Do you love spending time in your kitchen, but your current space is out of date and in need of some sprucing up? Whether you’re dreaming of granite countertops or just want to repaint the walls, it may be time to make your kitchen remodeling dreams a reality! Kitchen remodel can be a great way to improve your quality of life and increase the value of your home.
But first, you need to make sure that your budget and timeline are in line with your goals. Where do you start? Here are our 10 tips from preparing for a remodel, budgeting, planning, design and building your dream kitchen or hiring professionals. Put on your construction hat and let’s get started!
To help you ensure to get a good return on your kitchen remodel, follow these ten tips:
Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel
Preparing for a kitchen remodel or renovation can be an exciting time. One of the most important things to remember when remodeling your kitchen is to stay organized. This will help keep the project on track and ensure that you are happy with the finished product. Make a list of everything you want to change about your kitchen and start checking things off as they are completed. This will help you stay motivated and on schedule.
Create a Budget Plan to Know the Cost
A budget plan is an important part of any business or project. It allows you to measure the costs against your goals and see if something is over-budgeting, under-budgeting, or on target for what you’ve planned. A simple spreadsheet can help record these measurements so that at a glance everything will be visible in one place.
Additional budget-planning tip:
Put aside at least 10% – 20% of whatever number has been budgeted for labor cost.
Design and Planning (Maximize Space & Storage)
Like most people, the kitchen is the heart of our home. It’s where you cook meals, socialize with friends and family, and store your cooking supplies. A well-designed kitchen can help you maximize space and storage, just like installing cabinets that reach the ceiling or putting up shelving units. It is also important to take into consideration the size of the countertops and other appliances in the kitchen.
Make a List of Renovation Priorities
Don’t know where to start when it comes to kitchen remodeling? Maybe it feels like there are just too many things that need attention. There’s nothing like a good to-do-list to get the gears in your head turning.
Before you get started, setting up your priorities are the most important feature like granite countertop or super-luxe faucet to improve the overall look and function of the kitchen. It may be wise to start with your most important wants first for your perfect kitchen remodel.
Pay Attention to Details
Details, details, details. It’s important to pay attention to the details. Whether you’re planning for a full kitchen renovation or just to switch up to a few small details. It’s the little things that make a kitchen look good (and function well, too). Pay attention to these kitchen details and your cooking space will be looking sharp!
Be Quality-Conscious
When it comes to choosing quality kitchen materials, think long term! Functionality and durability should be the top priority when it comes to kitchen remodeling. Choose high-quality materials that will last a long time. Countertops like granite and quartz may cost a little more, but they will last a long time and, therefore, save you money in the long run. If you need some design inspiration, check out our blog for Designing a Modern Home in Vancouver.
Update the Lighting Fixtures
Did you know that kitchen lighting can have a large impact on the overall feel and functionality? Whether it’s natural or artificial light, updating the kitchen lighting fixtures is an easy way to make your kitchen more functional.
Decide on what type of fixture you want. Under-cabinet lighting should be on your top list, since wall mounted cabinets create a dark work area. Recessed or pendant lights installed into the ceiling are good for islands and other low cabinets. Track lighting works well over sinks and mounted onto walls and can be angled in different directions for optimal light coverage in your kitchen.
Consider the Electrical Work
When planning to remodel the kitchen, electrical work is one of the most important features you need to consider. Whether it’s adding new outlets or replacing existing wiring with newer cables, this can be an expensive undertaking if not done right.
Consider Plumbing Work
One of the most important things to think about when it comes to remodel your kitchen is the plumbing implications. There are a lot of things that need to be kept in good condition if you want it to run smoothly, just like the pipe size, water pressure and water usage. Plumbing work doesn’t have to be expensive, and it can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
So if you’re considering any home improvements, don’t forget about your plumbing!
Avoid Unnecessary Expenses
Create your budget and stick to how much you are spending! Don’t be tempted to deviate from your budget mid-project. For example, rather than purchasing all new appliances, consider refurbishing or repairing the ones you have. You may also be able to get by with a smaller renovation by focusing on specific areas of your kitchen that need improvement. Neglecting to pay attention to costs, no matter how small, is how the budget gets blown.
Designing With the Future in Mind
It can be tempting to take on a kitchen renovation without a plan, but it can end up costing you money and the dream kitchen you envisioned. You want to design something you’ll love that will suit your wants and needs, but also ensure that the value of your property is increased. With decades of experience, we can make sure you get the kitchen of your dreams delivered on budget and on time. There are so many factors to consider when taking on a kitchen renovation, you might start to get overwhelmed. When that happens, it’s time to contact us.