One of the best and most impactful renovation projects that can be done in a home is a kitchen remodel or renovation. This is due to the fact that a kitchen renovation can significantly increase the home’s value.
Before you can enjoy all the benefits of a kitchen makeover, you must first go through the expense and time spent on the renovation. Because of the intricacies of a kitchen renovation, it’s also one of the costliest home projects you can undertake.
Whether you want to get your hands dirty and do the job yourself or, like the majority who hand this over to kitchen contractors and design experts, there’s a lot to learn and be familiar with first before even knocking down that first cabinet.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation project, this guide is worth going through as it requires a lot of careful preparation beforehand. Everything you’ll learn herein will come in handy to ensure your kitchen renovation project goes as smoothly as you intend it to.
Table of Contents
1. Plan Ahead
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During the renovation, you would live somewhere else in an ideal setting. However, this isn’t always possible, given the additional expenses such a move entails. Staying at home during the renovation can seem daunting and stressful, but it’s manageable when you’ve planned and prepared well enough.
This planning process doesn’t only cover the renovation itself. Rather, it also encompasses other accompanying matters, such as asking your builders to erect a temporary kitchen somewhere in your home, like an empty office. This is important when living in the same home where the renovation is ongoing.
2. Meet Your Team Personally Before Signing to a Deal
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Kitchen renovations are quite a lucrative business given its high and consistent demand. This means there will be no shortage of designers and contractors. There are loads to choose from, but like any other tradesmen, they’re not all created equally. Naturally, some are far better than others.
Once you’ve found at least two to three contractors or designers you’re keen on working with, meet with them first before signing your contract or deal. First impressions are lasting, and you can make a few during those first few meetings. Likewise, you can use those meetings as an opportunity to spot any red flags that should deter you from working with that particular tradesman.
When you’re this prudent about your selection process, you can avoid the pitfalls of hiring the wrong builders. Remember, this is a renovation project that should last for years, not something you should have to do every often because the last one was a botched job.
3. Make Room for Lots of Storage Space
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Planning for lots of storage is one of the most overlooked aspects of a kitchen renovation. Indeed, many homeowners recognize this requirement, but it’s not always extensively planned. Having enough storage space goes beyond installing cabinets here and there. It should also go as far as deciding what goes in every cabinet.
For example, some homeowners choose kitchen cabinets, while others prefer drawers. The choice depends on your preference. You can even include being very specific about drawer depth so that it can hold whatever you plan to put inside, be it extra plates, pots and pans, kids’ lunch boxes, baking dishes, and whatnot.
4. Be Specific About the Project’s Timeframe
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Your kitchen renovation can’t possibly go on forever. Especially if you’re going to be living in the same home as well, you’ll want to get it over with as soon as possible. Discuss this with your builder so that a proper timeline can be made while factoring in time efficiency.
A good contractor will know how to make a beautiful kitchen design in such a short time through careful planning. That way, no time is wasted. Each day the tradesmen report to work, and something productive is being done.
5. Set a Realistic Budget
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Kitchen renovations can be expensive, but you don’t always have to be in debt to get them done. Stick to whatever budget you’ve set. Be transparent about this with your builder so that adjustments can be made to meet your budgetary requirements.
A good kitchen builder can balance quality and price. This is precisely the reason why, before signing that contract, you must choose wisely and choose from among your available options first. By doing so, you have that guarantee you aren’t being charged any more than is necessary for your kitchen renovation project.
The Bottomline
Remodeling can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Giving yourself ample time to prepare will benefit you in the long run. Moreover, when kitchen renovations can be expensive, you’d want to be certain that every facet of the renovation turns out to be just how you envisioned it, with minimal to no bumps along the way. The above guide is a good place to start.
Now, you should feel more confident about choosing the right kitchen contractor, putting you one step closer to making the kitchen of your dreams come true.
