Kitchen renovations are a lengthy process and can be very expensive. Before you start, make sure that you have everything planned out ahead of time to avoid any mistakes or costly surprises along the way. Here are some things to consider before starting your kitchen renovation:
1. Decide What Kind Of Kitchen You Want
You need to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you want a modern or traditional kitchen?
- What kind of appliances will work best with your design plan?
- Are there any features that stand out to you when looking at kitchens online, such as counter space, subway tile backsplash deep, or dish sinks? Make sure these are things that suit the way you live.
- Do you need ample storage space for your kitchen items?
- What is the size of your current kitchen, and how does it compare to what’s available on the market now? Write down all measurements because they will be important later in this process.
- Do you have any allergies or dietary restrictions? If so, this will affect your choices of appliances and countertops.
- What kind of lighting is available in the kitchen? You may want to consider natural light from a window for an open concept design.
You can use Caesarstone Visualizer to incorporate different elements of your design and get a 3D view of how the end result will appear. This software eliminates the guesswork and makes your kitchen designing experience better.
2. Determine The Time You Need To Complete The Project
An important thing to do is understand how much time you need the renovation done in. You might be renovating while living at home or needing a place to stay during construction. This will change how quickly your kitchen can be completed as well as what contractors and other professionals you need for the project.
If you need the renovation completed in a month, then it may be faster to do some of the work yourself and have contractors come by for other tasks. If you’re living at home during construction but don’t want any disruption, it might take two months. You can also hire professionals to do all the work and complete the kitchen in a week.
3. Cabinet Decision Time
If you consider replacing your kitchen cabinets, the first step should be determining if you would like new construction or pre-fabricated. Prefabricated cabinetry is a great option for those who need an inexpensive alternative without sacrificing style; they also come in a variety of finishes and styles.
New construction cabinets provide more design control, are custom-sized for your kitchen space, and will have the option to choose from many different wood types or other materials that mimic natural stone with its beautiful texture.
When deciding between new construction versus pre-fabricated, keep in mind that pre-fabricated cabinets can be installed quickly and easily, which is a great option for those who are short on time or budget. they also come with the added bonus of being less labor-intensive to install.
4. Countertop Material
The countertop material is one of those things that can make or break your design. Before you start moving everything out, take the time to decide what countertops will work best for you and your family. Here are a few types:
- Granite – One of the most popular options; colors range from light gray/beige to dark gray/black.
- Quartz – A popular option for a more modern look; colors range from light beige to dark black and can have an almost reflective finish.
- Concrete – It is one of the most durable options on the market today; color is determined by the aggregate used in construction (i.e., concrete that uses sand will have a lighter color, while concrete that uses gravel will have a darker color).
- Marble – One of the most expensive options; colors range from beige to white.
5. Make A Proper Schedule and Stick To It
Before you start the project, make a schedule that covers all aspects of your kitchen renovation. This includes everything from deciding on new cabinets to finding out about permits and licenses. Once you have this plan in place, it’s important to stick with it – don’t skip ahead or go off track.
- If there are any specific dates, the renovation will stall until it’s resolved.
- Keep an eye on expiration dates for permits and licenses – if they expire and you haven’t had a chance to renew, then your project could be in jeopardy.
- Keep a timeline to make sure you’re on schedule and don’t miss important deadlines.
6. Consider The Ventilation Situation
A kitchen renovation is a project that will need to be carefully planned. Before you start cooking the family dinner, consider these few things. If your house doesn’t have an exhaust fan or vent in the kitchen area, it’s time for one. Not only does this help remove odors and smoke from food preparations, but a well-placed kitchen fan can also improve the air quality in your home.
Consider incorporating an exhaust vent into a new cabinet or appliance that will have regular use, such as a cooktop or dishwasher. This helps to keep this important part of the renovation free from grease and food particles, so it doesn’t become clogged with material over time.
7. Select The Right Flooring
Select a flooring that can be easily and inexpensively replaced. This is important to keep in mind as the wear on these types of surfaces will generally increase during a kitchen renovation. If you’re considering hardwood floors, remember they may not always make sense for your space due to various reasons, including cost or because it could be too difficult to install them.
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for kitchens because it’s easy to clean and less expensive than some other types of floors, but it also has the same appearance and durability as many hardwood floorings.
8. Focus On Good Lighting
Consider adding an overhead light, a task lamp, or even more lighting in kitchen work areas. Good lighting can make the difference between feeling tired and energized while cooking dinner.
If your home is part of a development with shared utilities, be sure to speak to your neighbors about how they feel about a potential increase in your light bill. If you’re not going to be adding lights, make sure that the ones already there are working well and clean. Deteriorating or dirty fluorescent bulbs can cause headaches as they flicker on and off.
There you have it; some of the important things that you need to consider before you start your kitchen renovation.
