Thinking About A Kitchen
Renovation?
Once upon a time kitchens didn't have hot running water,
built in cupboards, bench tops, microwaves or
dishwashers. We didn't have to worry about kitchen
design. Nowadays the kitchen has to be functional
as well as inviting - otherwise we wouldn't want to work
in there would we! Michael tells us what we should
be thinking about before we launch into a big kitchen
make-over....
Nothing can help freshen up an older
home, or help in the sale of a property or inspire your
kitchen workspace like a new or remodeled kitchen. Kitchen
design is becoming increasingly more important as space is
rapidly growing smaller. Designing or remodeling your
kitchen can be an incredibly exciting adventure but with it
can come a lot of stress, and complication! Although there
will always be some element of stress felt through a kitchen
renovation it is possible to eliminate much of it with a
solid plan. If a kitchen make-over is in your near future
you should consider the following and make the best of this
otherwise stressful period.
Build a Foundation
During the design process the most
important question you can ask yourself is "Why do I want a
new kitchen?" Is it because you are looking for more storage
space? Is your space not being maximized? Does your
cabinetry need to be replaced? Are your appliances in need
of change as well? Is your kitchen too dark? Is your space
too small or too big? Too Boring? Or simply, too much??!
By asking yourself these important
questions you will have a much better idea of what you need
to get out of your kitchen space. This information will
become the foundation for your kitchen design plan.
Make a wish list
Once you have your "foundation" in place
it is important to ask yourself a few more questions. Now
that I know what I need, what is it I want? What you would
like to have in your kitchen? Give this a lot of thought
because design today can incorporate special storage and
space savers into the cabinetry design today! Write a list
of everything you couldn’t live without. This list will also
become a very important guideline for you, your contractor,
or designer to follow. Here are a few questions to paint an
example for you:
Do you want stainless steel appliances?
Granite counter tops? Tiled flooring? Is it heated? Gas or
electric? What will your color palette be? What kind of
cabinetry will you use? What can I not live without?
Budget
How much can you afford to spend on your
kitchen space? This is a big question that can affect the
entire project. Kitchen design projects are rarely
inexpensive so you must get out and do some pricing on items
that are necessary for you to fulfill your foundation and
wish list. Beware that if you plan on replacing your
cabinetry it will account for more than half of your
budget!!
When building your kitchen design budget
you also want to include the cost of all labor
(electricians, carpenters, gas technicians, plumbers,
contractors etc.) and then consider the possibility of
hiring a designer.
You must stay within your budget when
planning a new kitchen. Account for as much as possible and
add on another 20% or more just incase. Unexpected costs
arise all the time in kitchen renovations and the best way
to overcome it is to create a great budget. Dreaming big is
one thing, but placing importance on price and affordability
will ensure that you get what you are expecting and save
some money for unexpected emergencies.
Time Frame
It is also very important to know when
your project needs to be completed. Kitchen projects are
notorious for being drawn out. Set realistic goals. The
remodeling and new construction industry is booming and this
can have a direct affect on your project. Many crew are
working on several projects at a time so be sure to
communicate your completion date with your contractor and
demand a realistic response. Labor is not cheap so the
shorter the time frame the higher the cost. It is also
helpful to plan for you and your family to prepare meals at
an alternate location or account for dining out into your
budget. Remember that being inconvenienced at home can also
cost you more money at the end of the day.
Designers
Hiring a designer can really help you get
onto the right path sooner. These professional consultants
can take care of every aspect of the design process like
choosing the appropriate layout for you and your home.
Coordinating color & lighting that is appropriate. Making
sure all your trades and contractors are working in unison
and of course ensuring that your dream kitchen becomes a
reality. Designers will sit with you and go through a
detailed interview process to get the best idea of what you
are looking for. Their objective is to design a plan and
develop a kitchen that works best for you. Your designer
will combine your foundation and wish lists and weigh the
pros and cons to balance them against your needs, space
limitations and budget. Your designer will put together all
the planning, logistical needs and contractors for your
project. They can be expensive but many kitchen and bath
showrooms will have in house designers working for them. You
can set up an appointment or walk in and speak with someone
almost immediately. This service helps the supplier get your
business and they will do everything for you, from measuring
your space to arranging packages for you that suit any
budget.
Designers are usually well worth it, but
do your research and find a design consultant with a
portfolio that really connects with your own personal style.
You can also use your contractor to help
you in planning out your workspace or even use a kitchen
design software to personally plan out your kitchen space if
you think you have what it takes!
Contractors
If you plan to do the design work
yourself, make sure you use a professional contractor. There
are lots of contractors out there who will undercut prices
and offer you promises that are not realistic. Ask to see
some portfolio work or for references. Make sure that your
contractor is using accredited plumbers and electricians. Be
wary of anyone willing to start immediately or who asks for
cash upfront? Do not proceed with any payments unless you
have an agreement with your contractor and make sure they
detail all work on labor and materials. You do not want a
poorly installed kitchen and any subsequent repairs will far
outweigh the cost of using a professional.
A kitchen renovation can be a very
stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. Stress is no good
for anyone, besides getting a new kitchen should be an
exciting journey not a nightmare! Enjoy your new kitchen and
let the cooking begin!!
Article Author - Michael Kyle
Michael Kyle has been an event
coordinator and hospitality expert for 18 years. His passion
for event planning and home renovation helped lead to the
successful launch of
www.thesexykitchen.com ; a web-site dedicated to kitchen
design, renovation, party planning, hospitality, and more.
Perhaps you have a passion or hobby you’d like to write
about. Discover how to turn your passion into a successful
website, visit
www.succeed-from-your-passion.com to learn how.
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Are you in the process of renovating your home?
If so, this web site holds a
wealth of information
that you will
find invaluable. Read up on your topic of
interest and save yourself time and money. The
subjects covered are:
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Take a look at the
Heritage Ceilings web
site where we show
you the wonderful ceilings you can create in your home
