Designing your new kitchen can be both fun and frightening task. How can you ensure your design needs are being met? What will you do if you run into obstacles? The truth is, is that there are many variables you cannot control during any home renovation. However, with the help of a proper kitchen remodel checklist, you can turn your kitchen remodelling fears into a distant memory. Read on for our tips!
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Your Ultimate Kitchen Remodel Checklist for 2021
The steps to remodel a kitchen can be broken down into two categories. Time management and proper attention to detail. This guide provides five steps that help you manage your redesign without breaking the bank.
Make a Plan
One of the most important kitchen remodeling steps involves creating a plan. A plan helps you stay on track of the renovations and eliminates stress around renovation variables.
Some key elements you should consider planning for include:
- Setting a renovation timeline
- Knowing your contractor options
- Understanding building codes
- Finding an alternate eating area
Organizing a proper renovation plan helps contractors and family members ease through the process along with you. With proper planning, even the most hectic renovations can be made simple.
Create a List of Updates
Regardless of the size of your remodelling project, you should plan out the exact changes you would like to make. This may include moving or adding appliances, making structural changes, or replacing existing electrical and plumbing systems.
During this step, you should consider how you and your family operate as a unit.
For example, if you are a family that values cooking together, a kitchen island may be an appropriate choice for your remodel. Depending on the size of your home, you may want to consider structural changes to accommodate your ideas.
Additionally, you want to make sure that your layout works well for the flow of the kitchen.
A unique way to do this is by creating zones within your kitchen space. Zones can be adapted to fit each family’s specific needs. Families with kids, for instance, may want to place their stove away from the refrigerator.
This ensures that your kids can stay as safe as possible when grabbing an item in the fridge while you cook dinner.
Budget Wisely
Budgeting is not the most glamorous part of remodelling your kitchen yet, it is the most important. Without proper budgeting, you may experience unwanted consequences if you run out of money.
When beginning budgeting for your project, you should always remain realistic and stay within your financial means. Doing research ahead of the project will show you what materials are within your budget and which ones you may just have to let go of.
But, having a lower budget doesn’t mean that you have to compromise- it just means you have to be more strategic with where you are spending your dollar.
The great thing about remodelling your kitchen and planning it yourself is that you have the freedom to structure it to your personal preferences. If you have your heart set on a certain type of countertop it may be worth it to spend a bit more in that area and less on other elements.
Budgets for certain features range depending on your individual values however, the following elements should be budgeted for in every kitchen remodelling project:
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Flooring
- Structural changes
- Contracting fees
Finally, as a general rule, it is recommended that you spend 5 to 15 percent of your home’s value when renovating your kitchen.
Know Your Style
Without a doubt, styling your kitchen is the most exciting part of your modern kitchen remodels. This step allows your inner interior designer to shine by bringing your creative ideas to life.
If you have ever considered remodelling, chances are you have found yourself getting lost in photos of beautiful, massive kitchens in luxury homes. You may have even spent countless hours comparing laminate flooring to hardwood, just to make sure you choose the right one.
This is where your diligent budget planning steps in and helps you make hard decisions when picking your ideal features. By planning out your budget for individual features, it is now easier to find styles that align with your financial means as well as your design desires.
For an added element of creativity, consider organizing the designs you are considering on photo boards. These boards make it easier for you to compare and contrast your kitchen remodel ideas without becoming overwhelmed.
Expect Obstacles
Even the best planners run into obstacles from time to time. For this reason, it is important to make sure to list out any common obstacles that can occur during any home renovation.
Planning for these obstacles will help you adapt your renovation timeline if something does not go according to plan.
Obstacles that you should anticipate include:
- Rerouting gas or plumbing lines
- New appliances not fitting through home entrance
- Change in energy source for appliances
- Dealing with unexpected mold/structure damage
This short list contains only a few things that may come up when renovating your home. After all, every home is different- making the issues you encounter very unpredictable.
Enjoying Your New Space
Planning a new kitchen can be hard work and time-consuming however, it is all worth it once you can finally relax and enjoy your new space.
With the help of this kitchen remodel checklist, you can enter 2021 with the dream kitchen you deserve. To gain more inspiration and advice for planning your new kitchen, feel free to check out our blog.
