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You’ve been dreaming of remodeling your kitchen for years, and now you’re really doing it!
A kitchen remodel is a huge endeavor. Even if you’re just adding a new sink or replacing a countertop, you need to plan perfectly.
Your kitchen is your home’s hub of water, electric, and gas lines. Not to mention, if you make one tiny measurement mistake, you might have to toss out an entire slab of granite countertop or a whole oak cabinet.
Here’s what you need to consider before you start your kitchen reno.
Get Professional Help
Get Professional Help
We love DIYers, but you should at least get a consultation with a professional contractor before your remodel to make sure you don’t make any serious structural mistakes.
Don’t Skimp on the Basics
Don’t Skimp on the Basics
You might have your heart set on that luxury bread warmer, but if it means you have to downgrade your cabinetry, you need to think again.
Your kitchen basics deserve the most attention and investment because they will support everything else you want to buy. The basics include:
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Cabinets: We love hardwood cabinets
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Counters: You can’t go wrong with granite or quartz
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Sinks: Fireclay sinks and workstation sinks will last a lifetime
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Floors: Hardwood and vinyl are durable and stylish
You can splurge with your appliances after you’ve chosen top-quality basics.
Plan for the Future
Plan for the Future
How often do you want to renovate your kitchen?
When doing your reno, think about what you’ll need in 10-15 years. Will you have a houseful of kids? If so, you might want to put in a kitchen island and a double-bowl sink.
Will the kids be off at college or beyond? Maybe leave space for a wine fridge and a coffee nook.
Once your remodel is over, you don’t want to think about doing it again for at least a decade. Consider where you’ll be in the future and add some perks. Future-you will thank you.
Respect Cohesion in Your Home
Respect Cohesion in Your Home
If you have an older home with traditional architecture, you shouldn’t redo your kitchen in the uber-modern design. That might be your favorite kitchen design style, but if it doesn’t fit in with the rest of your home, it’s going to fall flat in its execution.
It might also hurt your resale value, especially if you remove some of the older elements that gave your original kitchen its personality.
Always Ask: Is it Functional?
Always Ask: Is it Functional?
Do you need one wall of your kitchen to be an enlarged shadow box full of decorative ceramic sculptures? It looked amazing in the magazine, yes. But it’s not going to make your life any easier on a day-to-day basis.
Your kitchen is where you will do the most work in your home. Everything in it needs to have a purpose.
If you ask the right questions and cover your bases before you start your kitchen remodel, you’ll have the best chance of achieving your dream look (and meeting your budget).