Planning Before the Kitchen Remodeler Starts Work

01 Sep Planning Before the Kitchen Remodeler Starts Work

Kitchen remodeling represents a significant investment — both in terms of finances as well as emotional energy. Transforming the kitchen can transform your home, and that’s a huge step. The project involves plumbing, electric, a variety of materials, and a lot of designer style. Before the kitchen remodeler begins the work, you’ll want to put time and focus into planning the remodel.

Priorities: What Are Your Goals?

Sometimes there’s not much to say about an outdated kitchen — it’s ugly, it dysfunctional, it’s dragging down the home value. However, the kitchen remodeler will do a better job if given specific goals to work toward.

Which of these are your primary reasons for remodeling:

• Must-have features. Soapstone countertops, a farmhouse sink, Wolf appliances… which items do you consider necessities, not splurges? Tell your kitchen remodeler what you absolutely require and which items are “would-be-nice” features.
• Cooking priorities. Think about how often you cook for entertaining, how often you use the oven, and generally what level of cooking capabilities you really need. An honest assessment can help determine not only the features of the new kitchen, but the layout and flow of the room.
• Architectural goals. Aside from cooking, what do you want the kitchen remodeler to deliver — more natural light, more storage, a more open breakfast area?

Materials: Explore the Possibilities

Find some inspiration, and visit the showrooms to see your options in-person. Even if you already have your dream kitchen materials in mind. Your kitchen remodeler will need to know your choices and preferences before starting.

Start by bookmarking and pinning things online, clipping magazines, and taking notes while watching home renovation shows. Then research the surfaces and materials that attract your eye to make sure they work with your budget and lifestyle.

Materials affect more than just the price. Often the most attractive options are also high-maintenance. You might discover that a modern eco-friendly option has recently been made available.

Bottom line — explore everything out there to find the style, upkeep requirements, price points, and functionality that you really want.

Logistics: Analyze Your Foot Traffic

Your kitchen remodeler can help make life in the kitchen easier by arranging appliances, sinks, and food prep areas for easy traffic flow. There’s not one perfect answer for everybody.

Make mental notes as you work in the kitchen and watch other family members as they cook. Is there a hassle at some point in the process? Possible issues could be moving from cutting boards to the stovetop or moving clean dishes from the dishwasher to the cabinets.

If you have a pain point in your cooking process or family members are constantly getting in each other’s way, describe the issues to your kitchen remodeler so the new layout can help avoid these problems.

The Contractor: Finding a Kitchen Remodeler You Trust

The best laid plans for kitchen remodeling often end up with unexpected costs or last-minute changes because the kitchen remodeler hasn’t prepared well for the job, or the homeowner and kitchen remodeler don’t see eye-to-eye.

The scope and complexity of a kitchen renovations requires a great contractor. Look for a kitchen remodeler with recent experience, demonstrated results, and excellent communication skills.

Once your vision and goals are well established, interview your prospective kitchen remodeler and ask for portfolio samples of their work. Discuss your ideas and see if the partnership feels right.

When the work starts, you’ll be less stressed and more confident in your investment if you hired a skillful and knowledgeable kitchen remodeler.