Photo from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://aakmodesto.com/food-for-thought-before-your-kitchen-reno/

Remodeling your home is always exciting but it can also feel like a tall task, especially in the kitchen. The kitchen space is central to any home, not just for preparing meals, but for socializing and bringing the family together too. You want the space to perfectly suit your needs and there are a few key factors you should consider before you get your project underway.

Our team has years of experience in kitchen remodeling, and we have come up with a list of everything we think you should consider before you get started – consider it some food for thought.

We hope that this light read will give you a sense of where to begin, but if you have questions or need professional help with your project, we’d love to work with you. Give us a shout at any time to discuss your unique kitchen remodel with our experts – until then, happy reading!

Understanding Why You Want to Remodel

Most people don’t just decide to rip up and reinvent their kitchen space on a whim. Unless you have unlimited income and time, you likely have specific motivations and goals when it comes to a renovation like this, and we encourage you to reflect on the why. Here’s a few questions to get started on the right foot:

• What is lacking in your current kitchen space?
• Are the upgrades you wish to complete based on function or solely cosmetics?
• Are you willing to invest in new appliances? What about new plumbing and electrical systems?
• How do you want to feel in your new kitchen space?
• What kind of kitchens do you like? Do you have inspirational photos?
• What is your budget?
• What is your timeline?
• How is your kitchen remodel going to fit into the rest of your home?

Once you’ve asked yourself a few of these questions, you’ll begin to understand the scale of your project, how long it may take to complete and why a renovation is exciting for you in the first place. From here, we can start thinking about specifics.

How Do You Want Your Kitchen Laid Out?

For obvious reasons, your kitchen layout needs to be decided before you can begin ripping out countertops and buying new materials.

A good layout will allow your kitchen to function seamlessly and it’s important to get it right. We encourage you to organize your kitchen into segments – areas for cooking and preparing food, areas for storing and cleaning plates and dishes, and an area for eating and enjoying time with loved ones. This kind of layout may not work for everyone, but we’ve found it to be a popular approach among our clients.

If you want to explore layouts with a team of experts who know their stuff, be sure to give %COMPANY% a call. We would be happy to come to look at your space and help you unlock its layout potential.

What Are the Most Timeless Materials in a Kitchen?

This may not be a question you can answer off the top of your head. It may be wise to seek out professional advice but here are a few rules of thumb.

It’s best to choose materials that are as durable as they are attractive. Your kitchen is a working space after all, and you don’t want to have to complete repairs before they’re necessary. We especially recommend choosing countertops that are scratch, stain, and heat resistant, as well as high-quality appliances if possible.

When it comes to the design, keeping it simple when it comes to big-ticket investments is always a great call. While that pink fridge may be calling your name, we would recommend adding your personal flair in areas that are a bit easier to change in a few years. Maybe consider pink cupboards or a pink toaster instead.

Increasing the Resale Value of Your Home

To continue with our last point, it’s important to create a kitchen space that doesn’t just work for you but could work for potential homeowners down the line.

It’s no secret that a beautiful, functional, and high-quality kitchen is a major selling point, especially in this competitive housing market so creating a room that is attractive to as many buyers as possible will be well worth your money.

Keep in mind that most buyers will be looking for:

• Ample space
• Ample storage
• Functionality
• Upgraded appliances
• A clean slate

Jobs that Should be Left to the Professionals

No matter how impressive your DIY skills are, if you don’t have professional training, some kitchen remodeling jobs should always be left to an expert.

Our team recommends that you hire a trusted professional contractor to complete the electrical work and the plumbing. If these elements are not completed correctly, you could be putting your home at unnecessary risk of fire, flooding, and more. Professionals are also insured. So, if the work they do is shoddy, you will be protected.

Creating a Realistic Budget for Your Reno

Crunching the numbers is never going to be the most exciting part of completing a home renovation, but it is extremely important. Preparing a detailed budget will allow you to understand what areas of your space you can afford to upgrade, and what elements need to be passed on.

It’s not always easy to know how much materials and installations will cost you, and doing research online will only get you so far. If you want a professional opinion, %COMPANY% would be happy to chat with you. We know what materials will get you the best bang for your buck and we can help you create a realistic budget and manage your expectations without dampening your excitement for the project ahead.

~

Don’t let your dream kitchen go by the wayside because the thought of a remodel is too overwhelming. Allow our experts to guide you and create a space that flows seamlessly, shows off your personality, and leaves money in your pocket. Give %COMPANY% a call to get started. We’re excited to hear your ideas!