Five ‘Must Do’s’ When Remodeling Your Kitchen
Are you tired of the wallpaper in your kitchen? Does your floor need a face-lift? Are your cabinets worn out? Is it time to completely remodel your kitchen?
If you answered “Yes” to any or all of these questions, then it is time for a change. It is time to remodel your kitchen. Now is the perfect time to remodel your kitchen because the construction industry has slowed down a bit. That means that everyone you need to help you remodel your kitchen will be able to give you unbeatable prices and undivided attention.
Here are few must do’s to ensure that your kitchen is remodeled the right way.
1. Start with a Plan. The most important thing you can do before beginning such a large process is to create a plan. Are you going to redo the entire kitchen or just the cabinets? What style do you want? Do your research. You must spend adequate time researching the best suppliers and contractors in your area. Carefully decide who is going to do the best job with the bounds of your budget. You must also make sure that you meet with these specialists often to make sure that everyone is on the same page. This will save time and headaches down the road.
2. Create a Workbook. All major projects require a workbook of some sort. Your workbooks should contain everything related to the remodeling project. It will save you time to keep everything associated with the project in one place; receipts, color swatches, pictures of styles that you like, etc. Your vision for the project will most likely be transferred to the contractor if you have something to show him or her.
3. Establish a budget. Another important step to take when it comes time to remodel your kitchen is to create a budget. Also, your budget needs to be realistic. For instance, you cannot establish a budget without first knowing realistic prices. Spend time researching actual prices for new appliances, the cost of new cabinets, and anything else associated with your remodel. A good rule to follow is to set your budget 20 percent below what you can actually afford. This will allow a buffer for any unexpected costs or problems that you might run into.
4. Understand the difference between Cabinet Price and Cabinet Performance. When it comes to remodeling your cabinets, you cannot sacrifice performance for cost. You need to understands the components of cabinets that you can scale back on and the ones you can’t afford to undercut. For instance, the components of cabinets that get used the most are drawers. Thus, you need to make sure that you use top-quality products to build the drawers (drawer glides and more). On the other hand, you might be able to use particle board instead of plywood. Plywood is more expensive and really doesn’t serve any added functionality to particle board.
5. The countertop doesn’t need to be “top of the line.” A common misconception is that in order to get the most beautiful and functional countertop, you need a “top of the line” countertop. Quartz and granite countertops are the top performing countertops, although you might be surprised to know what laminate countertops can do. Laminate countertops are more versatile and economical. Additionally, there are more options when choosing a laminate countertop (more styles, more colors, more finishes). Although the new “High Definition” laminate finish is more expensive than the standard finish, it is still more economical than a quartz or granite countertop. Similarly, the high definition finish performs well and would be a great choice for normal home use.
If it is time to remodel your kitchen, then it is time to review these steps. Don’t start the remodeling process without understanding as much as you can about the process of remodeling. Follow these steps to ensure that your remodel is quick and smooth.
Tips on how to start saving for your big remodel.
Tips on how to start saving for your big kitchen remodel.
1. Open a savings account that is set aside for your remodel and “don’t touch it”.
a. Decide on an amount that you can pull out of your paycheck each pay period that will go directly into your “Remodel” account. It may hurt for a few pay periods, but in most cases once you get used to the funds not being in your pay check, you don’t even miss it. You will be surprised at how fast you can grow your “Remodeling” pot.
b. Have it automatically be pulled from your pay check if your company will allow this transaction to be performed.
2. IF you get a pay raise, have that amount go directly into your kitchen remodel account before you get used to the additional pay and the spending of it.
3. If you get a Christmas bonus or yearly bonus, put that directly into your account.
4. Hold a yard sale to sell off the many items you have packed away in your garage but never use.
5 Must Do’s When Remodeling Any Kitchen
1. Get a plan
a. Be sure to spend enough time doing research.
i. Lack of research can result in more problems as the remodel progresses and you may end up with a remodel that is not up to your expectations.
ii. Spend the time to get the correct remodeler for your work that is to be performed. You don’t want to end up with poor work or poor quality material’s in your remodel.
2. Create a planning workbook.
a. Keep a file of clippings of styles and products you like to help in your final selections for your remodel. Visually being able to show your contractor will insure that everyone is on the same page.
3. Set a spending limit
a. Do your homework, learn actual costs of the products and work to be done. Don’t be surprised at the cost’s after you are already into the project. Know what it’s going to cost before you start and stick to your budget.
b. It’s good to set your budget 20% below what you can afford to allow for unexpected costs.
4. Don’t confuse cabinet price with performance
a. Don’t cut back on quality where you need it most, the drawers and drawer glides. These get used the most and you should have a good quality product which you may have to pay a little more to get.
b. But you may be able to get away with particle board versus plywood. Once the job is installed, you will never know what the parts are made of. Plywood sounds nice but in most cases serve no function that particle board does not perform just as well. You can always do plywood skins on the exposed sides that you do see once the cabinets are installed and its usually much cheaper than plywood construction.
5. You don’t need to go to the top of the line to get a beautiful yet practical countertop
a. Granite and Quartz’s countertops are top performers but you will find that laminate’s are both economical and versatile. Laminates have come a long way in the colors and finishes available. The new “High Definition” finish, while a significant increase in price over the standard laminate finishes, they are priced well below the cost of Granite and Quartz and hold up well to most normal home use.
