Thursday, August 7, 2014

6 Tips for Kitchen Remodeling Projects

According to Builder magazine's annual "Cost Vs. Value Report," homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project.

But how do you make sure you are getting the most out of your kitchen remodeling project?  Make sure you follow these 6 great steps to get the most for your kitchen remodeling project.



1. Plan Ahead
Planning your kitchen renovation project is the most important step in the entire project. You should take more time planning than the actual construction. If you plan well, you are more likely to stay on time and on budget.

Another reason planning is the most important step to a successful kitchen remodeling project is because you will have unexpected problems during your construction process. When you have a plan to fall back on when things go wrong, you are more likely to spend less time and less money on fixing the problem if you have a "big-picture" plan for your project.

2. Work with Professionals
Professionals are called professionals because they are the pros. Unless you have formal training and experience in remodeling a kitchen, hiring a professional to help you is the smartest decision you will make when remodeling your kitchen. You wouldn't expect to diagnosis yourself with a disease - that's the job of a doctor. It is the same with a kitchen. You wouldn't expect to re-wire the electrical lines for your range - that's the job of an electrician.

There are also smaller steps that will help with building a good relationship with your contractors and your designers. Be in your kitchen during construction phase (sometimes, but not all the time) and set important ground rules. Make sure the workers know the difference between working in your house versus working on a traditional job site.

3. Stay Budget-Focused
If the phrase "location, location, location" is the most important adage in real estate, the phrase "plan, plan, plan" should be stuck in your head during your entire kitchen remodeling project. Nothing will drive up the cost of a renovation project faster than a change in your plan. Whether this change is a required, necessary change or a change simply because you want to make a change, staying on your plan will help you stay on budget.

4. Quality Trumps Quantity
Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. Resist low quality bargains, and choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods. The adage "you get what you pay for" is absolutely true.

5. Don't Stress Over Appliances
It is easy to get carried away when planning your kitchen remodel. Appliances are tools used to cook and store food. Your kitchen remodel shouldn’t be about the tools, but the design and functionality of the entire kitchen. So unless you are a gourmet chef, focus on appliances that look great, add value, but will not hurt your wallet.

6. Add Storage, Not Space
Storage will never go out of style, so it is key to always add more storage whenever possible. Install cabinets that reach the ceiling. You might need a stepladder, but you’ll gain valuable storage space for Christmas platters and other once-a-year items. Plus, you won't have to worry about dust collecting on the top of the cabinets.

Have the mindset of those living in a Tiny House. Use up all of the vertical space in your kitchen as possible. You may not be able to add more storage horizontally, but use the room above your head to get the most storage space out of your kitchen.

When renovating or remodeling your kitchen, remember the most important part of the project is the planning stages before you actually start the project. The better your plan, the better your project.

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