A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Kitchen Remodel
The decision to remodel a kitchen or bath is not a spur of the moment epiphany. Most of our clients spend considerable time researching options and imagining their new space. They find inspiration from various sources: Houzz.com, magazines, a friend’s recent remodel, home improvement television shows, and more! However, the journey from concept to completion is rarely as easy as what is depicted on TV. As much as we would like a remodel to take only a few days, in reality, the process can take 4-6 months.
Step 1: Dream
Start your kitchen remodel by identifying the features and benefits, looks and feelings that you want to achieve. Visit internet resources such as Houzz and Pinterest, or pick up magazines like Décor or Architectural Digest to collect ideas. When presented with the challenge of coordinating color schemes, textures and looks that you want to achieve, a professional designer can help you develop a plan that pulls it all together. A good designer will help you achieve the functionality you are looking for while reflecting your own personal style.
Step 2: Establish Priorities
Establishing priorities is essential in developing a realistic budget for your project. This is an area where a professional Design Center consultant can be a trusted advisor. We help our clients determine renovation budgets that are not only realistic, but also remain aligned with their goals. How much should you budget? That depends on the nature and scope of your renovation. In our area, a minor kitchen remodel averages just over $20,000. This might include cabinet re-facing, sink replacement, installation of a tile backsplash and a fresh coat of paint. A more complete renovation including semi-custom cabinets, hardwood floors, granite counters and higher-end appliances averages over $60,000*. You can spend more than $100,000 on a complete overhaul with structural changes, custom cabinets, stone countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, etc. So you choose at what level you would like to be.
Step 3: Visit a Professional Design Center
When selecting a company to partner with, make sure that they are experienced with the type of renovation that you want. Ensure that the installation crews and subcontractors involved in the project are licensed and insured and that they have a performance record of staying within timeframes and budgets. Ask for references to determine the quality and level of service that a Design Center provides. Also when you do move forward with a professional, be sure that terms, conditions and payment obligations are detailed in a written and signed contract.
Step 4: Have Realistic Expectations
There is no such thing as a typical or problem-free kitchen renovation. Full-scale renovations are likely to leave you without a functioning kitchen for an extended time period. Our design team offers guidance for creating temporary kitchens or cooking areas that eliminate the need to eat out or order take out for every meal. In addition, renovations are messy, so ask your designer what steps they take to minimize dust, dirt and other unpleasant aspects of the renovation process.
Ready to consider a kitchen remodel? We welcome the opportunity to help you create a kitchen that you can enjoy every day. Give us a call at 401-463-1550 or visit our Design Center at 139 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI to see how we can make your dream kitchen a reality.
*NOTE: Budget numbers are from Remodeling Magazine’s 2017 Cost vs Value report.
