How To Start Your Kitchen Remodel
by Steve Gilman, Project/Operations Manager Builder Specialties
Many homeowners are not excited about the kitchen in their house. It might be outdated or if it has been updated, perhaps it does not reflect your taste. If you are weary of what you have, it may be time to make some changes. A remodel can transform your space and increase the appeal and value of your home.
If you’ve been dreaming about a new kitchen but are not exactly sure where to begin, here are some tips for getting started.
Determine What Your Style Is
You do not need to have every detail of your new kitchen laid out before speaking with a designer, but you should try to have a feel of which type of kitchen style you prefer. It is important to not get overly trendy or you may tire of the style after a few years and eventually get right back to having a dated kitchen. You should keep the current style of your home in mind. If you live in a modern home, for example, a traditional kitchen is probably not a good fit. A kitchen is a big investment and you should ensure you do not hurt the value and marketability of your home.
This is where the Internet can be helpful. Create a picture board of kitchens you like that fit the style of your home. Once you’ve gathered a dozen or so kitchens, you should have an idea of what style you gravitate to.
Find What Inspires You
Once you have determined your general style, it’s time to figure out which aspects you like the most. Don’t put a lot of stress on yourself to make every decision now. Just try to get an idea of what is available, so you can make informed decisions when the time comes.
Create a list of the different features you like, such as the layout of the kitchen (U-shape, L-shape, galley, etc.), double sinks, a kitchen island, or lower cabinet drawers instead of cupboards. Also create a list of palettes, such as cabinet finish (white paint, stained wood), tile backsplash (or not), quartz countertops, etc. Maybe even an accent color for the island if you have the space and would like to do one.
Select A Budget Range
Once you have a good idea of what you want to do, it’s time to determine a budget range of what you are prepared to invest in your kitchen. We say a range because we all know any construction project in the house has room for unexpected expenses, especially in a remodel. We all tend to lean on being as affordable as possible because we all want to save money. Determine a range you are comfortable with so you will not be too shocked if/when you must make changes.
Choose A Designer
Now that you have an idea of your style, which aspects you’d like, and a general budget, it’s time to find the right designer. Start with some research. Look at previous work the designer firm has done to see if they’re a good fit for what you’re looking for. Read as many reviews as you can from homeowners who used this firm for their own remodel. You can also check out the link below to one of our past blogs regarding how to choose a kitchen design firm for your project.
https://builderspecialties.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-kitchen-design-firm-for-your-project
We hope this article helps you put your best foot forward to making your new kitchen a reality!