If you’re thinking about starting a kitchen renovation project, you probably wonder where to start.
And although there is a lot to consider when planning a renovation, knowing what to look for can make your experience effortless and fast.
In this post, we’ll share some tips on the best way to prepare for a kitchen remodel. You’ll discover what to look for before you start renovating and how to get the best kitchen remodel in your town.
Let’s begin.
Start With A Plan
A kitchen renovation is a huge project that can easily overwhelm you if you’re not prepared. That’s why having a plan is always important for your success.
With a plan in place, you’ll know what to expect and how to stay on track. Plus, it’ll be easier for your contractor to understand what you want.
If you’re not sure where to start, plenty of online resources can help. We put together this blog exactly for that!
Once you have a general idea of what you want, talk to your contractor or designer about putting together a more accurate plan.
Let’s see what to look for first and foremost.
1. Check Your Appliances For Any Major Problems
Old appliances can often create costly problems for homeowners. For example, an old refrigerator may not be able to keep your food cold, leading to spoilage and, ultimately, wasted money.
Old ovens or kitchen ranges may not be as energy-efficient as they once were, and they’re definitely not as safe either.
Old appliances use more energy than newer models, leading to higher electricity bills. Keeping them for a longer period of time is a poor investment in the long run.
New appliances are better optimized regarding the energy they use, but they’re also making your life easier with new features.
2. Consider Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets
Before you decide to replace them altogether, consider refinishing your kitchen cabinets. This alternative gives them an upgraded look at a more affordable price.
Although refinishing won’t make or break the functionality of your cabinets, it’s still a great option if you’re not sure how to proceed with them.
If your cabinets are in good condition but you want a fresh color, a new coat of paint or stain will do. If they’re starting to show their wear and tear, refacing your cabinets will also work. The extreme option is to replace them altogether, and that’s advisable when your cabinets are really old and don’t meet your needs anymore.
3. Check Your Countertops
Countertops are an essential part of any kitchen. Old wood or laminate counters will show their age sooner than any natural stone. Stains, chips, and cracks are the most common problems with old counters.
Refinishing them could be an option, but it won’t work long term. And you don’t want to make changes in your kitchen every year.
Replacing a rather old countertop with quartz, granite, or even concrete counter is a much better alternative if you’re in for the long haul.
Marble is another counter option, but it’s the most expensive natural stone that rarely works at full capacity in a kitchen. It cracks and stains easily because of its porous surface.
On the other hand, quartz can face every challenge a kitchen will throw at it.
4. Make Sure The Flooring Doesn't Hide Any Issue
Nothing in your kitchen would be possible without your kitchen flooring. But kitchen floors are often overlooked, and many homeowners decide to pass on replacing them.
Even if your kitchen floor looks in good condition, it often hides more serious problems underneath. Rot, water damage, poor insulation, or a damaged plumbing system are common issues that we find when replacing kitchen floors.
Instead of hardwood, you can replace your kitchen floor with new, affordable materials, such as tile or LVT flooring.
5. Check The Plumbing And Electrical Systems
Your kitchen’s plumbing and electrical systems need to function properly, as your safety depends on them. And a kitchen floor is nothing like a dining room floor.
Leaks can lead to water damage and expensive repairs. Water can get into your flooring or framing structure, weakening it and creating safety issues. Mold and mildew are also harmful to the lungs, especially among older people.
The electrical system in your kitchen is responsible for powering your appliances and lights. It’s vital to ensure that the electrical system is up to code, as faulty wiring can lead to fires or other dangerous situations. Besides, your appliances risk being ruined by power outages if you don’t have a proper electrical installation.
How to Prepare For A Kitchen Remodel
If your home isn’t ready for renovation when you are, it can cause delays and cost you more money in the long run.
At Mortise & Miter, we advise homeowners in Johnson County to prepare their homes for the remodel, so their life won’t be troubled by the changes happening around them.
Take The Right Measurements
When taking measurements for cabinets, flooring, countertops, and appliances, it’s important to be as accurate as possible.
With inaccurate measurements, you may end up ordering cabinets or appliances that don’t fit in your kitchen like you want them to.
This leads to further delays in the renovation process and additional expenses.
Here are some tips for taking accurate measurements:
- Measure the width, height, and depth of the space where you want cabinets, appliances, and countertops.
- Measure the width and height of the cabinet or appliance.
- Measure any openings (e.g., doorways) to ensure you can fit all materials through them.
- Ensure the cabinet can support the weight of an appliance.
- Check the voltage and amperage of your outlets and the power of your new appliances.
Consider How Much Free Space You Want For Your Family
You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of free space in your kitchen for your family to gather and have fun. A cramped and cluttered kitchen will make it difficult for you to move around and won’t leave any “breathing room.”
Before renovating, consider how much space your family wants in the kitchen. If you love family gatherings and having friends over, an open-concept kitchen is the best place to enjoy a warm dinner and some cold drinks.
Figure Out How Much Time And Money You Have Available
When preparing for a kitchen remodel, it’s essential to be realistic about how much time and money you have available.
Full-scale renovations can take months, so if you’re up for this endeavor, it’s better to build some patience and nerves. A lot of contractors don’t show up the way they advertise themselves.
At Mortise & Miter, we value transparency and respect our customers. You’ll get accurate pricing estimates, and we’ll work hard to get your project done according to an established timeline.
It’s important to balance the amount of time and money you have available, as this ensures the renovation is affordable and the process stress-free.
Plan A Budget
Planning a budget ensures the renovation stays within your financial constraints, and you won’t have to spend anything extra.
Planning for the cost of materials, labor, and other costs helps you understand where your money will go but will also help you determine some averages. Building permits are also required for some remodeling jobs. We take care of them, but you can find more information about permits here.
If you don’t have a budget in place, you may find yourself spending more than you can afford, leading to financial difficulties down the road.
We advise you to go through our resources and discover how to budget for your renovation. You can also check out our articles on the average bathroom remodel costs and kitchen remodel costs.
Look For A Kitchen Remodel Contractor
If you want a kitchen renovation, it’s best to hire a kitchen remodeler, not any contractor that you stumble upon.
General contractors, for example, may not have the necessary experience for your particular project, and they might fail meeting your expectations.
On the other hand, a kitchen remodeler has years of experience with your type of work and can meet your expectations and exceed them. Prepare for a kitchen remodel by going with a professional that you can trust.
With your local experts from Mortise & Miter, you can rest assured your kitchen will turn out the way you envisioned it. We are licensed, insured, and dedicated to making your kitchen shine again.
Consider Small Issues Down The Way
- Having to re-do a project because of poor previous jobs.
- Having to remove the cabinets because they don't fit.
- Not being able to find the right color or style for your countertops.
- Having to spend more money than initially budgeted for.
- Having to fix water damage or poor electrical configurations.
Set A Timeline
Another great way to prepare for a kitchen remodel is to set a project timeline.
A timeline ensures the renovation process goes smoothly. It lets everyone know what they need to do and when.
If there are any changes or delays in the project, the timeline will help identify them and ensure we address them promptly.
For us, the timeline keeps everyone organized and on track. It helps us avoid any costly mistakes or delays in the project. For you, the timeline creates certainty and lets you be on top of things at every given moment.
Conclusion
Congratulations on deciding to take the plunge and remodel your kitchen! It is a big project to undertake, but it will unimaginably improve your life.
The first step is figuring out what needs to change, so be sure to have a plan before taking any action.
It’s ideal to budget a little extra because no one knows if anything unexpected will pop up during your renovations.
Our team here at Mortise & Miter helps hundreds of homeowners in Johnson County to achieve their dream kitchens. Let our professionals help you prepare for your upgrade and get the best remodel in town!
Get in touch with us today and remodel your kitchen in the easiest way possible!
