Thinking about a total kitchen reno? That’s probably a smart decision! According to a recent Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a complete kitchen renovation is ranked by home-buyers as the most appealing project in a potential home and the one that’s most likely to add resale value. Kitchen remodels can bring a pretty big return on investment (ROI), with some upscale remodels fetching a return of as high as 81 percent. Cha-ching!
Whether it’s something small as a freshly tiled floor or a whole-room gutting, you can count on two things with a kitchen do-over: an increased quality of life and enhanced resale value. But no matter the size, embarking on a project such as this can be overwhelming and complicated. However, there are some simple things you can and should do to keep the process moving smoothly.
Set Your Budget – In order to get the kitchen of your dreams, you need to be real with yourself about your limitations. The two biggest limitations of any remodel are money and space. Let’s start with the cash.
Know What’s Involved – Write down a list of every single thing involved in your specific remodeling project. Look at the big ones like labor, structural changes, floors, countertops, appliances, and tiling, but don’t forget the lesser-known costs, such as permits, lighting, plumbing, electricity, dumpster rental, painting, hardware, and a new sink.
Consider Doing It Yourself – Doing things yourself is an amazing way to get exactly what you want at a lower cost, since labor can eat up a huge chunk of your budget. And it may be easier than you think. For example, with the right tile tools and supplies, plus some online tutorials, you can easily refresh your backsplash or flooring.
Make a List of “Needs” and “Wants” – It’s the oldest trick in the book, but it works! Determine which items are negotiable and which aren’t. Try not to be too rigid about getting everything you want, especially if you’re not willing to go over your budget or do things yourself.
Think About Funding Options – Paying for your kitchen remodel out of pocket may not be your only choice. You might also be eligible for options such as a home equity line of credit (HELOC), a home renovation loan, or a mortgage refinance with a cash out option.
Measure and Measure Again – After your budget, space is the biggest limiting factor when planning out your dream kitchen. Unfortunately, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to build in a massive island with a six-burner range if you’re working with a teeny-tiny kitchen, for example. Measure your kitchen and then measure again, accounting for full dimensions of walls, windows, doorways, molding, radiators, or registers, as well as all the other permanent elements. If you plan to make any serious structural changes, this is also a great time to check for load-bearing walls, which you can do yourself or with the help of a structural engineer.
Render and Mock-Up – Now that you have your specific measurements, you can start playing around with layouts. There are many easy-to-use kitchen mockup tools online that will help you visualize what should go where and help you determine if your preferred layout is even possible. This will help you figure out how big you can go on certain components like the appliances and kitchen island. Thinking about a new pantry or wine fridge? This step will also help you decide if there’s space to add in new elements.
Choose Your Finishes – Now that you’ve got your budget and space requirements locked down, it’s time for the fun part—choosing your design elements and finishes. This is where browsing your favorite inspiration sites comes into play. From countertops to flooring, to appliances, to light fixtures, use this time to get a handle on your aesthetic style and the theme you want to achieve. In addition to spending plenty of time on Pinterest and Houzz, be sure to stop by local design showrooms and pick up some design magazines.
Get Quotes – There’s no magic number for how many quotes you should get before settling on a contractor, but getting more than one is probably wise. Today, with a looming skilled labor shortage and plenty of consumers making big home updates, prices are competitive and contractors are likely to be booked out for months. Still, you should be patient with the process, read lots of testimonials, and never settle for a contractor if it doesn’t feel right.
Plan and Schedule – Timing is a crucial yet often overlooked component of remodeling. Your contractor will help you plan a timeline that makes sense, but, if you’re doing things yourself, here are some things to keep in mind:
Custom finishes require extra time, so make sure to build in six to eight weeks for anything made to order.
Keep in mind that cabinets are typically installed before flooring, as this can save money on flooring materials and labor.
Leave countertop installation for last if you’re redoing cabinets.
When tiling your floors or backsplash, consider that this is usually a multi-day process that requires drying and curing time.
Know that big remodels take time and can be hugely disruptive to your life, so consider moving out for the duration of the remodel or at least for the first week or two during the messy demolition phase.
As with any big project, preparation is foundational to a good kitchen remodel. Spending the time to plan before you break ground can help ensure that you get exactly what you want without wasting time or money.
