PLANNING  A KITCHEN REMODEL

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A kitchen remodel can return over 100% of the cost in resale value in a hot real estate market. Remodeling your kitchen can improve the livability of your home and increase its appeal to potential buyers. People spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and a well-designed kitchen will satisfy you and impress guests and buyers. So, if you have the budget and the desire, remodeling your kitchen might be a good idea.

Good planning can make or break a kitchen remodeling project. You have to think about the kitchen space you have and how to use it most effectively. You need to consider your lifestyle, budget, functionality, and resale value. If you plan to move in a few years, be sure to match the kitchen remodeling budget to the neighborhood. In some areas luxurious amenities are virtually required to sell a property, and in others expensive renovations will never pay for themselves.

 

1. EVALUATE THE SPACE

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Before planning a kitchen remodeling project, decide what you need in a kitchen: functionality, efficient workflow, quick cleanup, storage, gourmet cooking, or entertaining. What sort of look are you aiming for? Do you have particular appliances, cabinets, tile and flooring in mind? How do you use your kitchen every day? What works now? What doesn’t?

One way to approach your kitchen design is to break it down by function: food storage, dish storage, cleaning spaces, food prep, cooking areas, entertaining, dining, and even a work station or table​

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2. DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT & SET A BUDGET

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Do your research before setting a budget for your kitchen remodeling project. Check out kitchen design trends and prices in showrooms, magazines, trade shows and online resources. Whittle your wish list into a realistic project that fits your kitchen renovation budget.

When pricing be as detailed as possible so that contractors and suppliers can give you an accurate estimate of actual costs. Let yourself splurge in a few places that really matter to your vision (like a glass tile kitchen backsplash) and a reserve fund for the unanticipated — major construction sometimes uncovers structural deficiencies.

 

3. HIRE THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL

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Find the right professional for your kitchen remodeling project can make the process more enjoyable and help keep it on time and on budget. Find a professional whose design aesthetic matches your own and more importantly, has the project skills and experience to build that design. Do your research via referrals, ratings and reviews. Find someone you are comfortable with and to whom you can effectively communicate. Meet with professionals in your home so you can assess how they work, take note of the questions they ask and who’s willing to give you some rough numbers. Bring detailed plans to your meeting so the contractor can provide you with a better estimate.