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How to Plan a Project With Top Kitchen Remodeling Contractors?

A successful kitchen remodeling project requires the right planning from the get-go.

By HnA My DesignPublished 3 years ago 6 min read
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Availing a kitchen remodel service is a long-term investment on the part of homeowners that could take several weeks to complete depending on the contract with the parties involved. However, sometimes things don't go as planned.

While it is imperative that the look and aesthetics of your kitchen should be attractive and welcoming. More than that, a great aspect of your remodel is that an updated kitchen can add real value to your home.

So if you are planning to remodel your kitchen, we would suggest that you take help from professional contractors to make a robust plan and consider the following points to help you make smart choices and create a kitchen that you truly adore.

Step 1: Don't have any idea yet? Do your research

The very first step in planning is the easiest one- it is all about figuring out what you want, how you use your kitchen, finding the perfect layout and features that will fit your existing space and lifestyle.

Start your inspiration by browsing Pinterest boards or home improvement websites like Houzz and save the ideas to discuss with your kitchen remodeling contractor to develop a plan. But before viewing a broad range of layouts and designs, think about the priorities and ask yourself some questions:

  • Who cooks and how often?
  • Do you need an addition?
  • Or are you able to work in your existing footprint?
  • What is the necessary equipment?
  • How many people will be gathering?
  • Do you need more storage?
  • When you have a realistic approach and know how your kitchen will be used and if the new design will fit the current floor plan, you will easily be able to draw a general outline of the remodel. Now if you have already done so, it's time to start saving photos, figuring out the layout with the features that best suit your style. A crucial stage in the research process is to determine all the current aspects that you want to change.

    Moreover, knowing the precise layout will give potential kitchen remodeling contractors an idea about scope of the work, making it easier to get ballpark estimates for your project.

    Step 2: Don't work without a budget

    Now that you have an idea of what your dream kitchen would look like, it is time to determine how much you would want to spend. Since "what's your budget?" is one of the first questions a remodeling professional will ask you.

    While it is tough to determine exactly how much a kitchen remodel will cost, this early in the process, however, establishing a budget now will allow you to be strict during the process otherwise the remodeling without a pre-planned scope and budget will most probably leave a huge dent in your bank account.

    As a good rule of thumb be sure to set aside 10-20% of your budget for unforeseen circumstances during the remodel, which can include structural, electrical, and plumbing issues that can arise during the project. Note that, the budget should be made as such that neither it is exorbitantly high nor it's restricting.

    Step 3: Plan a kitchen layout

    Here comes the fun part, where your ideas start to turn to reality. Now that you have an overall idea of what you want and how much you can afford it is time to do the design.

    According to your budget, consider if you want to change your layout or not. Even though when talking to contractors the temptation is to talk about what the kitchen will look like, rather homeowners should be more focused on the layout and space planning.

    Plus, if you are planning to change the existing layout, it would mean changing not only the positions of the cabinet but also the gas, electricity, water line, and much more. Moreover, your contractor will help you figure out what materials will go where, how many square feet you will need, how to plan storage, and ultimately how much this will cost.

    The success of your kitchen remodeling project relies on the capability of the chosen remodeling contractor, the deciding factor will always depend on how strong the communication between you and your contractor is. So, it is wise to be clear beforehand whether you have planned to change the design of the kitchen totally or make just a few small changes to update the workspace in your kitchen efficiently.

    Step 4: Kitchen space planning with remodeling contractors

    This step is not just about turning to a contractor armed with all the measurements you need, including floor plan to the position of windows, doors, and appliances. It is more than that, they have to think about the function and practicality. Check the conditions of your wall and floors, as any remedial work can affect the space.

    A good remodeling contractor can help you make sure things are laid out in the correct manner to ensure proper safety, but it is also up to the plan and condition of the space. You can simply collaborate with them to understand the following and then plan accordingly:

  • Group the related functions and appliances.
  • If space allows include a kitchen island.
  • Consider the traffic areas in your kitchen.
  • When working with an existing layout avoid changing electricity, gas, and plumbing lines, or knocking down walls.
  • When working to map out space, contractors will help you with the following:

  • Counters for food preparation, if the layout can fit more you can do so.
  • Leave adequate floor space for appliances so the fridge doors can be opened.
  • Leave enough room to have a walking space between the counters and the island.
  • Step 5: Work with Pros

    There are two main players to bring to the field if you are looking to get the best kitchen remodel done within your specified timeline and budget:

  • A kitchen designer
  • A contractor
  • And to get the best of both worlds, there are design-build companies out there, that can help you make your kitchen space functional and efficient with their quality services of design, remodel, and building. You are going to work with a professional unless you are building your kitchen cabinets or doing the electricity and plumbing on your own.

    Assuming you have not already reached out to a licensed contractor yet, you should do so once you have decided the budget, planned a layout, and overall design is finalized according to space.

    There are professionals out there for just every facet of a major kitchen remodel, from building countertops to providing custom services for your cabinets and managing the whole project by themselves. They will be at your service with everything from the beginning- space planning, budgeting, choosing finishes and fixtures to contracts and permits.

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    About the Creator

    HnA My Design

    H&A My Design is a construction company that is committed to constructing homes that transform a client's vision into reality. We cover everything from simple remodeling projects to complex engineering, repair and construction projects.

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