The kitchen is a well loved room in every home. This is where food is prepared and people gather around to enjoy each other. The perfect kitchen has plenty of space for all of your every day needs. There is a good chance that if you were given the opportunity to remodel any room in your home, you would choose your kitchen.
With that being said, most people have an idea of what their dream kitchen would look like. However, many people do not have any idea where to start on this huge undertaking. Hiring a professional for help with your kitchen remodel is always a good idea. There are some things that you can do on your own and if you are really handy you might be able to do most of the work on your own.
If you are thinking about starting a kitchen remodel, here are seven things that you should know before you get started.
1. Style
You likely already know what types of things you like. However, you may not fully realize the type of style that you like. Do you like a modern space? Perhaps you are just looking for a space that is functional. Do you want a lot of room for your family to hang out? Do you need space to entertain? Knowing the type of style that you like along with what you want out of your kitchen will go a long way when it comes to starting your kitchen renovation.
2. Budget
As with every home improvement project, you need to set a budget. This is really important as kitchen renovations can become quite expensive very quickly. Kitchen renovations involve electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other professionals in order to get the job done. You will want to set your budget from the beginning and then work within that amount.
This might mean that you have to give up on some things in order to get other things that you want. It is important to maintain flexibility during the process. A good recommendation is to invest around ten percent of the overall value of the home into your kitchen renovation.
3. Lifestyle
As mentioned, the kitchen is a place of gathering. For this reason, you should really consider your lifestyle and what you truly need out of the space. Do you cook often? What type of stove do you want? How much counter space do you need? How much cabinet space do you need to truly store all of your dishes and things? Do you like natural light? What works in your kitchen now and what just does not?
Do you need the high-end cabinets or do you just need them to be functional?
Do you have children that will be banging them? If so, durability is a must. Countertops are important as well. High-end countertops such as marble or granite can last a long time, but laminate is cheaper. Think about what you really want your kitchen space to have and then discuss the different options with your designer.
4. Interior Design
If you are not a designer, it can be difficult to see the big picture. Even if you are great at design, it can be difficult to see things in your own space. An interior designer will be able to view your space with an outsider’s point of view and can help design a layout that will provide you with everything that you want and need. Interior designers will be able to analyze different ways that a kitchen can be laid out and adjust things to accommodate the things that you want.
Design elements provide both beauty and function. Hiring the right designer for your kitchen renovation is truly one of the best things that you can do to get all that you want.
5. Timeframe
It is important to be realistic when it comes to a timeframe for the renovation. Remember, during this time you are going to be without a kitchen. Your contractor and designer will provide you with a timeframe for completing the project, and plan for it taking a bit longer than this.
However, be realistic with yourself and your team about how long you can really be without a functional kitchen.
6. Appliances
When choosing appliances, make sure that they are planned for from the start. Make sure that if you want a wine fridge, steam oven, or built-in coffee bar, you plan these spaces from the start. You also want to think about the size of refrigerator that you want as well as other appliances so that there is room for everything that you want.
7. Don’t Cut Costs
Keeping current lighting, plumbing, etc. might seem like a way to save money, but your contractor will let you know if there is anything worth keeping. It may end up costing you more to keep old items than it would be to simply replace them.