How To Plan for A Kitchen Renovation

Before renovating your kitchen, there are some things that you need before you get started.  By getting these things in order, your remodel will go a lot more smoothly and your stress level may substantially decrease.

1.  Why are you wanting to renovate?

There are many reasons that you are considering a kitchen renovation.  Determining the 'why' of the renovation will get you started.

• Is the space not large enough?
• Are the appliances and fixtures outdated/broken/in need of repair?
• Is the layout inconvenient?
• Does the space fit your lifestyle?

Once you have answered the 'why' of the renovation, you can better determine the direction that you need to go.

2.  Decide on your wants and needs.

How can your kitchen be better?  Do you entertain frequently and desire the kitchen to be the hub?  Do you need a bigger refrigerator?  Are there additional built-ins that would make your kitchen function better for you and your family? 

Once you have determined all the ways that your kitchen can be better, divide your list into wants and needs.  For example: You need a larger refrigerator.  You want a smart refrigerator that you can use to replenish your food inventory and display recipes. 

Maybe your family has outgrown the kitchen seating, so you need a larger eat-in kitchen area.  You want that area to be an island with a wine fridge and bar sink. 

3.  Determine your budget.

Once your wants and needs are determined, determine your budget.  Be realistic about what you can afford to spend.  You have heard the old saying of 'Champagne tastes, beer pocketbook.' 

Most of us want the additional oven, the wall torn down to open up the space, and the top of the line appliances.  If that is in your budget, great!  If not, look at areas that can be streamlined.

4.  Decide on your design and layout.

This is when you are probably going to need some help.  A designer can help you with layout, material selection, and style.  Download our free kitchen planning guide to get you started.  Work with a designer to determine your style preferences so that your kitchen will reflect the style you have chosen for the rest of the house. 

A designer can also suggest contractors, retailers, and help with logistics coordination.  She will help you in determining the best use of your space, while meeting building code requirements.  

5.  Contractor or DIY?

If you have decided to use a contractor, your designer may have offered referrals.  Perhaps you have decided to do it by yourself with help from your friends or family.  You could even do some yourself, some with a contractor. 

Regardless of what you decide, you should reflect on your skill level before taking on the entire project yourself.  If you decide to do it yourself, be sure to talk with city and state agencies to determine what permits you need and what inspections should be scheduled.  

6.  Make a Plan

Sounds easy, huh?  Realistically, your kitchen could be under construction for a while.  Your plan needs to include how you will function without the use or with only partial use of your kitchen. 

How will you work with contractors in your home?  Do you have pets or children that may need to avoid the area?  How will you store new appliances and fixtures until they are ready for installation and what will you do with the old ones?  Your designer and contractor can help with a timeline and can answer many of these questions.

A kitchen renovation can be very rewarding and can increase the value of your home.  Contact us to schedule a consultation to get started.