, all have a major impact on your daily kitchen experience. If a kitchen functions efficiently, you’ll enjoy any decorative upgrades that much more.
Selecting a Kitchen Remodel Contractor
While a kitchen renovation contractor does the actual renovations, your professional contractor does much more work than just doing the renovation. Your contractor can help you keep the project running smoothly, coordinate the trades, explain your options, and spot any potential issues that could end up creating cost increases.
Don’t simply focus on cost when comparing kitchen renovation contractors. While it’s a major factor when making this decision, an abnormally low bid is often a sign that the contractor has not accounted for everything or has included vague allowances instead. Instead, focus on the contractor’s experience, their communication process and the clarity of their scope of work. Make sure that you understand all of the terms before agreeing with your kitchen renovation contractor.
This can include:
- The items that are included within the kitchen renovation bid.
- The estimated timeline for the work.
- The tradespeople or other contractors who will be working in your home.
- The process for handling change orders or schedule delays.
- Any decisions you will need to make before construction begins.
Clear communications up front will result in a better process and experience.
Budgeting for Your Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen remodel costs vary by project size, materials selection, labor and any changes to the space, such as plumbing, electrical or framing modifications. If you stay within the same general kitchen layout, you should be able to keep costs somewhat lower. However, if you’re changing the layout, especially by moving the plumbing fixtures, or adding large appliances, it will result in cost increases.
It is a good idea to have line-item costs for all the categories of your kitchen remodel, such as cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, appliances, labor and permits. You’ll also want to have contingency amounts for any issues that might arise once demolition begins. Old electrical wiring, hidden water damage (more hints) and warped floors can be some of those items. A good kitchen remodeling contractor should guide you on where you should be spending, such as on the cabinetry, on storage solutions and on proper cabinet installation, and where you can save.
Design Choices that Improve Your Experience
functional kitchen storage and task lighting design
What to Expect During Your Project
Once everything is confirmed, the work will proceed in several stages, generally including: pre-construction, selecting materials, demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, code inspections, flooring, cabinetry installation, countertops, and finishes. Depending on the size of the project, the construction phase of a kitchen remodel can run several weeks. If you need to use the sink or the refrigerator to store food or dishes, you’ll want to have a designated space set up for that, along with any other daily items like pots, pans and dishes. You can expect that there will be dust, some noise and some disruptions and schedule delays, even with a well-planned schedule and good communications. Be sure that your kitchen remodeling contractor is providing regular updates to you, so you can prepare for every stage.
Prior Work Before the Start of Construction
While a kitchen renovation will be a significant investment, careful planning can help make your construction project go as smoothly as possible. Know what changes you want, make sure you hire a qualified contractor to do the kitchen remodel and understand the budget to avoid surprises, and make your selections as soon as possible. A well-executed and well-planned remodeling project will not only update the look and feel of the space; it will create a new kitchen that is easier to use, easier to manage and easier to enjoy, every day.
