Whether you’re selling your house or want to create the kitchen of your dreams, remodeling can be overwhelming. Creating a clear plan will help streamline the process and keep your project on track. Before the sledgehammers start swinging, make sure to establish a temporary kitchen. This is a crucial step that will save you both time and money!

Hire a Contractor

A remodeling project is a significant undertaking, so hiring the right contractor is crucial. The best way to find a qualified contractor like SD Wood Kitchen & Bath is by asking friends, family members, and neighbors for recommendations. You can also check online resources. Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential contractors, call them to ask for estimates.

A reputable contractor will give you a quote after visiting your home and taking measurements. When requesting quotes, pay close attention to the details in each one. Ensure all of the essential information is included in the quote, including the cost of materials and the proposed schedule for work. Also, ensure that the contractor will take care of any required permits for structural or plumbing alterations.

Identify Your Needs

Identifying your goals will have a significant impact on the kitchen remodel process. Are you looking for a brighter, lighter space or a more functional layout? Are you trying to add resale value or update worn-out surfaces and materials? Your goal will help determine the project’s scope regardless of the motivation.

You can use your research notes on layouts, designs, cabinets, appliances, fixtures, and building and flooring materials to create an itemized list of needs versus wants. This will help you decide what to splurge on and what to save on. It will also help you estimate the total cost of the kitchen remodeling project. This is crucial for planning your budget. Every element comes at a price, so be prepared to compromise when necessary.

Make a List

When you begin planning your kitchen remodel, you need to make a list of your priorities. This will help you connect your kitchen goals (hosting dozens of friends for weekly five-course meals) with your needs (updating the granite countertops to quartz) and start you off on the right track.

For example, you should plan for features like pop-up mixer shelves and custom wine cabinets to maximize your storage space. This will ensure your contractor has a clear picture of what you are looking for and will avoid unexpected costs. Additionally, setting a budget before beginning your remodel is essential. This will allow you to stay firm with hard costs such as labor while remaining open-minded on materials.

Plan Your Budget

A kitchen remodel can be expensive. If you plan to finance the project, a budget is essential. This is the first step to ensuring your project goes smoothly, and your costs remain controlled. A budget will help determine which projects are a must-have versus a nice-to-have.

It will also help you determine if you can afford to splurge a little on your dream kitchen or if you must sacrifice some items on the wishlist to stay within your budget. Be prepared to consider what you can do on your own (removing cabinets, painting, etc) to reduce the money you’ll need to invest in your kitchen remodel. Also, factor in interest and loan fees if you decide to finance your project.

Decide on the Design

Once you have a budget in place, it’s time to start thinking about the design of your new kitchen. This is an exciting part of the process, with many options. Look for inspiration online and visit furniture and appliance showrooms and model homes to study room vignettes.

Ask yourself how you will use your kitchen, whether you want to incorporate a casual dining area, introduce innovative technology, accommodate more than one cook, or introduce a fresh color palette. Determining why you are remodeling your kitchen will help you fine-tune your vision and stay on track. It could be to increase the value of your home or because the layout no longer works for you and your family.

Jane