Planning Your Kitchen Remodel (Part 1)

14 Jan Planning Your Kitchen Remodel (Part 1)

Does the idea of remodeling your kitchen seem both exciting and daunting? You’re not alone! Most homeowners view this type of renovation as an enormous undertaking. However, the steps involved are not as difficult as they may initially seem. This is especially true when you choose an experienced kitchen designer to help navigate.

The renovation of your kitchen will be more of an evolution than an event. In addition to the initial design phase, you will encounter the demolition phase of your current kitchen, followed by the installation phase of new products and materials. For this reason, it’s recommended that you partner with a professional kitchen designer. This person will have the expertise to successfully guide you through the process.

In this three-part blog series, we will provide insight for gaining knowledge and avoiding unnecessary stress during your kitchen renovation.

Here are a few suggestions to jump start your remodel planning:

Gather Ideas

• Gather pictures and information from home magazines and online photo-sharing platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz that show styles and products that appeal to you and help identify your preferences.
• Consider your household’s needs by gathering design input and wish lists from family members who will also be using the new space.
• Establish a comfortable budget that includes some flexibility for unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation.
• If you are selecting new appliances for your kitchen, prepare to provide model information to your kitchen designer to ensure accurate measurements.

Meet with a Designer

• The initial consultation with a kitchen designer is a time for discussion about the scope of your project.
• Share your style and design preferences to help narrow down products and configurations that best match your vision.
• It is helpful to partner with a kitchen designer who has a showroom of cabinet samples on display. There, you can peruse colors and styles and see available options.
• Based upon information gathered in this first meeting, your designer may create a preliminary design and price estimate for you.
• Typically, your designer will request a visit to your home to evaluate space and take measurements before fine-tuning the design you have chosen.

Be sure to stay tuned for our next blog, Planning Your Kitchen Remodel (Part 2). There, we will discuss design, product selection and cabinet installation.