Top 10 Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Need a little help with your kitchen remodel? We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 kitchen remodeling tips to prepare you for your remodel!

1. Look at All Your Options and Assess the Situation Ahead of Time
Before you even begin remodeling, you should sit down and completely go over every little detail of your remodeling goals. Do you have enough money to achieve your ideal remodel? Do you know what style appliances, cabinetry, etc. you want? Are there certain parts of your kitchen you can restore, or repaint, to save you money? Have an answer to all these questions before jumping into a remodel. That way you’re less likely to run into any problems or surprises.

Cabinet refacing is a great option for homeowners interested in saving time and money.

2. Know Your Budget
It’s important before any big (or small) remodel that you know how much you want to spend. By giving yourself a budget, you are less likely to overspend and you’ll know how much can actually get done. Be prepared for any unexpected costs by giving yourself a buffer between your actual budget and the maximum amount you want to, or can really, spend.

3. Establish Priorities
Before you begin a remodel, you should differentiate between “wants” and “needs”. That way you can guarantee that everything that needs to get done can. If you have extra spending money after all your necessities are accomplished, then you can dive into your wants.

4. Speak to a Professional
Unless you’re an architect, contractor, professional remodeler, or are remodel-savvy, remodeling is not always easy. To relieve yourself of the stress of remodeling, talk to a professional. They can give you expert advice and can take the burden and confusion out of a bathroom remodel or kitchen remodel.

5. Find a Creative Contractor
When it’s time to pick a contractor, don’t just use anyone you come across. Be sure you meet each and every one to see whose style best suits your remodel vision. Contractors also vary in pricing, so by “shopping” for a contractor you get a better idea of how much your remodel should cost.

6. Take Your Time in the Planning Stage
Remodeling isn’t just a quick in and out job. From planning to construction to completion, the process can take awhile. So it’s highly recommended that you don’t start a remodel if you’re crunched for time. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, you should spend at least six months planning your kitchen remodeling project. That way you won’t be tempted to change your mind during the construction process and you’ll be able to keep construction costs down.

7. Do at Least Some of the Prep Work Yourself
Before starting your remodel take a look at your kitchen. Is there anything you can do on your own, such as repainting, re-staining cabinetry, or changing fixtures? By doing some of the prep work yourself you’ll not only be more involved in the remodel process, but you’ll save money!

8. Work with What You Have
You don’t have to completely demolish your current kitchen to get the kitchen of your dreams. Use your current kitchen’s framework as a building block. This will save you time and money. This is also where a creative contractor comes into play. They can completely change to look of a kitchen by just changing around the surfaces and giving your current kitchen a “facelift”.

9. Add Storage, Not Space
Storage is usually one of the most important aspects of a kitchen. To increase the amount of storage, you don’t necessarily need more space. Instead, install kitchen cabinets that reach to the ceiling. These cabinets may cost more, but you’ll gain valuable storage space that can be used to hold items you only use once a year. Plus, you’ll no longer have to worry about dust gathering in hard to reach places!

10. Upgradable Options
Before you begin your remodeling process, you should know what your upgradable options are. If you’re looking for a cheap upgrade, just repaint your current cabinetry and change the knobs, pulls, or handles. If your kitchen needs more than just a simple coat of paint, look into upgrading appliances (stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers) along with the countertops.