Are you planning to renovate your kitchen? If yes, you should know that planning and executing a successful project takes time. There are several steps involved before you start working on your dream kitchen. A good kitchen renovation is a great way to improve its functionality and aesthetics.
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It’s where families spend their time together. That’s why ensuring your kitchen design is perfect for cooking, dining, entertaining, and relaxing is essential.
What are the Benefits?
There are several practical reasons homeowners choose to renovate their kitchens. Some homeowners simply want to update their outdated kitchens with modern designs. Here are good reasons to get a kitchen renovation project:
Increase property value: If you’ve been thinking about selling your house soon, this is one of the best ways to do so. You can also use this to get more money when buying another home.
Improve functionality: If you want to add an extra room to your kitchen, you can easily do so by adding a new wall. You can also install a pantry or a walk-in closet. These are some of the things that you can achieve by remodeling your kitchen.
Increase kitchen efficiency: If you’re not using all the space in your kitchen, you’ll need to consider how to maximize the available space.
Make your kitchen look better: A well-designed kitchen will always make your family feel good. They’ll enjoy spending time in your kitchen because it looks beautiful and comfortable.
Kitchen renovation requires careful planning and execution. Before starting the project, you’ll want to consider the timeline. Here are some things to look at:
1- The planning phase
The first step in a kitchen renovation project is to determine what needs to be done. You can do this by taking measurements of your existing kitchen. It will help you decide if there’s enough room for a new layout or if you need to add more countertops.
When measuring, note how much space you have between cabinets, appliances, and walls. Also, measure the height of your ceiling. These numbers will help you determine whether you need to remove an old wall or install a new one.
This phase usually takes a few weeks or months, depending on your desired design, target project date and budget. Hiring a designer who can help translate your ideas into reality would be best.
The planning stage is crucial since this will determine how long the overall renovation will take place. With a clear plan at hand, you can avoid the hassles and unexpected scenarios that may come.
2- Deciding on materials and design
After determining what needs to be done, you’ll need to choose suitable materials for your kitchen. For example, if you’re adding a new island, you’ll need to select a material that won’t scratch or stain easily.
You may also consider installing quartz countertops instead of granite because they’re easier to clean. Quartz is also known for being durable and resistant to scratches.
To make sure you get the most out of your kitchen remodel, follow these simple steps:
- Make sure you have ample space to store food and cook comfortably.
- Choose a color scheme that works well with your current decor.
- Remember that you’ll need to repaint the walls before moving in.
- Consider using natural light whenever possible.
- Don’t forget about storage. Your kitchen should include plenty of cabinet space.
- The time spent deciding on materials and the design you want is usually incorporated into the
- planning timeline as these aspects are both parts of the project plan.
3- Considering the kitchen remodel costs
Costs vary depending on your home’s size and the renovation’s scope. In addition to labor costs, you also need to factor in the price of materials.
You’ll need to purchase new doors and drawers if you plan for cabinet replacement. You’ll also need to buy new hardware, which can average from under $100USD per drawer.
The time you need to compute the kitchen remodel costs depends on your designer. You can even do the canvassing yourself, which can take only a few days or so.
4- Choosing a contractor
After deciding on the materials, you need to find a qualified contractor who can complete the job. A trusted contractor will provide estimates based on the size of your kitchen and take care of other factors such as the permits required.
Before hiring a contractor, ask them for references and read reviews online. A good amount of feedback is an indicator of a reliable company. You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations.
The outcome of your kitchen remodeling project largely depends on your chosen contractor, so take all the time you need when selecting one.
5- The construction phase
Now that you’ve chosen the best contractor, you can proceed with construction. When you hire a contractor, you’ll usually get a tentative schedule of when the project begins and finishes.
If you don’t like the schedule, you can always discuss it with the contractor. However, getting your project started sooner rather than later is better to save time and money. Then upon agreeing on the schedule, you’ll need to pay a deposit.
The construction team usually begins by removing all of the existing fixtures and appliances. They’ll then replace these items with new ones. Next, they’ll lay down flooring and paint the walls. Finally, they’ll install cabinetry and appliances.
During this process, you’ll need to keep track of progress to stay on top of everything. You should tell your contractor immediately if you notice anything out of place.
The actual construction, including all the plumbing and electrical services, usually takes three to five months with a clear plan. To expedite the process, the best way is to set a realistic and clear budget and prepare all the necessary materials at the outset of your project. It avoids delays and disruptions of work when your builders have everything they need.
6- Finishing Touches
Finally, after the work has been completed, you’ll need to finish the project. It includes cleaning up the area and ensuring everything matches the rest of your house. This task can only take a few days before you can fully enjoy your newly renovated kitchen.
Enjoying the Results
When you finally see your dream kitchen come to life, you’ll feel proud of yourself. Now that you know what to expect during the kitchen remodeling process and how long it will take, you can enjoy the final product without any stress.
