A kitchen remodel can transform the whole look of your house—and be a fun project to take on as well. If you are new to the kitchen remodeling process, you may be wondering what to expect. It can be easy to get overwhelmed if you don’t know where to start. Read on to learn what to expect during a kitchen remodel from start to finish.
Preparing Your Kitchen Beforehand
Before your remodel begins, expect to make many decisions and spend time preparing your space. Before the remodel gets underway, your contractor will need a plan that includes all of your custom design choices, from cabinets, sinks, and more to appliances to paint colors. They’ll also need to coordinate ordering items and plan a timeline around delivery. You’ll be deciding on several items and looks as the design process comes together, so do your research and be prepared.
You’ll need to prepare your space for the remodel. First, remove everything from the kitchen so that your contractors have room to work and don’t run into any physical obstacles. You should also make sure that the crew has unobstructed access to work areas and that they can accept and move any deliveries.
During a Kitchen Remodel
You likely won’t have access to the kitchen during a remodel at all, so make other arrangements. For example, some homeowners put together makeshift kitchens with microwaves and hot plates in different rooms or consume food that doesn’t require cooking. This also might be a good time to do meals at friends and family homes.
Be prepared for a lot of activity and loud noises coming from the kitchen. The crew will complete demolition, move waste and new materials in and out, and use power tools. For those with an HOA, make sure you know your noise ordinance for the workers. Many times local contractors are aware, but it’s good information to have on hand. Also, if you have kids or pets who may be sensitive to the noise, you may need to consider alternative arrangements during working hours. The National Association of Homebuilders has an informative guide with tips for living in your home during a remodel.
As your new materials arrive, such as tile, countertops, and appliances, we recommend inspecting them. You can confirm that everything is as you expected before installation. This avoids any mix-ups or extending of deadlines if things need to be removed or replaced. Being in constant communication with your contractor helps avoid this as well. Expect at least weekly updates that tell you about the project’s progress and inform you of any issues.
You should also plan for delays. There are dozens of moving parts that all have to go perfectly in order to get a kitchen remodel completed right and on time. It’s not uncommon for a kitchen remodel to be delayed by a couple of weeks or more.
After a Kitchen Remodel
After the remodel is complete, don’t let your contractors leave without a thorough walk-through. Many call this a punch list pr point-up. While they should explain everything during the weekly updates, this is a good time to just review the overall project. After that it’s simple – enjoy your new kitchen!
When you start using your new kitchen, keep a sharp eye out for anything that appears off. Often times it’s hard to see these things during final walk though. The contractor should agree to come back for touch-ups if you find that something needs to be adjusted. Make sure you discuss with them how they guarantee their work and what that includes.
Trust Friel Kitchen & Bath Design for Your Home Remodel
Now is the time to get started on your kitchen remodel! Friel Kitchen & Bath Design has been in the business since 1903. Since day one, our mission has been to provide quality materials with exceptional customer service at a fair price. We work with contractors all over the Eastern Shore and in Maryland. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or remodeled kitchens before, we’re here to provide expert guidance to help your project go smoothly. Call us today to get started on your remodel.
