Have you grown tired of your current kitchen design? Perhaps you recently realized how much you hate those dated kitchen cabinets, the slightly discolored tile countertop or the obnoxious fluorescent lighting panel on the ceiling. Whatever your kitchen woes may be, this could be the perfect time to consider a remodel.
While it’s no secret that kitchen remodels can sometimes be expensive and time-consuming, the end product is sure to be worth it if you finally get the kitchen of your dreams. The remodeling process might involve some tough decisions, but with the help of these five tips, you can ease the stress on your mind and your wallet:
1. Take a look at Your Kitchen and Decide what, if anything, you would like to Salvage or Reuse
Sometimes, your kitchen might not be a total goner. For instance, if you already have a stainless steel stove or refrigerator that would fit nicely with the new style you’re going for, then it would definitely be wise to hold onto those appliances. Or maybe your kitchen cabinets are made from high-quality wood and simply need some sanding and refinishing. The same goes for flooring—if it’s wood, it can be refinished. Small accessories reviews, such as cabinet hardware, can also be recycled and repurposed.
Even functional items like garbage disposals can be salvaged and reused if they are in good shape. Look around at all the materials you have in your current kitchen, and determine if there is anything you could save and use in your new kitchen. If not, then get rid of it.
2. Create an Attack Plan
This is where you will need to get down to the nitty gritty and decide every detail of your kitchen remodel. Make decisions as to which parts of the kitchen you plan to reuse, and which parts will be entirely new. Are you going to incorporate existing appliances into the new kitchen, or are you going to replace them? What about the backsplash tiles, the flooring, and the windows? You might even consider thinking about placement, storage space, and flow.
Are you typically cramped in one space near the oven during food preparation? Is there any way to install an island and create a more efficient workspace? Was the placement of the sink or dishwasher always awkward in correlation with the refrigerator door opening? Even logistical issues like that should be considered and solved before starting any demolition work.
3. Create a Budget
The budget is one of the most important parts of the planning process. Kitchen remodels sometimes come at a hefty price, depending on how much work you need to be done and what types of materials you plan to use, so it is absolutely crucial to plan ahead to avoid breaking the bank.
First, determine the maximum amount you can spend on a kitchen. When contemplating numbers, think long-term, and make sure to account for a ‘cushion’ in case you encounter unforeseen issues that need to be addressed. Creating your dream kitchen should be a fun experience, but you should also be thinking of it as in investment in your home.
Next, obtain quotes from contractors. Make sure you do your research and really look into every offer you receive. You want quality work for a reasonable price, but you also get what you pay for. Shoddy workmanship should play no part in the creation of your dream kitchen.
4. Think about Cabinet Choices
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the options are endless. Sometimes old cabinets can do the job quite well with a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware, especially if they were already made from good-quality wood. This can save money in the long run.
On the other hand, if you plan to purchase new cabinets rather than salvage old ones, you need to decide what kind of cabinets you want. There are many factors to consider, from the style and decor of your kitchen to functional aspects like storage space. Cabinet styles can entirely change the way a kitchen looks. Lighter colors and materials can add an airy, open feel to the room, while darker, sultry woods can bring a cozy, warm feeling into a home’s kitchen.
5. Consider Your Countertop Options
Does your budget include new countertops? If it does, then you have an array of options to consider. Materials like tile and plastic laminate are considered outdated, while stone styles have taken the kitchen world by storm. The two most popular types are granite and quartz. They add an elegant and luxurious finish to any kitchen, and their durability is highly desired. The visual differences between the two are ultimately a matter of taste.
Both materials are very strong, but the flexibility of quartz often makes the installation process flow a bit smoother. With quartz, however, sunlight can discolor it over time, whereas granite is not known to have that issue. Granite countertops must be sealed before use, whereas quartz does not require any sealing at all. Both styles bring unique benefits to the table, but the small differences between each might make one more desirable than the other, depending on your kitchen’s aesthetic and functional needs.
Ultimately, your dream kitchen should be a reflection of your own personal styles and tastes. Anything is possible, as long as you develop a plan in advance and budget correctly for all your needs. Hopefully, these five tips help you during the process. Good luck and happy remodeling!
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