Where to Start When You're Remodeling Your Kitchen
You've been pinning kitchen images and clipping photos of kitchens from magazines. You know how you want your kitchen to look. Or do you? Many people begin the kitchen remodeling process by lusting after other kitchens. Others decide to start by replacing appliances. Still, others think they should begin by knocking out a wall or two. While all of this may come into play eventually, make sure you're following a logical order of kitchen remodel. You'll enjoy the process much more if you do.
Try and think of function, efficiency, and longevity from the beginning stages of planning, so your major kitchen remodel can last for years and years.
Think About How You Use Your Kitchen
The first thing you should do is analyze how you use your kitchen. How many people live in your home? Do you all eat at the same time? How tall are the cooks? Are you a gourmet cook, or a microwave junkie? How do you entertain, and where do you eat? These questions will help you see where your kitchen is currently pulling its weight, and where it needs to be taken up a notch.
Next, think about what you want from your kitchen. Consider what you love about it, and what makes you curse regularly. Consider the storage capacity, and any limits in your current appliances. This is also the time to start thinking about colors you want to see in your kitchen.
Consider Your Budget
A realistic budget for a complete kitchen remodel will be between 6 and 10 percent of your home value. How does it all break down from there?
The bulk of your budget typically goes to cabinets and hardware, taking up 29% of your budget. Next is design and installation at 22%. Your walls, ceilings, floors, and doors will take up about 16% of your budget, while appliances and ventilation will take up about 14%. 10% will go to counters, and 9% will go to electrical and plumbing. Understanding the breakdown will help you make budget cuts where necessary, as well as know when you can safely splurge.
Your Layout
The layout of the kitchen isn't as fun to dream about as the color of the cabinets, but taking the time to really consider how to create the best layout will ensure you have a space that not only functions well, but also makes you happy. You'll save money by keeping the existing layout of your kitchen, but that's not always the best decision. Sometimes, windows, doors, and walls simply don't work where they are. Remember that these can be changed. Remember to consider how you move in the kitchen. Keep the range close to the sink, leave enough room for more than one cook, and more.
The Design
Here comes the fun part. Pull up your Pinterest boards, pull out your scrapbooks, and make a design plan. How do you envision the fixtures, floors, backsplash, cabinets, countertops, and more?
Get Contractor Estimates
Find a licensed contractor with good reviews. Get an estimate for the projects, and make sure you understand everything that's involved. Once this is done, get ready for demolition and remodel. Find out how to cook during this hectic time.
At New Life Bath and Kitchen, we love creating new spaces for you and will help you get the kitchen of your dreams. We respect your living spaces and work to make the kitchen remodel process as manageable as possible. Give us a call at (805) 639-5433, or contact us online.