What is the First Thing to Do When Remodeling a Kitchen
In our last post we discussed How Do You Know When It’s Time For A Kitchen Remodel. Today we will explore What Is The First Thing to Do When Remodeling a Kitchen. Learning how to remodel kitchen is a dream for every homeowner, considering it’s one of the easiest ways to boost the value of any home. However, it can sometimes be an overwhelming and enormous undertaking considering the time required, phases and all the other elements that go into the project.
Like any other home renovations, there are essential steps that you need to be knowledgeable about, regardless of whether you intend to DIY aspects of the remodel or call in help for professional services.
In this post, we take the stress out of your kitchen remodeling journey by breaking down the steps to remodel a kitchen so you can plan for a successful project.
So, what exactly is entailed in a kitchen remodel? Scroll down to learn more!
What Are the Steps to Remodel a Kitchen?
Research and gather Contemporary Kitchen Design Ideas
The first crucial stage in any kitchen remodel is to gather ideas for your kitchen remodel and sketch out a general outline of the remodel. Gathering a wide range of layouts and designs will help you determine whether you need to replace countertops, cabinets, flooring, fixtures or appliances.
Also, during this stage, you can determine how your kitchen will be utilized and whether your new kitchen makeover will fit within the existing kitchen floorplan.
Create a Budget
Once you have established your preferred kitchen design, it’s time to determine how much money and how long your kitchen remodel will take. Even though time and cost for your remodel will vary depending on the size of your kitchen, the extent of the kitchen renovations, and any contractors you may be working with, experts recommend performing some research in order to come up with a realistic rough estimate of your kitchen remodel budget.
kitchen renovation cost – On average, the cost to remodel a kitchen in ranges between $9000 to $50,000.
Research and call in the Professionals
Even when going solo, you’ll still need to call in professional services at some point. You need to hire a licensed contractor who will not only manage your project from start to finish but all pull building permits.
Pro tip takeaway: If you’re hiring a General Contractor, use your friends, neighbors, and colleagues in your research to find the best professional to realize your unique designs. You can set aside time to interview at least three qualified contractors before choosing the best.
Caution! Even if you are planning for an inexpensive DIY kitchen remodel, you should avoid low-ball bids when seeking the services of a professional. Low estimates indicate a professional remodeler may be desperate for work or plans to use substandard materials.
Tear Out and Demolition
Before you are ready to create a new kitchen space, it is important to tear out all of the old stuff and get rid of what’s worn out or whatever is not going to be reused. After all new remodeling materials have been inspected and delivered, it is time to rip out anything you don’t want to keep including cabinetry, walls, fixtures, flooring, and old appliances.
Pro tip takeaway: Handling the demo yourself will greatly save you some money if have a plan for how to dispose of the debris.
Caution! Do attempt to handle the demo yourself, especially if you’re inexperienced on handling poisonous wastes like asbestos.
Rough-in Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical
After demolition, rough-in work can begin, which entail plumbing, mechanical, framing, and electrical work. When you’re ready to put your kitchen back together, we recommend this order of steps to complete your renovation:
- kitchen floor plan – Choose from a wide range of kitchen floor plan including real wood, engineered wood, ceramic and natural stone tile, and vinyl.
- Install fixture boxes and switches.
- Install countertops – Replace or reface cabinets depending upon their condition and your preferences. Choose from a wide array of natural and engineered products such as composites, tile, quartz, granite, steel, and marble.
- Storage – Install kitchen cabinets and other organizational features to help you keep small appliances, storage containers, dishes, glasses, and food.
- Put in the backsplash and Kitchen Island
- Paint the room – You can paint your room to match your walls to your cabinets or any color that suit your tastes.
- Invest in kitchen appliances – You should bring in a microwave, a refrigerator, stove, a wine chiller, water filtration system, and more. By this point in the process, your kitchen should be starting to take shape.
- Install vent hoods and exhaust fans to stop odors from settling in your kitchen.
- For privacy, climate control, and light in the kitchen, introduce window coverings such as shutters, shades, and so forth.
Celebrate Your Beautiful New Kitchen
Once the dust has settled, you can check out your brand new and fully functional remodeled kitchen, check off the project items that are complete and wrap up the others that still need attention.
If you’re working with a general contractor, they are likely to have a timeline or punch list to determine when the overall kitchen remodel project is 100% complete.
Once construction is over, you can finally dismantle your makeshift kitchen, sit back and celebrate your beautiful new kitchen.
Pro tip takeaway: If you have any remnants or debris left over from your kitchen remodeling, you can handle the heavy-duty cleanups yourself or seek the help of dumpster rentals.
Ready to begin your kitchen remodel project? Schedule your free kitchen remodeling consultation today via our website or call us. We look forward to helping you achieve a kitchen remodel of your dreams!
Read our last post How Do You Know When It’s Time For A Kitchen Remodel.