KITCHEN REMODEL TIPS

Are you thinking of taking on a remodeling project in your home? Here are 5 tips that can get you headed in the right direction and let you know what to expect.

Show and TellI

’m sure you didn’t decide to remodel your kitchen or bathroom on an impulse. It is something you have thought about—a lot. You have a vision for this space, and chances are you have ideas and pictures galore! Be prepared to share this vision and provide as many details as possible. Here are just a few of the things your designer will want to know:

• Are you right or left handed?

• How frequently do you cook?

• What are your likes/ dislikes about your current kitchen?

• How do you need this space to function?

Crunch the Numbers

It’s important to stay on budget, but just as important is setting a realistic budget. In his article “Here’s the Right Amount to Spend on a Home Renovation”, Josh Garskof cites a breakdown of home renovation costs by the value of each room as a percentage of your home’s total value. Using this rule of thumb, a kitchen remodel should cost between 10- 15% of a home’s value. For a master bathroom remodel, you should expect to spend 10%, while a powder room/bathroom should cost 5%. Naturally, you will be willing to spend more on the things that are important to you. Your likes or must-haves will determine where you are willing to spend more of your budget. For example, if you are planning to be in your home for at least 10 more years, a product with a better warranty might appeal to you even if it costs a little more. Doing some of the work yourself can help stretch your budget. If you are a DIYer (I know you’re out there!), you may feel up to the task of doing the tear out, painting, or installing the back splash. The money you save on labor might allow you to have everything on your wish list and stay on budget.

A kitchen remodel, do a custom kitchen remodel in Franklin, TN or Spring Hill, TN with BDC, kitchen cabinets, custom cabinets and more – By Design Cabinetry.

Are We There Yet?

This remodel project didn’t just start for you. It started when you created that Pinterest Board or Houzz Idea Book. You already have serious time invested in this, and you were ready for this to be done—yesterday! I get that, and I feel your pain. Depending on the amount of work to be done, you might expect a complete kitchen remodel to take four to six weeks, after the designing and ordering part of the process. Make sure your timeline expectation is proportionate to the size of the job. Ask your designer/contractor specific questions about the time requirements since they will be able to give you a good estimation. If you are doing any of the work yourself, you can help stay on schedule by having your part finished by the time the installers/subcontractors are scheduled to start work on your project.

Expect the Unexpected

Remember to be flexible. During a bathroom or kitchen remodel, sometimes things happen that are out of your contractor’s control. Shipping delays or inclement weather can wreak havoc on work schedules. Speaking of the unexpected, we can’t rule out the possibility of unknown issues being discovered during the project. How to deal with these contingencies should be addressed before the project begins. Any reputable contractor will deal with these setbacks as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Do Your Part

Even if you are not a DIYer, there are things you can do to help the installation/construction part of the process. Plan to be home (or at least in town) when the work is scheduled to begin. Anything on your calendar that might conflict with your renovation will need to be addressed when the timeline is being discussed. Make sure you have a place where your ordered materials can be safely stored until the installation begins. Consider covering the floors if possible. It may also be necessary to move furniture to clear pathways and give plenty of workspace. Keeping pets and children out of the area being remodeled is crucial to safety. These steps can help prevent damages and injuries.

We want to help you improve the place you call home. By Design Cabinetry proudly serves Franklin, TN Cool Springs, Spring Hill, TN, and surrounding areas.