Q: What are some tips and/or steps we should consider before jumping into our kitchen renovation project?

A: Kitchen renovations are one of the most desirable home improvement projects for homeowners. A new kitchen increases the value of your home, not to mention making your life easier.

We’ve organized steps that you should take when you’re planning your kitchen renovation to help you sort through the process and have clarity from the beginning to the end.

1. The first step to your new kitchen is to set a budget. Decide how much money you are willing to spend. This will help drive your other decisions. Be sure to leave a cushion in your budget for additional, unexpected expenses.

When determining your budget, consider how long you intend to stay in your home. If you are planning to sell in the next year or so, you may want to spend less money. Decide which features you must have in your new kitchen. You can save money in  areas by substituting less expensive materials for the counter tops, flooring or cabinets, etc.  There is a difference between renovating or remodeling a home you plan to stay in forever vs. one you are updating for a quick sale.

2. Research Kitchen Trends. Before you start planning your remodeling project, do some research on the current trends and designs being used in kitchens. Houzz is one of the best places on the internet to generate ideas, it’s a visual community of ideas from all over the world, click to check it out at ACo Houzz.

Start a file for pictures of kitchens you love, furniture, appliances, fabric swatches or anything else you find interesting. This will help when you are ready to start purchasing items for your new room.

3. Options in Kitchen Remodeling.  Cabinets are an expensive item in any remodeling project. They often take up half of the overall budget for the room so be sure to review all the options first.

If you must have new cabinets, consider adding some extra features. Features such as tilt out drawers, pull out garbage cans or a lazy Susan inside a corner cabinet are great space savers and make the room more functional. The doors can be either solid wood, clear glass or stained glass. Shop around to find out what is available before making a purchase.

Where are you in your current plans for your kitchen design? We want to partner with you to help you fully realize your vision for your updated kitchen. Contact us today!