6 Pro Tips for Kitchen Remodel Success
“Delays, over budget, wish I had know”…. a few common statements from homeowners going through a kitchen renovation. Understanding the process and the decisions you will need to make can make a huge difference in your stress level and the outcome. Here are 6 pro tips you should know.
1. Determine Your Kitchen Renovation Budget
Unrealistic budget expectations are a common problem in the inflationary and supply-shortage environment we are currently navigating. The costs of a kitchen renovation depends on your geographic area, scope, and taste. Your can find many ways to estimate a renovation online, but the reality is it depends on how much you are going to change. Here is a list of possible expenses you need may need to include in your budget:
Cabinets (Do you want new custom or semi-custom cabinets? Do you want to reface or paint existing cabinets?)
Countertops (What material do you want: granite, quartz or something else?)
Flooring (Considerations include removal of existing flooring, installation costs, will it need to be installed under the cabinets, type of flooring)
Appliances (Are you replacing or reusing?) (Select what you want and determine price and availability. Some appliances have extended back orders right now.)
Vent Hood (See how your current hood is vented so you know what is possible. What style do you want?)
Sink (What kind and style of sink do you want - farmhouse, stainless, single bowl, double bowl?)
Faucets (How many do you need? Sink, bar sink, pot filler; Price what you like online at build.com)
Decorative Hardware
Lighting (ceiling and under cabinet)
Backsplash
Demo of existing kitchen
Moving Walls (This is a major factor in expense and time if needed.)
Moving Plumbing or Electrical (Changing the footprint of where appliances and plumbing are located will require additional budget.)
Painting Walls
Drywall Repairs and Trim Modifications
While you will find variation between contractors estimates, it is wise to carefully consider why someone’s price is lower or higher. It is very easy to unknowing make a comparison between apples and oranges and end up with a contractor(s) with less expertise, no insurance, or does poor work.
2. Design Ideas
In conjunction with your budget determinations, you will need to determine what style of kitchen you want and how it can look cohesive with the rest of the house. You can do this many ways - Pinterest, Houzz.com, working with a designer, home shows… but having some photos of the style of kitchen you want will be very helpful when you gather prices for your budget and begin talking with contractors.
3. Finding the Right Contractors
The extent of your renovation will determine if you need a general contractor for your job or not. If you are moving a wall, you are going to need and licensed and insured GC. If you are a bit of a DIYer and you are simply changing out your cabinets, countertops and flooring, you may be able to work with a cabinet shop and your local flooring source - hiring a plumber and electrician only as needed. Contractors you may need include a GC, cabinet maker/provider, countertop fabricator, plumber, electrician, flooring installer, and tile layer.
How do you find contractors and evaluate them?
Find
Start with google and look for reviews.
Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.
Go to home shows and talk with the venders.
Ask for names at your local building supply stores
Ask contractors who they recommend or work with
Look on social media
Evaluate
Look at a contractor’s web presence to see examples of their work, and how much business they are doing in the area
Make sure they are insured!
Ask if they subcontract the work or if they have their own employees
How responsive are they when you call or request an estimate?
Are they busy? Great contractors are usually busy and worth waiting on.
Are they cheap? There may be a reason you need to uncover.
Did they provide a written, professional estimate with scope of work?
How long is their lead time to do your work? Construction is a fluid process so it is not uncommon to have delays. However, some contractors tell you an unrealistic time just to win your work, and they know upfront they can’t meet the deadline. Ask other people that have used them if they stay reasonably close to promised timeframes and communicate well.
4. Source Your Materials, Appliances, Permits
In our current supply environment, you may find things like tile, appliances, and even paint in short supply. Make your selections up front and know how long it will take to get them so you can avoid being in the middle of a renovation and experience a disappointing delay. Know what permits/inspections might be necessary and who is responsible for handling this process.
5. Understanding the Flow of Work
So, how does this all come together? While each project is different, attempt to make a timeline specific to your project needs.
6. Anticipate Obstacles
Can you reuse the old hood vent pipe?
Does the new oven use the same energy source?
Will you need to reroute gas lines?
Can the existing wiring be used?
Will the new oven or fridge fit through the doorways?
Do you have space in the garage or home to store materials and appliances until they’re installed?
Do you have someone to unhook the plumbing and electrical prior to demo?