What was once hailed as keeping up with the Joneses is now acknowledged as a legitimate exercise in maintaining property value and increasing satisfaction with life. If your location is simply too good to leave, take the plunge and renovate the epicenter of your home – the kitchen, that is – and don’t worry if you feel unprepared, as you’ll be able to make the most of every opportunity. Just bear in mind that you won’t have full access even if you’re planning a seemingly small project, such as cabinet resurfacing. The laundry room or the garage can accommodate your cooking needs during the remodel.
You’re on the verge of embarking on a journey that can be difficult, sometimes exhausting, but nevertheless exciting and deeply rewarding. If you want a guarantee you’re putting your time and money into the right places, here are some powerful lessons and how they’ll be significant
Don’t Take The Contractor’s Words At Face Value
See at least three or four examples of a contractor’s work because the job can involve more mistakes than you thought possible. You can do some of the work yourself, but construction has become very specialized, meaning you can’t do it in the most efficient and effective way. Look at the building materials, work methods, timelines, and other factors. Be wary if the estimate is too high or too low because it doesn’t reflect the real cost. A design-build company can eliminate the finger-pointing that happens in the architect-contractor-homeowner triangle, so if the scope of your project involves structural changes like moving walls, it’s time to seek professional support.
Never Hand Over Everything To One Person
Consider your options and determine if you need to hire one or more contractors for your kitchen remodeling. Managing multiple contractors can be a nuisance, but you have a guarantee that every aspect of the project is undertaken by an expert in that area, which can result in a shorter overall timeline. More often than not, plumbing, HVAC (heating. Ventilation, and air conditioning), and electrical work must be done by a licensed contractor, so don’t go at it alone. A good contractor will guide you on the selection.
The First Issue To Confront Is Whether To Replace The Cabinets
The cabinets excite everyone’s interest in the kitchen since they cover a vast territory and are required to house various items, such as ingredients for cooking and baking, appliances, cookbooks, and so on. It’s easier than you think to find cheap kitchens, and there are many color and style options to choose from so that you can enjoy quality and beauty. The vast majority of cabinet manufacturers provide a good-better-best series of construction choices (and all look exactly the same), so it’s vital to understand what you’re getting before committing to a full replacement. Careful planning and knowing where the frame is helps the kitchen cabinets go in nicely.
You’ll receive an information packet from the manufacturer, which includes the floor plan and elevations that illustrate the crown molding heights, countertop dimensions, and the specs of the built-in appliances. Installing the base cabinets requires a bit more care, but information effectively disseminated can prevent risks from occurring. Before moving to the upper cabinets, install the countertop support cleats; make sure everything is plumb and level. As the upper kitchen units go in, pay close attention to the doors to ensure they open and close smoothly.
If You Have A Modest Budget, There Are Some Possibilities
If you want maximum value from your budget, figure out what you need from the kitchen remodeling project, not what you want – some things are nice to have but aren’t strictly necessary. It’s easy to spend upwards when fitting a new kitchen. Still, with smart design decisions, you can get a stunning result for less. Some of the best kitchens are simple in design, so here are a few suggestions to consider:
- Replace older appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated models that incorporate advanced technologies and premium features. By using less energy, these electronics reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, so do your part in protecting your family and the community.
- Make up your mind about a hero piece. An island bench, for instance, offers plenty of space for everyone to sit comfortably and gives you room to store larger appliances or dishes you don’t use on a daily basis. Plus, it can be a real wow factor.
- Brick walls are more affordable than floor-to-ceiling laminate panels, to say nothing of the fact that they add character and charm to the kitchen. To avoid damage or a long dry-out time, insulation is applied sometime after impregnation. Brickwork can be nearly every color: yellow, pale buff, brown, red, black and white, etc.
- Laminate has come a long way, meaning the floor is easy to install, looks excellent, and holds up well to pets and kids. Manufacturers can easily control quality when they make tiles and planks, so the colors and patterns are consistent throughout.
Once you get a hold of the basics, you can stretch your renovation dollar much further than you thought possible.
Prioritize Your Family’s Goals In How You Spend Your Time
More often than not, the kitchen doubles as a family gathering place, so identify and give priority to your loved ones’ needs to plan and save money. You can accommodate movie watching, Wii, and so forth. Age-in-place easy-grip handles are an excellent choice for long-term design because they have a slight edge on the top or bottom, which allows for a comfortable grip and a sleek design. When thinking about kitchen upgrades, consider what kinds of conveniences will make life easier down the road.
And lastly, a kitchen remodel can quickly become chaotic, and setting up a temporary kitchen can help maintain your routine while work is in progress. You may have to switch things around, but it’s doable, so go ahead and declutter while you’re packing up. Stop fearing uncertainty and get excited about the possibilities. Can you imagine cooking in your new kitchen?