The Ultimate Kitchen Remodel Checklist
As with anything in life, when approaching a kitchen remodel it is vital to plan, prepare, and do research in order to attain the outcome you desire. For many, the kitchen is the center of the home and the meeting ground for family at the beginning and end of each day. The importance of having a kitchen that meets your needs and is both functional and beautiful cannot be understated. Undertaking a kitchen remodel can be a nerve-wracking experience because of the many diverse variables that are affected, but with the right kitchen remodeling checklist in hand, you can ensure that you end up with the kitchen of your dreams.
Set Your Expectations
The first step in a kitchen remodel is to pinpoint exactly what you are looking for in your new kitchen space. What is the overall goal of the remodel? What are the must-haves? What are the desirables? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself before you sit down to start picking out appliances and countertops. Once you establish the high-level view of what your kitchen needs are, then the next step is to consider your budget.
Calculate Your Budget
Once you know exactly what your ideal kitchen space will include, you need to set a budget and determine how much money you are willing to invest into your remodel. Your budget will determine how many changes you will be able to make, as well as the quality of the materials you will be able to use. It is important to set reasonable expectations prior to beginning, and then to refine those expectations based on what is feasible within your budget.
One of the best ways to manage your budget prior to starting is to create a spreadsheet with your total budget, all of the upgrades you would like to make in order to get the outcome you desire from your remodel, as well as estimates and quotes for each item on the list.
By calculating the total based off of the estimates, you can accurately ascertain if your vision lines up with what is in your budget. Also, by getting a variety of different quotes for each upgrade you would like to make, you can ensure prior to starting that you are getting the best deal possible and know where you will go to get that upgrade if should it fit within your budget.
Another important factor to consider when calculating your budget is that you will want to leave a buffer for any unexpected cost that may arise during the remodel, this buffer will vary depending on the size of the remodel, but ideally you will want to leave 10-15% to be safe. This will help ensure you are prepared for any adjustments that need to be made along the way.
It is often best to consult your designer on the specific materials and finishes at this stage of the process, as last minutes changes are often what cause homeowners to exceed their remodel budget. You can rely on the experts to tell you where you can save and where you can splurge.
Choose a Design
A kitchen designer can help you bring your vision to life. Start by thinking of your ideal kitchen, what do the finishes look like? What do the cabinets look like? What type of counters do you want? How much light does your kitchen receive? How much natural light do you want to come in? What type of backsplash tile do you want? Do you want shelving or only cabinet storage? These are just a handful of the questions you should ask yourself when designing your kitchen space.
You will want to take into consideration lighting, square footage, appliances and fixtures, tiles, flooring, countertops, cabinets, plumbing, windows, door hardware, paint, and storage. As you work with your design-build team they can help you ensure you find the best materials possible while staying within your budget.
Find the Right Design-Build Team
Hiring a design-build firm streamlines the remodeling process by providing one consistent team who manages all the various components from design to permitting to construction. Choosing a design-build company can seem intimidating for first-time remodelers, so it is important to speak with several teams before deciding on one. You will want to ask for references so that you can ask questions to prior customers and make sure that you will have a smooth, efficient experience.
Timing & Permits
It is vital to determine if you will need any type of building permit to complete your remodel. A design-build team will manage the permitting process and factor it in as part of the project timeline. Permits can be time-consuming to obtain, which is why it’s critical to address them early in the process. Also, keep in mind the time of year and weather conditions when soliciting a contractor as these elements may affect the time it will take to be completed.
For a full kitchen remodel, it can take six weeks or longer to be completed. Be sure you are ready to have your kitchen be in flux during this transition period and plan accordingly.
With your kitchen remodel checklist in hand, you can create the kitchen of your dreams. Interested in starting a bathroom remodeling project or need a checklist for a full-home renovation instead? Contact Remodel Works today to take the confusion out of your remodel and achieve your ideal space without the stress of having to endure the design/build process on your own.
