No matter what kind of kitchen you have, and no matter what size it is, going through a remodeling project is a huge ordeal. Even if there are just a couple of components in your kitchen you are looking to replace, there are so many different things that need to be considered before the project can begin.
It’s a big project, but when you’ve put so much of your own time, money, and design choices into it, you end up loving the results.
That doesn’t mean you will love the process.
Here are some must-know facts and tips about kitchen remodeling that will make you both hate and love the entire project!
1. The Contractors
Working with a professional is almost required with any moderate to large-scale kitchen remodeling job, which means you will have to start the search for the right contractors. This can be a headache to deal with if you don’t already have someone amazing in mind.
First, you’ll need to decide whether you want general contractors or a professional renovation firm to help you with the new kitchen’s construction. Then you may have to struggle in terms of scheduling, as the best contractors are often the busiest ones, so it’s important that you carve out time to work around their needs. In the long run, waiting for their good work is well worth it.
2. The Layout
Is your new kitchen going to be laid out totally different from your old kitchen? It is doable, but there are a lot of hidden complications and fees to keep in mind which may make you hate the entire prospect of a new layout.
For example, you may love the idea of having your stove and refrigerator in totally different places from where they were. But you might hate the realization that you may incur extra costs since moving around the existing piping and electrical lines can be expensive.
3. New Appliances
New appliances keep getting fancier and fancier, don’t they? If you are looking to upgrade, then you are probably fascinated by the new bells and whistles offered on even the simplest new appliances like blenders and ovens. But the key to getting the ones you want while on a budget is to shop smart, not hard.
You must invest in appliances that are energy-efficient and easy to use. If you’re going to end up hating your stove because you can’t figure out how to get it to the exact temperature you want, then it isn’t worth the upgrade.
It’s important that you love your new results, even if you hate the process of narrowing down your appliance options and testing things out.
4. The Budget
Probably the most heated topic of all, budgeting is something that homeowners particularly hate. Trying to budget out your new remodel almost never works out at the beginning, because there are so many hidden costs to think about.
How much will your contractor charge? How much are materials? How many hidden fees do you have (filling in gaps, replacing pipes, repairing old cabinets, installing appliances, adding a new seal and finish to your countertops, etc.)? Take as much time as you can to carefully consider your budget, and do your absolute best to stick with it.
Start Your Love-Hate Relationship with Kitchen Remodeling Today!
Redoing your kitchen is a huge process. Even something that seems simple, like building new cabinets, can be vastly more complicated than expected. You might start to hate certain aspects of the project, but ultimately, you will fall in love with the result. It’s time to get started!