Whether you are considering hiring a professional contractor or planning to do-it-yourself, there are several things you must consider to get the best possible outcome from your kitchen remodeling project. Below is a list of the most important things to keep in mind to create your dream kitchen with minimal investment of time and money.
1. Plan ahead
Remodeling your kitchen is no easy task and involves multiple steps like hiring a contractor, finalizing designs, purchasing supplies, etc. Since your kitchen (or at least parts of your kitchen) will be nonfunctional during the remodeling phase, you need to have a clear plan for managing your meals during this time. Plan the timing of your project to ensure minimal disruption to your daily routine and when you can devote sufficient time to the project. If you are thinking of hiring a contractor, set realistic expectations about access, project timelines, working hours, budget, etc. Work closely with your contractor to purchase supplies ahead of time to avoid any kind of bottlenecks.
2. Define the scope of your project
The first step in a kitchen remodeling project is to have a clear vision and understanding of the desired outcome in terms of both design and functionality.
- Which kitchen accessories are you looking to replace – cabinets, sinks, countertops, flooring, appliances, knobs, etc.?
- Are you looking to change the layout of your kitchen?
- Are you looking to add or move electrical appliances?
- Are you looking to upgrade or replace electrical lines, plumbing fixtures, HVAC systems?
Clearly outlining your remodeling goals will not only help you set a realistic budget but also understand the timelines of your project from contractors. As you get started with your project, it is easy to give in to the temptation of expanding the scope. It is strongly recommended that you carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
3. Set a realistic budget and stick to it!
Based on the scope of your project and your aesthetic preferences, set a realistic budget based on discussions with experienced contractors or vendors. As the work progresses, it is easy to fall into the trap of expanding the scope, and in turn the budget. Actively managing your project and budget are the key here.
4. Develop an idea board
Developing an idea board is an interesting and helpful way to portray the mental image you have of a dream kitchen to potential contractors. Whether you are looking for a contemporary, traditional or mixed design, an idea board can be an effective tool to help bring your ideas to life. You can look to digital channels like Google and Pinterest for inspiration, get images of recently remodeled kitchens of friends and families or even get ideas from the contractors that you interview. This research will also help you tap into the latest designs and functionalities as you plan your project
5. Hire Experienced Professionals
As you start consulting contractors or vendors, create a checklist of questions you would like to ask them. Start looking for highly skilled and experienced professionals in your area early on. Often trustworthy and experienced contractors are booked for months in advance. This can put the entire timeline of your project in jeopardy.
Please let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions for our kitchen remodel checklist. We would be happy to incorporate your ideas. If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, MW Construction can provide you with top-class services at a reasonable price irrespective of the size of your project. To get a free estimate for your kitchen remodeling project in the South Jersey area, reach out to us.