If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, it’s best to know about every surprise (good or bad) that might appear during the process.
Although a kitchen remodel is a complex process that can involve a lot of work – and money, it’s also one of the most rewarding projects you can undertake. Not only will your remodeled kitchen look amazing, but you’ll also enjoy using it more than ever before.
Here’s the step-by-step guide that makes your remodeling process fast and straight-forward.
Start planning your remodel project
The first step in any major kitchen remodel project is planning.
This means making a list of your priorities and goals for the project, as well as figuring out how much money you can afford to spend. It’s also important to draw up a timeline for the project, so you know what needs to be done and when.
If you’re not sure where to start, look at pictures of kitchens that you like online or in magazines. This will give you a good idea of the style and features you want in your own kitchen.
Once you’ve figure out what you want, it’s time to start gathering quotes from general contractors. Be sure to get at least three quotes, so you can compare prices.
Determining The Kitchen Layout
One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your upcoming remodeling project is the kitchen layout. This will determine how much space you have to work with, and what appliances and cabinets will fit where.
There are a few different layouts you can choose from:
- U-shaped – This is the most popular layout, with a work triangle connecting the refrigerator, sink, and stove. This layout is great for busy families who need plenty of counter space.
- L-shaped – This layout is perfect for smaller kitchens, as it uses every inch of available space. It features a work triangle similar to the U-shaped layout, but usually with an added kitchen island.
- G-shaped – This layout is similar to the U-shaped layout, but with a peninsula that connects to one wall. This design provides more counter space than other layouts, and is great for cooking enthusiasts.
- Galley – While not the most popular style by far, this layout maximizes available space in long, narrow kitchens. It features an L-shaped work area in front of a window, with an additional cabinet or counter along one wall.
Consider Finishing The Walls And Ceiling
One of the most important aspects of any remodeling project is the construction quality of the walls and ceiling. Load bearing walls ensure a solid hardwood cabinet will hang on the wall until you decide to move it.
If these surfaces are not sturdy, they might not be able to support the added weight of new cabinetry and appliances. This can lead to expensive repairs down the road.
That’s why it’s important to have professional help to assess the condition of your walls and ceiling before you begin to remodel the kitchen.
A general contractor can tell you if any repairs or reinforcements are necessary, so you don’t end up with a disaster on your hands.
Planning Your Materials And Budget
In a kitchen remodeling project, when it comes to materials there are a lot of choices to make. You’ll need to decide on everything from the type of countertops to the color of your cabinets. The right materials make your kitchen function perfectly and will impress every one of your guests.
It’s important to decide on a a budget for your remodeling project. There are a few ways to do this:
- New vs. used – If you’re not set on a particular style, consider buying new cabinets and countertops for the parts of your kitchen that are easy to replace. You can then buy secondhand appliances, new flooring, and other features that will be harder to change down the road.
- DIY work – The least expensive option is to do some of the work yourself, such as painting and sheet rocking. This will save you a ton of money if you’re handy with a couple tools. However, keep in mind that a recent study reveals DIY projects are more likely to fail.
- Low-cost updates – Try to avoid anything that’s too trendy or flashy, such as exotic countertops or fixtures. Instead, stick to traditional materials that won’t go out of style.
- Upgrading appliances – This is one of the most cost-effective ways to update your kitchen without spending too much on materials. Of course, choosing high-quality appliances will pay off in the long run by saving you more money over time.
Hire a contractor or do the major kitchen remodel yourself?
Time
If you have the time and skills to complete a kitchen remodel on your own, it’s a great way to save some money. However, if you’re short on time or don’t have any DIY experience, it’s best to leave the work to a professional.
Money
Quality
Complexity
Get an estimate from a contractor for the remodel
It’s important to know how much the project will cost, so get estimates from contractors before starting a kitchen remodel. It’s also a good way to weed out contractors who are overpriced or don’t have the experience necessary to complete the job.
Make an informed decision about quality and costs by getting estimates from several different contractors.
At Mortise & Miter, we make a blueprint of your dream kitchen and provide you with an estimate for the project. In addition, we walk you through the entire kitchen remodeling process to ensure you are getting the best end-product that you were expecting.
Prepare Your Home
Before you start any kitchen remodel, it’s important to prepare your home for the work that will be done. This means moving any furniture or appliances that will be in the way, and clearing out any extra clutter.
It’s also a good idea to cover up any surfaces that might be damaged by dust or construction debris.
If you’re hiring a contractor to do the work, they will most likely take care of all of this for you. However, if you’re doing the work yourself, it’s important to take care of these beforehand. This saves you time and stress later on.
Design A Plan For Your Remodeled Kitchen
A kitchen that suits your needs is important because it makes your daily life easier, and you’ll be more efficient in your new kitchen.
Having an idea of how you want your kitchen to turn out makes it easier to communicate with your contractor, so you get the kitchen you envisioned. This clears out any misunderstandings, and makes your project run smoothly.
Besides, in a kitchen that suits your needs you’re able to use every inch of it in the most effective way. You’ll save time and make your cooking experience enjoyable by being able to find everything you need quickly and easily.
Organizing Your Supplies
Take several months before your remodel project to plan out everything from cabinets and countertops to lighting fixtures and functional kitchen appliances.
It’s a good idea to start gathering materials and supplies such as paint, doors, windows, nails, screws, tools, granite slabs, hardware pulls, and glass panes for the cabinets before the kitchen remodel starts.
You should also give yourself plenty of time to perform easy DIY tasks on your own.
Preparing For Demolition
When you’re preparing for a kitchen remodel, it’s important to prepare for demolition beforehand.
Before starting the demolition process, have the blueprint of the kitchen so you know where each element is located in advance. This will help you clear out the old cabinets and flooring more efficiently, and without damaging the plumbing or electrical system.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- remove appliances from the cabinets
- disconnect plumbing fixtures
- disconnect electrical systems
- remove light fixtures from the ceiling
- remove door knobs from doors
- keep other precious objects in a safe place
Installing new cabinets, shelves, countertops, and backsplashes
Avoid costly mistakes or delays in your project and plan ahead the installation of your new cabinets, shelves, countertops, and backsplashes.
For example, when choosing new cabinets, be sure to measure the space carefully. This ensures the cabinets fit properly and don’t cause any difficulties with installation.
In addition, be sure to choose a style and color that will complement the rest of the remodeled kitchen.
Install Cabinets To Maximizes Storage Space
Maximize your storage space by installing custom cabinets that are taller than usual. This way, you can use the extra space to store items like pots and pans. In addition, you can install cabinets that have shelves on the inside to store plates and glasses.
If you’re tight on space, consider installing sliding doors on the cabinets instead of traditional hinged doors. This will save you space in the kitchen and make it easier to access the contents of the cabinet.
You can also install cabinets that have a pull-out drawer for storing canned goods and other items. This will help you to organize your kitchen and make it more efficient.
Choose Countertops And Backsplashes To Suit Your Style
Countertops and backsplashes can be used to create a cohesive look in the kitchen. In addition, they can be used to add color and texture to the kitchen.
There are many different materials that can be used for backsplashes, including tile, stone, glass, and metal. Tile is a popular choice for backsplashes because it comes in a variety of colors and styles. It’s also durable and easy to clean.
Make your life easier with countertops that are durable and easy to clean. Marble and granite countertops are two popular choices because they are highly functional and look great with all kitchen styles. If you’re on a budget, consider laminate or butcher block countertops instead.
Be sure to choose countertops that are proportional to your kitchen. If you have a small kitchen, consider using smaller countertops, as they open up the room and make it feel bigger.
Finishing touches to make it look good!
Finishing touches are important for a successful kitchen remodel because they can make a big difference in the overall look of your remodeled kitchen. In addition, they can help to make the kitchen feel more comfortable and inviting.
Some of the finishing touches that can be used in a kitchen remodel include cabinet hardware, countertop appliances, and window treatments.
Cabinet hardware can be used to add a personal touch to the cabinets and make them look more stylish. Countertop appliances are a great way to add functionality to the kitchen. They can be used to store food or prepare meals.
Window treatments can be used to control the amount of light that comes into the kitchen and to create a cozy atmosphere.
Clean-up
When a kitchen remodel is complete, it’s important to clean up properly so that the kitchen can be used safely and efficiently. Doing so will keep dust, debris, and chemicals out of the air and off of furniture and appliances.
The best way to prevent the spread of dust is by wet mopping or vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. These types of machines are designed to trap allergens inside the bag or canister, which prevents them from escaping into the air.
In addition, seal the area where work was being done to prevent dust from entering other parts of the home. This can be done using plastic sheeting and duct tape.
If you’re working with any chemicals on the job site, make sure that they are disposed of properly once they’ve finished being used.
Inspection After Completion
It’s important to have an inspection after such projects to make sure that everything was done correctly. This will help to ensure that the kitchen is safe to use and that it meets all of your needs.
An inspection can also help to identify any areas that need improvement. If there are any problems with the structural build, they can be fixed before they cause any damage or inconvenience.
Having an inspection after a kitchen remodel is completed is a great way to protect your investment and make sure that you’re getting the most out of your new kitchen and that the total job cost was fair.
Conclusion
Planning and a specialized kitchen remodeler are crucial for a successful renovation. Make sure that you have the right kitchen remodel company to help guide you through this process. A well established process ensures your project goes smoothly, and that should be your goal.
Mortise & Miter provides a stress-free kitchen remodeling process with professional advice from experienced designers who know how to work within any budget. Hundreds of successful kitchen remodels are proof that you can get your envisioned kitchen too.
With our team of experts on your side, there’s no need to worry about running into unforeseen costs or delays in completion.
Call us today at (913) 214-6211 to get started!
