When you set out to remodel your kitchen there is a lot of planning involved to pull off a gorgeous, functional end result. Unlike a living room or bedroom, your kitchen has appliances, electrical, water, and gas lines hooked up to consider.
You will need to piece together a cohesive design while making decisions around what appliances you want to keep, which you’ll replace, and who to call in to assure this is done properly. In many instances, you might even need a permit to complete a kitchen remodel.
If you’re already spinning with all of the planning you need to complete, we’re here to help. At Forge & Bow Dwellings we are experts at pairing artful design with modern convenience in every renovation we take on. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to properly plan for a kitchen remodeling project.
Above all else, entering a kitchen remodel –or any home remodel project at all– requires dedicated planning. Set yourself up for success. Once you get rolling on a remodel, your builder and contractors will be in construction mode. There’s no room for a lot of adjustments and problem-solving. If you end up not liking an aspect of the design you’ll be limited on ways to remedy the situation. You won’t have much wiggle room to choose a new route.
For example, if you change your mind on tiling for your backsplash, you will only have so many options at a retailer. You will have to work with what is currently available and those tiles might not be to your taste or in your budget.
When you’re planning out your design, be sure to incorporate both classic elements as well as standout finishes. Don’t pile on too much trendy or flashy components on top of each other or you might end up with a kitchen you hate a few years down the line.
Take your time with the planning process. Don’t allow contractors to push you toward demo day prematurely. Consider every aspect of your kitchen remodeling project. The type of cabinet wood, the color, your countertops, new flooring, everything matters. Call around to different retailers and compare your options carefully. Recognize that any remodeling project is an investment worth taking your time mulling over. In the end, you’ll be happier for it and you will have increased the overall value of your property.
Needing some inspiration on your kitchen remodel? See our project gallery for other remodels we’ve completed for Colorado homeowners.
Your budget will set the stage for your entire kitchen remodel. This is a crucial part of the planning project you will most certainly not want to procrastinate on. The sooner you get down to the nitty-gritty of what you can and can’t afford the sooner you can get the gears moving on the actual project.
Here are areas to consider while budgeting:
Not sure where to start when budgeting? First things first, draw up an estimate of how much you’re actually willing to put down on your kitchen remodel. Next, come up with a wish list. Once you have that number and a rough idea of what you want to update, it’s time to make some calls. Reference the list above and get an idea of how much it will cost to factor in all the elements you hope to include in your remodel. Be sure to factor in the cost of labor and add wiggle room for unforeseen expenses.
The key phrase in this period is flexibility. You have to be prepared to spend a lot of money and make some adjustments to your dream vision. If you add up all the costs and they are way over your projected budget, what can you cut out? Maybe you had your eye on a certain material for your countertops. Is there a comparable alternative that won’t break the bank?
If you’ve crunched the numbers, reestablished your expectations, and still feel like you’re sacrificing too much, take some time to save up some more cash. The last thing you want to do is waste your money on a remodel you won’t actually like.
If you decide to work with a designer, you can move through the budgeting process with them. They can help you figure out how to work within your budget and negotiate ways to help you achieve a kitchen remodel you’ll love.
Once you have an idea of how much money you’re working with, it’s time to sit yourself down and get realistic. Evaluate your wants versus your needs. We touched on this briefly in the budgeting section but it is a very important step in the process. Plot out your wishlist, the necessities, and see what you can include within your budget.
When you’re going through this step, be as precise as possible. Take measurements and get estimates from retailers on how much materials will cost. Get in touch with an appliance rep and figure out how much that new stove you have in mind will be. This will help you determine where you’re at with your budget so you’re not shocked by the pricing down the line.
Be sure to factor in function over style. Double-check that elements actually fit within the space you’re working with. If you really want an island but you don’t have room for one, this is not functional. Do you really need a double wall oven if your kitchen can’t accommodate it? Keep all of this in mind while balancing your wants and needs.
Now that we have a better idea of the plan, budget, and wants versus needs, it’s time to pick out a layout. Ask yourself what the goals for your kitchen remodel are. Do you want more counter space? Or maybe more storage? There can be several different ways to accomplish your goals so don’t pigeonhole yourself into one layout option. For instance, maybe you want to add more cabinets. Custom cabinetry can be expensive and might not work in some spaces. Consider a pantry as a cheaper storage option.
Remember, your existing space will determine where you can take your remodel. If you have a galley-style kitchen there are only so many options to work with. Sure, there are some structural changes you can make but keep in mind that you might be limited here too. Maybe you want an open concept but will there be a cohesive style from your kitchen into your living space if you knock down a wall? Once you figure out a layout, you’ll have a better idea of the actual overall cost of your project.
It’s always easier to go into a remodel project with support. You will most likely work with designers, builders, and contractors throughout this process. Before you start any conversations with remodelers, decide what areas you need help in. You can choose to go with a design-build team for help with picking a direction and implementing the build. If you want to handle the design aspect, you can hire a builder. And if you’d rather deal with contractors on your own or even complete the project yourself, you won’t need to get in touch with a remodeling company.
When picking out a remodel team, be sure to interview multiple options. You’ll be working closely with these folks for a good chunk of time so be sure you mesh well. Don’t blindly go with the guy that offers you the best discount. Sometimes the cheapest option is the one that will have you pulling your hair out the most as you trudge through your kitchen remodel. Go for the company you trust. Trust is arguably the most important quality you should look for.
Kitchen remodeling questions you might want to ask your potential design-build team:
It would be an honor to be a part of your kitchen remodel! We specialize in designing and remodeling beautiful homes. Forge & Bow believes in creating functional, cohesive spaces that tie your whole home together. Our philosophy is to let your home’s existing beauty and architectural structure shine through. We collaborate with our clients to fuse their unique tastes with the style of their home to create an end result they can enjoy for years to come. Get in touch to learn more about our team and our design philosophies.
You’ve weathered the storm and jumped through all the hoops of the planning process. Congratulations! But you’re not completely off the hook just yet. Now it’s time to prep your kitchen for demo day. Start by removing everything from the space. Take out items in nearby rooms too. Dust from the project will settle on anything in close range.
One of our biggest pieces of advice is to move out while the project is happening if possible. Major renovations are messy, noisy, and flat-out inconvenient for a homeowner. It can also be overwhelming to be present as the inevitable setbacks happen throughout the remodel. Stay away from the worksite, trust that your builder will remedy any mishaps.
Other than moving your belongings, there isn’t much else you’ll need to do if you hire a design-build team. Your builder will handle most of the prep work. So relax, let your remodeling team handle communication with subcontractors, and get excited about your dream-kitchen-in-progress!
If you’re doing the building yourself, be sure to gut the kitchen down to the barebones. You’ll want a clean surface to build off of. Don’t try to save a tiny element of the kitchen if it will get in the way of the renovation process. It’s not worth it.
Through the gauntlet of planning, budgeting, and designing your kitchen you reign victorious! Putting together a kitchen remodel–or any type of home remodel, really–can be a grueling feat. But if you follow this guideline you’ll set yourself up for success from the beginning. Good luck moving forward with your project and happy renovating!
