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Complete Guide To Remodeling Your Kitchen

Within many homes, the kitchen is a hub of activity. It should encourage you to be creative with flavors and make you want to spend more time cooking and baking in there.

Kitchen model

For some, they want to make their kitchen welcoming and have a space to entertain guests.

There are so many ways that you can remodel your kitchen, depending on how your home has been constructed, the basic layout, and available space.

Some are more drastic changes than others, and it is worth being realistic about your kitchen remodel.

If you’re looking for something that will completely transform your kitchen into an elegant and modern space, then consider installing new cabinets or countertops.

This is one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a facelift without spending too much money.

A fresh coat of paint can also be a highly effective way of giving your kitchen a new lease of life on a budget.

However, if you are unhappy with the current configuration of your kitchen, then it could be worth thinking about more significant remodeling.

Remodeling your kitchen can be a very exciting experience, but also a lot of work. There are a number of reasons why people choose to do this.

Decide what type of changes would make the kitchen more functional, and the type of layout you want to achieve. If you think that your kitchen needs a refresh, then this guide will help you plan your remodeling project.

Gather Ideas For Your Kitchen Remodel & Sketch It Out

Gather Ideas For Your Kitchen Remodel & Sketch It Out

The first thing you need to do when it comes to planning your kitchen remodel is to find inspiration.

Blogs and creative platforms like Pinterest are ideal for creating your mood board and figuring out the type of colors, configuration, appliances, and layout in general.

This can help you experiment with different styles without making significant changes.

Because of this, creating a mood board is a great way to understand your style choices and compare kitchen renovation projects that have already been done.

It is worth creating a mood board alongside your plan in order to motivate you and allow you to keep the end goal in mind.

Renovation projects are certainly challenging, and it is important to remember why you are doing it all.

Additionally, it is highly recommended that you begin to create a solid plan.

This should be the foundation for the rest of your renovation project, as it allows you to contact the right services and laborers.

Take the time to map out the current shape and layout of your kitchen to an appropriate scale.

This can show you the possibilities and limitations of your current ideas, and allow you to figure out what kind of construction work could be done.

Make sure you are creating a solid plan so that you can budget appropriately and figure out how long the project will take.

Appliances

This can also be useful when it comes to ordering materials, cabinets, and other fixtures.

These tend to take a little longer to arrive, and you will not want to be without the essentials for a long time if possible. Consider the importance of timing when you are creating your plan.

If you are unsure, then it could be worth researching kitchen remodeling contractors who have more experience managing these projects.

Set Your Budget Before You Remodel A Kitchen

Set Your Budget Before You Remodel A Kitchen

The next thing you need to consider, which can determine how extreme you can be with your renovation, is your budget. It is worth being as specific as possible when you are trying to calculate the costs of everything.

This can allow you to start saving money if needed, or to set a certain spending limit for your kitchen remodel.

Kitchen remodels can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000. There is a great deal of variation, because every project is different based on how drastic someone wants to change their kitchen.

Because every home has different habits and requirements, there will always be a large amount of budget variation.

If you want to set some money aside for your kitchen remodel, it is critical to remember hidden costs.

These include any safety issues that can arise along the way, or additional services which may be necessary during a renovation.

It is typically recommended that you allow 10-20% of your estimated budget for hidden costs during your kitchen remodel. This can be a useful safety net when needed, and it can be reassuring to have this.

Whether you find yourself needing to spend more on delivery costs, taxes, or additional materials, allowing for hidden costs can be highly beneficial in the long run.

It all adds up in the end, and the amount saved could be substantial if you are setting aside as much as 20% of your budget for hidden costs. 

Create A Desired Timeline For The Kitchen Remodel

Create A Desired Timeline For The Kitchen Remodel

It’s also essential during the planning process to do some research and figure out what kind of timeline your kitchen remodel will follow.

Of course, this can vary significantly between projects, so it’s worth looking into the changes that you are planning to make and asking professionals how long each process will take.

Because the kitchen is an essential part of any home, you will need to find a replacement source of hot water, food storage, and preparation.

This is especially true if you are planning a major renovation or layout changes.

If this is the case, then it’s important to create a rough timeline for your kitchen remodel.

This can help you create a makeshift kitchen in another room for the time being, and understand how long you will need to live in a construction site.

Delivery times and specialist tasks such as plumbing can also vary greatly, so it is worth speaking to your contractor and other service providers.

They can help you to create an appropriate timeline for your kitchen remodel project.

Evaluate Your Needs Vs. Wants

Evaluate Your Needs Vs. Wants

Something that is often overlooked when it comes to planning a kitchen remodel or any home renovation project is comparing your needs with your wants.

This involves thinking about specific changes which you are planning to make, and deciding whether that is a necessity or a personal preference.

For example, it can be tempting to fill your kitchen with brand-new state-of-the-art appliances, like modern coffee machines, smart refrigerators, and more. However, these normally have higher running costs and somewhat unnecessary.

Make sure that you are thinking about what changes would satisfy your household’s needs, and focus on implementing these. Changes that are less essential than these should come later down the line.

Try to avoid impulsive purchases for your kitchen remodel as much as possible.

Aim For Quality Products

Aim For Quality Products

Remember to place quality over quantity when it comes to remodeling your kitchen and adding certain features.

It is always better to have fewer appliances and features that will last a long time and serve you well, rather than more products that have been made to a lower standard.

Materials that are higher in quality are also less likely to become tarnished, damaged, or broken with regular use.

This is essential when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, because you will need hard wearing materials that have been finished to a high standard.

Using high quality materials during this process is also recommended when it comes to reselling your home. It can make your kitchen hold its value and even increase over time in some instances.

Not to mention how using high quality materials can prevent you from needing to remodel or repair your kitchen with regular use.

Decide Your Color Palette

Decide Your Color Palette

Another essential part of the planning process involves thinking about what type of color palette you want to use. This can allow you to visualize the final product, and even plan decor choices within your kitchen.

Consider how well a particular color scheme would work with the rest of your home, and what kind of palette will age well.

Some people choose to use a color scheme that is relatively neutral, while others enjoy being a little bolder with their style choices.

Certain cabinets and fittings have a limited selection of colors to choose from, so it is worth finding a palette that works with this.

When you decide to remodel your kitchen, it’s important to know what kind of style you want. Do you prefer contemporary kitchens or traditional ones?

Modern kitchens tend to feature clean lines, sleek surfaces, and minimal clutter. Consider your personal style and the color palette seen in the rest of your home.

It can actually be a little more expensive to find cabinets, appliances, and other key features that fit in with certain color palettes.

For example, kitchen cabinets in a sage green color are more likely to cost more than traditional white, wooden finish, or even black.

It is certainly worth considering the overall impact of the color scheme when you are planning your kitchen remodel.

Take Storage Into Account

Take Storage Into Account

Storage is also something that is frequently overlooked when it comes to planning a kitchen remodel. This can be for a number of reasons.

Some people prefer to focus on style and design choices rather than creating a functional space.

Make sure you are making a space that works best for you, and that has plenty of storage.

When you remodel your kitchen, you’ll need to think about how you’re going to store all your food and other items.

If you don’t have enough room for them now, you won’t have any space once you’ve finished your renovation unless you make a conscious effort to create more space for storage.

While deep cabinets with plenty of shelves are the norm, there is no reason why you should not think about creative solutions.

These include hanging shelves for plants, larger pots, or general clutter.

Other options could be to add more counter space with storage underneath, or create small alcove areas for your morning coffee or breakfast.

Another great option for storage and keeping your food safe is to add a pantry space. This could be a sliding cabinet shelf, a walk-in section with a door, or simply a drawer.

Think about the type of things that are currently taking up space in your kitchen, and how you can add storage solutions to your kitchen remodel.

Decide On Counter Materials

Decide On Counter Materials

You should also think carefully about the different types of materials that you are planning to use in your kitchen. Counters need to be strong enough to withstand impact from chopping, easy to wipe down and sanitize, and lightweight enough for the cabinets underneath to support them.

Marble

Marble can be a great material for your kitchen counters. It is a naturally occurring material that adds an elegant feel to any space.

Because it is essentially a solid stone, marble counters are incredibly durable and structurally sound. This makes them great materials for many kitchen counters.

On the other hand, marble is one of the heaviest materials which is used to make countertops. It is also very expensive, which doesn’t make it the most appropriate choice for everyone.

Another option is to use a wooden countertop in your kitchen. These can add a warmth to any space and make the room feel more inviting.

Wood

Wood is a highly versatile material, and there are many shades and combinations used in kitchen countertops.

Oak, maple, and cherry wood are some of the most popular choices because they are durable.

The biggest disadvantage of using wooden countertops is that they need regular treatment. Butcher blocks need to be resurfaced and resealing every month.

This ensures that the wood is protected from staining and is kept sanitary.

For a more professional look and seamless style, you could choose a steel kitchen counter.

Many consider these to be indestructible, which is part of the reason they are commonly seen in chef’s kitchens.

Because they reflect the natural light entering the kitchen, steel countertops can actually make the room feel larger.

On the other hand, stainless steel kitchen countertops have been known to create an irritating noise when they are being used to prepare food. Steel is also easier to scratch, but it normally just adds to the look.

Alternatives to the materials above include quartz, colorful terrazzo, granite, composite stone, and glass.

Make sure you are doing your research to decide the type of material that would be the most appropriate for your kitchen counters.

Kitchen Space Planning

Kitchen Space Planning

When you are planning your kitchen layout, it’s important to take a closer look at how certain features and items will interact with each other.

Thinking about this can encourage you to come up with the right configuration for your home and everyone that lives there.

It is worth speaking with a contractor or experienced laborer during this stage. They can check that your plans are realistic and make adjustments where appropriate.

This allows you to realistically think about how your kitchen will be laid out, and how the area will flow.

Consider the size of your counters, and where you want them to go in relation to the appliances and other features.

Some people like preparing food close to a faucet for washing vegetables, whereas others prefer to have more open space and spread their countertops throughout the kitchen.

When you are thinking about where you want your counters to go, make sure you are considering any seating areas and spaces that you would like your counters to continue after the end of your cabinets.

Some people will also make a designated area for their frequently used appliances.

This could be by creating a coffee station, making larger storage cabinets for awkward shaped appliances, or even integrating a power outlet into their kitchen island.

Make sure you consider walkways and how much space you will have for particular passages in your kitchen.

This is something that is essential when it comes to planning a kitchen layout for entertaining, and it is worth asking your contractor about this if you are concerned about the walkways.

Decide On Flooring

Decide On Flooring

Another critical decision which can impact the overall look of your kitchen is the flooring.

Different materials make the room feel more open and warm, depending on the type of flooring in the rest of your home.

Natural Material

If you are considering using a stone flooring in your kitchen, it is important to consider the different types of stone available.

These include slate, limestone, and granite, which is one of the strongest and most durable flooring materials available.

Choosing stone flooring in your kitchen is a great choice if your home gets a lot of foot traffic.

It also doesn’t attract dust as much as other materials, so needs less maintenance and cleaning in order to keep in good condition.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to using stone flooring in your kitchen.

Scratches are more visible in darker material such as slate. It is also a little more difficult to install and replace, which is why stone flooring usually costs a little more overall.

Stone

Marble is another popular stone flooring choice for kitchens. It usually comes in tiles which are then fitted into place.

This makes it relatively simple to install, and it can be used with underfloor heating for an extra warmth and coziness.

The main thing to be aware of when considering marble flooring is that it is heavy and expensive.

Because of this, homes with marble flooring are widely considered to be more desirable and higher in value than others.

Wooden flooring can be a great way of introducing a natural sense of warmth to your kitchen.

Because it has a natural light shade, you can use wooden flooring in your kitchen to create the illusion of a brighter, larger room without losing the warmth.

Unlike stone, wooden floors will not feel as cold under the feet.

There are also a large amount of finishes and stains to choose from with wooden flooring, which can be used to make a bold statement, or to fit in with the rest of your home.

Create a seamless look and make the kitchen feel more like a part of your home by thinking about the current flooring in other areas of your home.

Some drawbacks of using wooden flooring in your kitchen are that it is more prone to water damage over time if it hasn’t been treated properly.

Additionally, wood flooring often needs regular maintenance and treatment. Because of this, it isn’t always the material of choice for everybody.

Man-Made Material

Linoleum is an affordable alternative to wood and stone flooring. You can choose from a huge selection of finishes, colors, and effects, and there is minimal maintenance needed.

This man-made material is one of the easiest to clean out of the kitchen flooring options, and it can be a great choice for covering larger floor plans without breaking the budget.

Because linoleum is widely considered to be a budget-friendly flooring option, there are some disadvantages to be aware of. The edges can start to curl over time when they are exposed to heat.

Additionally, linoleum is relatively easy to tear and scratch with regular household activity. However, linoleum is widely considered to be more hard-wearing than vinyl when it is used within the kitchen.

Other materials to consider for your kitchen floor include bamboo, vinyl, cork, and ceramic tiles. Each have their own unique textures, price range, warmth, and overall impact on the rest of the room.

Plan Kitchen Lighting

Plan Kitchen Lighting

Lighting is essential for bringing the space together. You can add a personal touch with unique light fixtures, or optimize productivity with under-cabinet lighting or task lights to illuminate specific areas.

Ceiling lights are ideal if you want a fuss free option that brightens up your kitchen. These types of lighting fixtures are usually recessed into the ceiling to avoid obstructions.

They tend to last longer than other lighting options, and allow you to see what you are doing when needed in the kitchen.

You can also install pendant lamps above the island or dining table. These light fixtures hang from overhead pipes, and can be a great centerpiece that doesn’t need to be moved.

The main disadvantage of complicated lighting such as chandeliers is that they are a lot more challenging to keep clean.

Make sure you have thought about what areas need more lighting before adding decorative lampshades and lights.

This can make your kitchen functional as well as stylish, and it is ideal to have multiple options for lighting.

Create different moods using dim light switches, soft lights, and bright ceiling fixtures when you need to concentrate in the kitchen.

Consider Hiring A Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

Consider Hiring A Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

If you aren’t sure about the type of options available to you, or if you have less experience managing different laborers at once, then it could be time to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor.

These are experienced professionals that understand the different installation processes for certain aspects of any kitchen.

It can be useful to hire someone with more experience with remodeling and renovation projects, so that you can check that everything is being done correctly.

Kitchen remodeling contractors will act as site managers for the duration of the project. They will make sure that the estimated timeframe is realistic and try to reach that.

Additionally, kitchen remodeling contractors can advise you on kitchen supply companies and particular brands.

A kitchen remodeling contractor can act as a go-between for you and the construction workers on your home. Not only that, but they could also show you what type of things to be aware of within your kitchen.

These include signs of mold, damp problems caused by water leaking, or crumbling structures which are common in older houses.

What To Remember When Hiring A Contractor

What To Remember When Hiring A Contractor

Because there are so many kitchen remodeling contractors out there, it’s essential that you know how to find someone trustworthy and knowledgeable.

Remodeling any part of your home is so personal, that it can be difficult to find someone that you trust to do a high quality job.

Try to keep the following things in mind when you are looking to hire a contractor to oversee your kitchen remodeling project.

Getting a quote is essential, and you should try to ask all potential contractors for an estimated price for the entire project.

In order to find a good contractor, it could be worth comparing the quotes from each of the builders.

Take a closer look at how each person or company has calculated the cost of the project and what they have allowed for. Similarly, it is worth comparing the estimated timeframe.

This can give you a realistic look into how knowledgeable the builders are, and whether they have considered external factors.

Additionally, you could take a closer look at online reviews and even ask around the neighborhood for recommendations.

Word-of-mouth recommendations are highly valuable, and it could even be worth taking a look at existing jobs that a particular company or project supervisor has completed.

Serious contractors are also more likely to tell you about their insurance policies and other licensing that they may have.

Ask a potential contractor about the kind of insurance they have, and what it would mean for you if something goes wrong during your kitchen remodel.

Similarly, it is worth asking for references and if you can take a closer look at similar projects that a particular contractor has done within the past year.

Whether that involves looking at pictures or visiting somebody, a good quality contractor should be proud of their work, and eager to show you their results.

This can be a great way to guarantee that your kitchen remodeling project is carried out to a high standard that will last a long time.

It is also worth asking for someone’s credentials before agreeing to work with them. This can allow you to get a better understanding of a particular person or company, and to see how legitimate they are.

For example, ask to see any certification if they claim to be members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

These are highly effective ways of ensuring that your kitchen is remodeled to a high standard, and that you will be left with a high quality kitchen at the end of the project.

Summary

Woman about to bake

There is a huge amount of variety when it comes to planning and managing your kitchen remodeling process. This is due to the different types of uses, layout changes, and materials chosen.

So many people want to create a warm space for entertaining guests within their kitchen, while others prefer to make the most out of storage areas.

The first step to creating your ideal kitchen is to think about how you currently use the space, and what needs to be changed. This could be something as simple as changing the cabinet handles or adding a better organization system, or more complex.

Complete layout changes are more complicated, but it can be a great way to create a more functional room for you and all members of your household.

Creating your dream kitchen doesn’t have to be a highly stressful job. Take some strain out of it by looking into hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor.

These are experienced individuals who will keep the project on track and co-ordinate between different companies to get everything done on time.

Planning your kitchen remodel can be exciting once you have decided to remove some stress with a contractor. Look online using blogs and apps like Pinterest to create your own mood boards.

These can allow you to unlock your creativity and sense of style. Make sure you are adding a personal touch to your kitchen and making it feel more like a functional part of your home.

Figure out what kind of color palette you want, and how you want to express your personal taste.

This could be by adding plants from hanging shelves, installing intricate lighting fixtures, or by using a unique flooring material.