The kitchen is truly the heart of the home. You likely begin and end each day there. Family and friends are entertained there. Children often complete homework at the kitchen table. It’s the space you use for a variety of personal projects. A kitchen is much more than a place to prepare and consume meals. If your needs are not being met by your current kitchen, that might mean it’s time for a kitchen remodel.
There can be stress that accompanies all the decision making involved with a kitchen remodel. Consider the following 5 tips to ease your worries.
- Define your goals. Before you begin the process of making design plans, finding a contractor, and securing permits, stop and study your existing space. Sit in the kitchen and ask yourself what the end goal is. What do you love about your kitchen? What do you wish was different? Why do you want a kitchen remodel? Observe, study, and determine realistic end-goals for your kitchen remodel.
- Make sure you outline and know your budget. Just as important as knowing the physical limitations of your space, take time to know the fiscal limitations. There are numerous design ideas from TV shows and the internet, so it can be easy to get carried away in the excitement of researching and finding the “right” look. Be realistic about what you can and cannot afford. It’s wise to allocate a contingency fund in your budgeting. Consider where you feel you can compromise as well as where you cannot. Seek to find the balance between building your dream kitchen and a realistic budget.
- Make a plan for a temporary kitchen. A kitchen remodel will take time. This varies based on the size and extent of the remodel, but the underlying truth is day-to-day flow will be disturbed. Do you have another kitchen in the home, or will you need to create a temporary kitchenette? What smaller essential appliances will be needed? Perhaps you need to stock up on disposable dishes and utensils to minimize your dishwashing. It would be wise to research simple recipes that can be prepared in toaster ovens or microwaves.
- Be prepared for the unforeseen and be flexible. Any kitchen remodel can have hiccups. Not every obstacle can be predicted, but you can prepare yourself to work with your contractor when these arise. Understand that the ultimate goal is a functional, efficient, and welcoming kitchen. This will take time. By being flexible, you are less likely to be frustrated if things don’t go exactly according to the initial plan.
- Prioritize the functionality you want after your kitchen remodel. Regardless of your cooking skills, your kitchen needs to work for you. One important consideration is making a solid inventory of what you currently have in your kitchen. Note appliances, pots, pans, dishes, and any other kitchen supplies. Examine your planned layout. Will your inventory realistically be able to fit? Another factor is making sure you select materials that meet your needs. For example, are your countertops durable enough for your needs and cooking style? What maintenance is required for your countertops? Putting function first is essential to making sure your kitchen remodel lasts and works for you.
A kitchen remodel can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With 30+ years of experience, we are confident we can provide you with a quality, low-stress kitchen remodel. Contact us and let’s get started on your dream kitchen remodel.