Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook your meals; it’s a social hub where you can entertain and impress guests. That’s why many homeowners choose to remodel their kitchen when craving a big change. A kitchen remodel can liven up your entire home. A kitchen remodel can be a lot to bite off at once, so you should plan accordingly. Below is a kitchen remodel checklist with seven things you should consider before renovating your kitchen.
What Are Your Goals?
Before you make any major changes to your home, you need to know why you’re making the changes. You should identify your goals to get the most out of your kitchen remodel. Your goals may include things like the following:
- Have more storage space
- Upgrade outdated appliances
- Fix broken counters
- Give your kitchen a fresh look
- Change the layout
- Improve the lighting
- Add more counter space
- Improve workflow
If you have clear goals, it’s easier to find a starting point and maintain focus.
Identify Your Budget
Before any renovation project, it’s smart to set a realistic budget for yourself. This will allow you to plan how to meet your goals without breaking the bank. Your budget may also limit the scope of your remodel. It’s important to know how much you can realistically get done before you start hammering out the details.
Prioritize Needs Over Wants
No matter what your budget is, you should always prioritize your needs over your wants. A kitchen inspection is a good starting point when identifying your needs and wants. You should prioritize any problems the inspector finds, like leaky faucets or outdated outlets. After you tackle your top priorities, you can use the rest of your budget on the things you want. These wants can be a new island, a high-end refrigerator, or top-quality cabinets.
Make a Kitchen Remodel Plan
A thorough plan is essential for a successful kitchen remodel. You’ll want to plan out every little detail to minimize the chance of running into any snags along the way. If you’re doing a complete overhaul of your kitchen, you should consider the following details:
- Color scheme
- Countertop material and design
- Cabinet material and design
- Type of flooring
- Which appliances to replace
- Lighting fixtures
You don’t want to be in the middle of the construction and realize the cabinets clash with the countertops.
Consider the Work Triangle
In any kitchen, the work triangle is the triangle created by the stove, the sink, and the dishwasher. During a remodel, it’s important to consider the layout of the work triangle. It plays a big role in how you use your kitchen.
Determine a Timeline
Once you have a solid plan and the right contractors, figure out a realistic timeline for your kitchen remodel. Having a kitchen under renovation can cause a huge disruption in the flow of your house. You may have to find somewhere else to cook or resort to getting takeout every night, which can get expensive. It’s important to know how long your kitchen will be unavailable so that you can plan accordingly.
Hire the Right Contractors
It’s best to vet and hire local contractors as early as possible. As soon as you have a plan in place and materials picked out, you can find the right builders for the job. Consider hiring a professional kitchen design team if you need help with the planning and designing phase.
Get Help Designing Your Dream Kitchen
There is a lot that goes into a kitchen remodel and sometimes it’s not just as easy as having a kitchen remodel Checklist. We understand it isn’t just about the materials. It’s more than that. Kitchens often time are the heart of a home. Our team works to make sure you have the layout, functionality, and quality materials you need. If you’re in Eastern Maryland, turn to the pros at Friel Kitchen & Bath Design. We’ll help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Call today or check out our brand-new showroom for an idea of what we can do for you.
