Are you aware that this past year Americans spent over $400 billion on remodeling projects according to the National Association of Realtors? That’s a lot of money! And of that total, a significant amount was spent on kitchen remodels. Since that is where most families spend a great deal of their time it makes sense that before spending any money on a remodel, some planning should take place prior to getting started.
Are you one of the many thousands who will undertake a kitchen remodel this coming year? Here are some important things to consider.
- Decide why you want to remodel! This may seem obvious but redoing a kitchen is a big undertaking and you want to be sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Are you tired of your 25-year-old cabinets which are worn and dreary? Do you need more space for a growing family and more entertaining? Are you considering increasing the resale value for a future move? IS the flow and floorplan no longer working for you? Have you suffered a catastrophic flood or fire that necessitates a new kitchen?
- Figure out the shape you want and if you are expanding the kitchen footprint. There will be a big difference in the amount of work done depending on if you retain the exact same layout or plan to change or expand the size and shape of the current space. Expanding or changing the footprint will entail new plumbing, electrical, flooring, lighting which could add additional money to the project.
- Establish your budget before you start and then add a little extra. No matter how well planned a kitchen remodel is, there are always contingencies that you don’t anticipate. Especially if you are breaking walls and/or floors, be prepared that there may be hidden issues you weren’t aware of in an older kitchen. HGTV advises setting aside an additional 20% over the set budget for just these sort of unexpected surprises.
- Decide on Your Contractors. Unless you are a really experienced Do-It-Yourselfer or a contractor, a kitchen remodel requires a team of highly trained professionals. Your team will include a kitchen design firm that is familiar with the latest kitchen software to design and lay out the entire project before it begins. Then you will need a demolition crew, carpenter if you are removing walls and changing the kitchen layout, cabinet installers, flooring specialist, plumber, electrician, tile technician, countertop installers, etc. And not necessarily in this order. Depending on the amount of work that goes into your remodel, will determine which of these team members you will need to hire. The most important thing to remember is that you work with reputable professionals who have been vetted or are highly recommended by people you trust. US Kitchens & Baths has been in business for almost 100 years and is a 4th generation family owned and operated company. You know you can trust a company like that!
- To stay or to go…that is the question. Many people choose to leave their premises during the construction phases of a new kitchen. It can be quite noisy and inconvenient to stay home during this portion of the project…especially if you have a large family or small children. Others make the decision to set up an alternative “kitchen area” utilizing a different part of the house such as a basement or dining room with a microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, etc. However, remember that you will be without your kitchen sink and dishwasher for several weeks or even months, so be sure that you want to stay in your home during early phases of the remodel.
Once you make the decision that this is the right time to plan a new kitchen, come by and speak to one of our experienced kitchen designers who can walk you through our expansive showroom and discuss your goals for your new dream kitchen. Call us to set up an appointment at 973-386-5500. Our goal is to help you have a kitchen that you and your family will love for many yours to come.
