Kitchen Remodeling – Before Starting Your Project

Remodeling your kitchen is often a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor. Your old kitchen isn’t working for you, and it’s time for an upgrade. You likely have dreams of what your new kitchen will look like. Before you start remodeling, however, there are certain things you need to think about.

Here are eight things you need to consider before tearing out the old cabinets:

1. How Do You Live and Work in the Kitchen?

Don’t plan your kitchen based on a showroom display or a magazine spread. Instead, you need to plan your kitchen around the way you live and work in it. For example, do you use the microwave more than the range? Then, don’t put a lot of money into a high-end range.

Other considerations:

• Do you need to accommodate a large family?
• Do you want space for two cooks?
• Do you have a lot of small appliances to accommodate?
• Do you want a large island with a lot of seating?

2. How Do You Function without a Working Kitchen?

During the remodel, you will not have a working kitchen. How do you feed your family during that time? Eating out for every meal isn’t practical for most families. One option is to set up a temporary cooking area in another part of the house, like the basement, dining room, or guest bedroom.

3. Are You Being Practical?

When designing a new kitchen, you need to put practicality and functionality over aesthetics. For example, marble countertops are beautiful. It is also porous which allows oils and liquids to seep and stain. It is also easily scratched and chipped.

The good news is that there is a multitude of beautiful options that are also practical. Talk to the general contractors Riverside CA trust with their remodels.

4. Is the Design Timeless?

You will be living with that kitchen for decades to come. If you decide to sell your home in 10 years, you don’t want a kitchen that’s already outdated. Make your design as timeless as possible. Go with a neutral color palette for the cabinets and floors. Use the same color appliances throughout the space. If you want a splash of color, use it on the walls, textiles, and small appliances.

5. Are You Ready for the Mess?

A kitchen remodel will make a huge mess. Even when the contractors take all the precautions, you will find construction dust everywhere. It will be in your hair and on your clothing. It will be on every piece of furniture you own. Are you ready for it?

Also, all the contents of your kitchen cabinets will need to be stored someplace during the construction. You may find your dining room filled with boxes and appliances.

6. Do You Have a Realistic Budget?

Your remodeling project will cost more than you think. That’s a reality you need to consider. When ripping out old cabinets and appliances, you may find underlying issues you need to address. Examples include termite damage, mold, and structural issues. You may be dreaming of high-end finishes, but have a budget that can’t handle it.

Get solid estimates from multiple contractors. Then, add 10 to 25% extra for the things you didn’t anticipate.

7. Are You Hiring the Right Professionals?

You need an experienced contractor to handle the project. Trying to act as your own contractor can spell trouble. An experienced contractor knows how to get the job done faster and more efficiently. Hire the general contractors Riverside CA know and trust.

Besides a contractor, you should hire a kitchen designer. Homeowners who hire a designer don’t regret it. This trained professional can give you the most efficient layout, using quality materials, and including the personal touches that make all the difference.

8. Can You Speak Up when Necessary?

It is your home and your kitchen remodel. You need to monitor the progress of the remodel every step of the way. If you see something that doesn’t look right, you need to speak up quickly. Talk with the contractor. Use email, texts, and phone calls as needed. If the timeline is slipping, ask why.

The contractor should keep you in the loop at all times. If there are potential delays or problems getting materials to the site, you need to know that. Don’t be afraid to speak up.

After considering all of these things, you will be better prepared for your kitchen remodel. When you’re ready to start, contact A-Quality Construction Company. We are a full-service construction company with over 30 years of experience that can help with your remodel. Give us a call or fill out our contact form to get started.