A kitchen remodel can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging home improvement projects. As experienced renovators, we have learned many valuable lessons throughout our own real-life kitchen remodels. In this comprehensive guide, we will share our hard-earned pearls of wisdom to help make your kitchen remodel a success.
Set a Realistic Budget
Kitchen remodels often end up costing more than originally anticipated. To avoid going over budget, be sure to calculate project costs accurately from the start. Consider the following:
- Demolition and waste removal
- New cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, and appliances
- Flooring, backsplashes, lighting fixtures
- Plumbing and electrical work
- Drywall, paint, trim
- Labor costs for contractors
- Permit fees
Build in a 10-20% cushion for unexpected expenses. Also, resist the urge to take on expensive upgrades that blow your budget. Stick close to your initial plan to remodel well within your means.
Have a Clear Vision
Before meeting with kitchen designers, get crystal clear on your ideal layout, look, and functionality. Gather inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or Houzz. Think through your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. This will help you avoid getting swayed by designers pushing trends or upgrades. Know what you want and stay focused to get it.
Define how you intend to use your renovated kitchen. Entertaining? Baking? Smart kitchen technology? The activities you plan to do most should drive layout and feature decisions. Measure your existing space and use apps like RoomSketcher to experiment with different configurations before finalizing floorplan.
Hire the Right Contractor
A knowledgeable contractor makes the difference between a nightmare and dream remodel. Thoroughly research potential hires. Check reviews, licenses, insurance, and references. Meet in person and get quotes from at least three contractors before deciding.
Ask about their experience, typical process, and communication style. Choose someone responsive, professional, and able to stay within scope and budget. Verify they will pull proper permits and handle all subcontracting. Double check policies on change orders and cost overruns too.
A few more signs of a great contractor:
- Excellent references from previous clients
- A systematic approach to projects
- Clean, orderly, safe job sites
- Openness to ideas and design changes
- Timely communication and work completion
Choose Durable, Timeless Materials
Trendy finishes date quickly, so opt for classic elements with staying power. For cabinets, choose durable wood species like maple over particleboard. Select higher-end hardware guaranteed not to loosen or corrode.
Engineered quartz countertops withstand chips, scratches, and stains better than granite or marble. Opt for large-format tiles over small ones, limiting grout lines that can get grimy. Use metal or porcelain fixtures over plastic ones.
These quality materials not only look better longer, but also increase home value for resale down the road. Their extended lifespans save from having to remodel again soon.
Design for Easy Maintenance
When selecting materials, remember that lighter finishes show fewer smudges than darker ones. Matte finishes camouflage fingerprints better than glossy. Choose easy-clean countertops and backsplashes like quartz and ceramic tile.
Install quality kitchen fixtures with high water pressure and razor-thin gaps to enable easy wipe-downs. Undermount sinks provide a smooth transition from countertop to sink.
Plan for easy access to garbage and recycling bins. Include a pantry with plenty of storage bins to corral mess. Ample, closed storage keeps visual clutter at bay.
Incorporate Adequate Lighting
Proper kitchen lighting serves both function and ambiance. Include adequate overheads focused on prep and cleanup zones. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates tasks without shadows.
Layer in accent lighting to create mood. Install dimmers to adjust brightness levels as needed. Position light fixtures thoughtfully based on your plans. For example, pendant lights hang nicely over islands but will compete with overhead cabinets on walls.
Improve Workflow
Analyze how you cook, clean, and navigate your current kitchen. Look for opportunities in the remodel to enhance efficiency. For example:
- Place the sink strategically between the fridge and stove.
- Include a recycling center built into cabinets near the prep zone.
- Design knee spaces and pull-outs for ergonomic access.
- Ensure appliances align with countertops for smooth transferring of food.
- Include laminated maps of contents inside upper cabinets.
- Install power outlets inside cabinets to hide small appliances when not in use.
Think through details like these to optimize your kitchen’s workflow.
Ensure Proper Venting
Proper venting clears away smoke, grease, odors, and moisture. Ensure vent hoods over cooktops and stoves meet airflow requirements based on BTUs. Strategically place bathroom and laundry vents to improve indoor air quality.
Install humidity-sensing bathroom fan timers. Upgrade to quieter, more powerful fans that move more cubic feet per minute. Size ducts appropriately and use smooth rather than ribbed design for optimal air movement.
Plan Electrical Capacity
Today’s kitchens demand ample electrical service. Take stock of all existing and planned appliances to determine outlet needs. Include extra capacity for future expansion.
Strategically place outlets to minimize use of extension cords while cooking. Include dedicated circuits for larger appliances like refrigerators and microwaves to prevent overloading. Integrate USB charging ports in convenient spots.
Upgrade main panels, wiring, and grounding as required. Reroute ceiling fixtures to align with the new layout. Doing electrical correctly from the start prevents headaches down the road.
Prepare for the Mess
Demo and construction get messy. Protect surrounding areas by sealing off doorways with plastic sheeting. Cover floors and furnishings. Designate one path from work zone to exit and keep it covered.
Ensure contractor contains dust and debris daily before leaving. Schedule dumpster deliveries and changes strategically. Plan to deep clean afterward.
During renovation, turn off central heating/cooling systems and cover vents to contain dust. Anticipating mess will ensure your home stays clean.
Be Flexible
Remodels never go 100% according to plan. Unforeseen issues crop up. Products get delayed or damaged during shipping. Subcontractor schedules shift. Build in contingencies for schedule slippage.
Stay flexible when inevitable hiccups occur. Approve reasonable change orders quickly to avoid holding up the project. Foster good relationships with your contractor and subs to encourage cooperation when the need for adjustments arises.
Live Separately if Possible
Kitchen remodels in occupied homes bring major disruption to daily routines. Dining out gets old fast. Dust and noise take their toll. If budgets allow, consider booking a short-term rental nearby so your household can carry on normally.
If staying put, prepare ample freezer meals in advance. Set up a temporary kitchen with key appliances like a microwave, instant pot, and fridge. Maintain clear paths between work zones and essentials like bathrooms. Be patient and focused on the light at the end of the remodel tunnel.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about kitchen remodels:
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
Kitchen remodels range dramatically in cost from $10,000 to $50,000 or more depending on size, materials, and customization. Budget approximately $135-$300 per square foot for midrange projects with semi-custom cabinets, solid surface counters, new appliances, flooring, etc. High-end remodels with luxury finishes can exceed $500 per square foot.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Kitchen remodels generally take 4-8 weeks from start to finish. Smaller remodels like cabinet refacing may only take 1-2 weeks. Larger gut renovations often run 10-12 weeks. Give yourself a buffer since most projects experience at least some delays.
What is involved in a kitchen remodel?
Kitchen remodels involve demolition, carpentry, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, and finish work. The process includes design, permitting, material selection, demolition, structural work, installation, finishes, cleanup, and inspection.
Should I DIY or hire a contractor?
For major kitchen overhauls, hiring a general contractor is best. They coordinate all subcontractors, obtain permits, manage demolition and waste, and deliver a complete project on schedule. DIY is great for minor updates like painting cabinets or swapping out light fixtures.
What should I remodel first – kitchen or bathroom?
Remodel your kitchen first if given the choice. Kitchen remodels recoup more value at resale. They also cause greater disruption, so best to get through them before undertaking bathrooms. Doing kitchen first also avoids having to destroyed a newly remodeled bath during a future kitchen overhaul.
Conclusion
Kitchen remodels require extensive planning, clear communication, top-notch contractors, and flexibility when the unforeseen pops up. Following the pearls of wisdom in this guide will help set your project up for success. With diligent preparation and adherence to your budget and vision, you will wind up with your dream kitchen free of headaches or regrets.
