Giving the food preparation area a makeover is not a simple job. It’s not a hobbyist fun activity. Thus, the DIY approach is not advisable unless you’re a remodeling expert or professional contractor. Kitchen remodelers deal with the project’s entire scope. It starts with preliminary design concepts, installations (electrical and plumbing), building countertops, and painting.
Wide Coverage
Refurbishment depends on the homeowner’s needs and choices. It can involve reworking the whole room as well as changing fixtures. Or, the job will simply require installing new cabinets. For example, plumbing is a vital aspect of remodeling. You need running water continuously while preparing food or washing dishes.
Busted pipes or leaking faucets will create plenty of problems. Some appliances must also be connected to the water system. Licensed and experienced plumbers are the only persons who can perform these tasks promptly and efficiently. The hardest part probably is to make everything work effectively from design to electricity, plumbing, and carpentry.
Errors in makeovers will result in faulty fittings, dripping pipes, unsightly layouts, and costly repairs. To avoid this unsuccessful outcome, make sure to work with competent service providers.
How to Proceed?
Study and understand the workflow prior to making any modifications. The first thing to avoid is rushing the reconstruction process. Look at your kitchen’s inoperative and rundown state. This will give you an idea of the appropriate arrangement to make it more functional.
Work closely with the restoration expert. Focus on the details. Primary elements of the kitchen consist of appliances, fixtures, countertops, cupboards, and flooring. However, expect additional expenses. These will come mostly from the following:
- Demolition/Removal
- Rough Plumbing
- Rough Electrical
- Framing
- Lighting
- Sink Installation
- New Furnishings
- Painting
- Window Covers
- Carpentry
Saving Money
Try to figure out how to become cost-effective. Majority of homeowners implement kitchen overhauls without the thought of saving money. Professionals can give helpful suggestions. Replacing broken-down appliances can prove to be a money-saver in the long-term. Or else, maintain the existing layout and reuse old but still serviceable materials. Sticking to your original plan minimizes costs because you need not rewire or repeat the plumbing.
Planning Spells the Difference
Plan well. Take accurate measurements with the assistance of expert kitchen remodelers. Nevertheless, remain open to recommendations and last-minute modifications. The keywords are MEASURE CAREFULLY! Keep in mind that ¼ of an inch can affect the kitchen’s layout significantly. Create your plans and take measurements ahead of time. But, stay flexible. You may need to make changes any time during the project.
Be resourceful. Make room for various recommendations, opinions, opportunities, and possibilities. Experienced remodelers usually inform clients to allocate between 15 and 25 percent more finances than your initial estimate. It sounds impractical at first. However, that’s a good advice. The additional money will cover extras that you didn’t include in the budget.
Everything Starts with Design
Identify your desired design. The straightforward but sleek layout appeals to most homemakers. Keeping the gas range or stove as well as the kitchen sink is a cost-effective option. Moving the fixture calls for a transfer of gas lines. You’ll be forced to relocate the plumbing which means higher expenses.
Choose a general theme like contemporary, minimalist, bucolic, or country. It helps in hassle-free selection and purchase of materials. Besides, you need to obtain other permits and put in extra time. Sit down with the designer to establish the project’s detailed scope and timelines.
Open Communications
Communicate and work openly with the remodeling contractor. Prepare a complete listing of tasks for completion. It’s not necessary to be very technical about terminologies. Just explain to the service provider what you want to accomplish. Here are some of the priority tasks:
- Take away all the cabinets, shelves, counters, and flooring.
- Lay down tiles on the floor and sink area.
- Move new appliances and furnishings.
- Connect all plumbing pipes.
- Install lights and electrical connections.
As much as possible, order or buy the materials personally. Asking the contractor to purchase materials and appliances can leave you spending more. You pay extra fees aside from the original costs. Shop around for major items either from online vendors or physical retail outlets. This is an effective way of saving cash.
Concentrate on the flooring, furnishings, and cabinets instead of lighting fixtures or paint. Refrain from changing orders. Decide on what you really want before the process of bidding out the project and signing a contract.
Choice of Products and Trademarks
Avoid selecting fixtures based on brands. Cabinets can be expensive if you look at the trademark alone. On the other hand, look for a premium quality cabinet made of robust material. Spend time to check out manufacturers and suppliers for inexpensive commodities. Yet, do not compromise quality for cost. It’s worth asking kitchen remodelers for recommendations. These people have extensive connections and a wide network in the industry.
Get Involved in the Actual Renovation
You may have hired the most qualified remodeler. Yet, it does not prevent you from helping in the actual makeover. Doing this also gives you the chance to supervise the workers. Consider installing cabinets or painting the walls if you have the skill. Watch videos and tutorials on the world wide web. Read home improvement books and magazines for some tips. Helping the service provider also reduces labor expenses.
Examine the new cabinets, counters, and shelves. Many of these fixtures are delivered pre-assembled or pre-fabricated. Installation comes easier even for amateurs. Otherwise, furniture pieces that entail assembly may call for an expert’s flair. Kitchen remodeling is not a trouble-free process. Projects may take several weeks or months.
Again, the timeframe depends on the scope of work. Planning the revamp will guide you through the grueling stage of finding the lowest prices and easing the stress the restoration process brings. Develop a realistic plan anchored on current market prices. Look for honest individuals to work with. At the end of the day, you can look forward to saving money, enjoying your wonderful kitchen, and adding considerable value to your abode.