As the "Heart of your home" your kitchen is undoubtably one of the most important spaces in your home. It not only acts as a functional space to cook family meals but also acts as a social hub to catch up with your significant other or for your kids to do their homework. Because of this, renovating your kitchen can be a sizable project that can have a significant impact on your home's value and livability. Though this process can seem overwhelming, partnering with the right contractor can turn this daunting task into a fun exciting experience. Below is a step by step guide to getting the process started, ensuring that you are getting the kitchen of your dreams.
Step 1: Define Your Project Scope
Before starting your kitchen remodel it's important to determine the desired scope of your project. Are you looking for a minor facelift, such as updating your existing cabinets with new paint and hardware, replacing countertops and appliances, or simply changing the layout of your existing space? Or are you planning a full renovation, replacing your existing kitchen with higher-end finishes such as semi-custom or custom cabinets, removing existing walls & windows, creating a truly custom space that meets the specific aesthetic and functional needs of your family?
Step 2: Set a Budget
Once you've determined the scope of your project, it is important to outline a wireframe budget for your project. It can seem hard to set this number before even starting the design process but having a good idea of what you are willing to invest into your space will not only help align you and your contractor on what scale of renovation you can afford but will help guide the type of selections and finished that will be used in your project.
Step 3: Choose a Design Style
There are so many choices when designing a new space, especially a kitchen. Because of this it is crutual to come to the initial design consultation with an idea of what type of space you are looking to create. Is your kitchen going to be traditional with a light oak cabinet and darker countertops or are you looking for something more modern and clean incorporating lighter painted cabinets with white countertops. One of the best ways to narrow down your design style is to create a Pinterest board for your project and start adding inspiration photos and materials you may come across while scrolling through the app. You can even share this board with your designer, allowing them to be on the same page as you from day one.
Step 4: Plan the Logistics of Your Renovation Ahead of Time
It is no secret that a kitchen remodel can be intrusive to your daly life, this is why we like to sit down with our clients before their renovation and make sure that we have a plan to keep their household functioning seamlessly during the renovation. This may include such planning as where we will relocate your fridge, do you need a temporary cooking station set up, and the most important, where will you make your morning coffee. It is our goal to make this process as fun as possible for our clients so it is crucial to plan out and mitigate these pain points ahead of time creating a stress free renovation process.
In Conclusion
Renovating your kitchen can be a major undertaking, but with the right approach and partnership with a reputable contractor, it can be a fun and exciting experience. By defining your project scope, setting a budget, choosing a design style, and planning the logistics of your project ahead of time, you can ensure that you create the "heart of your home" that meets your family's needs and become a space you enjoy for years to come.