10 Oct 5 Things to Do Before Starting Work on Your Kitchen Remodeling Project
If you already have trouble deciding what to cook for dinner, the idea of kitchen remodeling must be paralyzing. There are definitely a lot of decisions to be made for such a project. However, don’t feel too overwhelmed. There are steps you can take to help you make the decisions that count. These five tips will effectively make everything else about the remodeling process flow much smoother.
1. Slash the price tag by holding on to what works.
You can cut costs for any kitchen renovation by limiting how much of the old kitchen will be replaced. Sticking to original windows can save you hundreds of dollars, and keeping your original wood floor could save you thousands. It’s also advised to keep plumbing fixtures in the same locations so you could reuse existing lines instead of rewiring or reinstalling them.
2. Keep your remodeling plan in sync with your home.
One thing you should avoid when renovating a kitchen is over-improving. To avoid this problem, limit your kitchen remodeling budget at 15% of your home’s value. Do this step by checking a real estate website, getting a licensed professional’s opinion, or visiting your town assessor’s site for more information.
3. Make sure that your kitchen is well-lit.
Since many household tasks are done in the kitchen, this room should neither be too dim nor too bright. Analyze the size and structure of your kitchen before deciding on whether new lighting should be installed or not. Leaving this part of the home dull is not an option, so lay out your options first. Again, when in doubt, ask a licensed design-build company or contractor for their expert opinion.
4. Consider opening the floor plan.
Even if you have no plans to expand the kitchen, you can make it feel larger by taking down a wall. This creates an open floor plan between the kitchen and adjacent living or dining room. A renovation project like that may cost around $1,000 to $6,000 depending on whether the wall has electrical or plumbing lines that need to be rerouted.
4. Fill in spaces.
Any dead space in the kitchen creates room for dust and clutter, and can completely make the surroundings look outdated. Filling in those spaces—even with faux cabinets—will make a big difference. Doing so makes the kitchen look much bigger, even if you have low ceilings or narrow areas.
Experts also recommend leaving a minimum of 1m of floor space between two countertops. This allows you to open cupboards and drawers with so much ease. It’s best to leave enough space in front of appliances so the doors can be fully opened and you can still pass by in front of them.
The kitchen remains the most popular part of the house to renovate. It’s definitely a big project, both in terms of the amount of work needed and cost. Don’t get caught up in the excitement and always stick to your initial plan. Be wise and don’t let yourself get talked into things you don’t even want or need. Remember: knowledge is key when remodeling a kitchen and any room in the house. Once you have decided what you want and what fits your budget, you can hire a design-build company to get things started.
Need More Help in Planning Your Kitchen Remodel? Here’s a Quick Checklist!