5 Tips for Your Kitchen Remodel

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where many people spend the majority of their time when at home, it is where they prepare meals to nourish family and friends, it is a conversation piece for guests and, when selling a home, it is often the single most important feature that potential buyers focus on.

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home.  It is where many people spend the majority of their time when at home, it is where they prepare meals to nourish family and friends, it is a conversation piece for guests and, when selling a home, it is often the single most important feature that potential buyers focus on.  No homeowner should spend so much time in a kitchen that is not functional or aesthetically appealing.   A kitchen remodel, when done well, is an investment that will keep paying for itself and can have one of the highest returns on investment compared to other home improvements.  And, not only will the investment yield a good return but you will choose all of the features and finishes so it is sure to be something you truly enjoy.  But, like any home renovation project, there are certain tips to follow to ensure that you maximize your investment and create the ideal kitchen you have always dreamed of.  Below are 5 tips for creating your dream kitchen when remodeling.

1. Budget

There is little you can realistically do or anticipate without having determined budget first.  A kitchen remodel can be done on a small budget or large budget but, no matter what, you heed to set the budget first.  A kitchen remodel can quickly grow and grow until you suddenly realize you are overspending so set a budget at the beginning and stick to it.

2. Plan

Once you know your budget you can begin to plan what you want to do with your kitchen remodel.  Begin to envision what you would like to change, what if anything you would like to keep and what would make you happy.  This can be a daunting task because there are many things to consider.  Once way to organize all of your ideas and inspiration is to create a Pinterest board or an idea board where you can organize and see all of your plans in one place.

3. Function & Ergonomics

When making plans do not forget to consider function and ergonomics.  It is easy to get wrapped up in the latest trends, cool finishes and aesthetically appealing aspects but when it all comes down to it you need your kitchen to be functional and ergonomically correct for you.  Think about how you truly use your kitchen?  Are you a gourmet chef or a microwave expert?  Do you need more drawers up high so you do not need to bend over?  Would pull out shelves make it easier to find pots and pans?  When designing your new kitchen make it function the way you need it to.

4. Style

Once you have figured out what works best for you and your family in a kitchen it is time to choose style and finish.  If you are replacing or refinishing your cabinets, consider a style that is timeless but that also works with your current style.  Look around at your decor and design style in the rest of the home.  This will help influence what style you choose for your kitchen.  Perhaps you prefer a more modern look or maybe you are more traditional in your style.  Whatever you style is, there is a kitchen design right for you and it will influence everything from cabinetry, to tile, to countertops, to hardware, to fixtures and beyond.

5. Hiring Your Contractor

The last step but certainly not the least – hiring a contractor.  Hiring a good, reliable, experienced and trustworthy contractor will be just as important as any other decision you are making, if not more important.  You can have all the ideas in the world but if you do not hire the right contractor they may never come to life.  Ask for references and look at pictures from previous jobs to get an idea of the type of work a contractor is experienced with so that you know you are hiring the right contractor for your kitchen remodel.