A kitchen renovation represents one of the largest home improvement investments you can make. When a kitchen remodeling project is done well, the finished product delivers a double whammy--improving daily living and increasing property value. Every successful kitchen renovation follows five important steps, starting from initial contact and moving through design and construction to completion.
Step # 1 - Consultation Appointment
You may have several consultation appointments with a selection of contractors. Quality kitchen contractors need to meet and discuss your vision for the new room, take measurements and set out a preliminary budget.
Take this time to get a feel for each contracting company. Grade them on creativity, expertise, communications skills and experience. Are they innovative and willing to implement cutting edge ideas, or are you more comfortable with a traditional contractor that provides a selection of standard finishes? Do they discuss value as well as price, and pay attention to your current and future needs?
This initial consultation sets the outline for the next stage, where a design begins to take shape.
Step # 2 - Design Stage
From this point your contractor will take those findings and come up with several unique kitchen designs. Choose a contractor that transforms your ideas and vision into a functional space with high quality components. Designs that offer a choice of finishes work well and provide you with several options for countertops, cabinets, flooring and backsplash.
Computer design programs allow you to get a feel for the space before construction begins. Details on the specified fixtures should be included, as well as 3-D renderings to work out traffic flow and function.
The traditional kitchen design implements a work triangle, placing the sink, stove and fridge at the points. Not all cooks work this way and some family kitchens are better with separate work areas, including an island, built-in oven and wash-up sink. Consider your own cooking style, habits and preferences, and ask the designer to give those points priority over tried and true industry methods.
Step # 3 - Final Selections and Pricing
Take as long as you need to hammer out your preferred design. Final selections of everything from appliances to flooring, counters, cabinetry and trim will bring your new kitchen to life. Try to make firm selections, since changes and alterations mid-project cost both the contractor and homeowner significant amounts of money. When special orders are involved, final selections must be final or the project timeline and budget are sure to suffer.
Color selections may happen at this stage as well. Consult an interior designer or visit a paint retailer to discuss the palette in your kitchen renovation. Wall colors combine with cabinets, backsplash, floors and even accessories to create a mood in the room.
Be sure your color selections capture the right mood, and try to make selections you can live with for a decent amount of time. While walls and cabinets can be painted, changing countertops and flooring require an investment. Spend your home improvement cash wisely the first time and create a room you'll love to live in for years.
Pricing depends on final selections. Weigh your options and spend money where it's important to you, which may not be what the contractor recommends. Listen to their suggestions and discuss the options with your family. Some structural and mechanical issues cannot be ignored, but if you prefer to invest in a butcher-block countertop and pass on custom cabinetry, make those thoughts known. It's your money, and a good contractor wants you to be happy with the value created.
Some kitchen renovation contractors allow for negotiation, while others deliver a firm price the first time. Remember that you are paying for their expertise and training. Nickel and diming them often puts a damper on your renovation project, and the savings may be relatively small in the long run.
Step # 4 - Construction
Demolition or removal is the initial stage of construction, and the time required depends on the scope of your project. If you are completely redesigning the room, knocking down walls and relocating plumbing fixtures, this process may take a few days. Otherwise, the initial demolition on a simple kitchen update may only require a half-day of work. Disposal charges apply in any case.
Construction on the new kitchen begins with framing and structural components. Licensed professionals take care of the electrical and plumbing work and mid-project inspections may be required. Your contractor will have applied for all applicable permits.
Installation of the cabinetry, counters and sinks come next, along with flooring (depending on the type of flooring chosen). Backsplash installation and trim work tend to come in near the end, and painting, wallpaper and other decorating portions bring the entire kitchen remodeling project together.
The typical kitchen renovation takes anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on materials, scope and location. Your contractor should give you an approximate timeline, but be aware that many variables can affect that schedule.
Step # 5 - Inspect and Enjoy!
Schedule a walk-through with your contractor upon project completion. Take a close look at all of the work, including trim application, countertop seams, tile grout and paint. Open the cabinet doors and drawers, try all of the plumbing fixtures and appliances and move about your kitchen as you normally would. Make a note of any discrepancies that require attention and provide your contractor with a copy of that list.
Discuss the plan for any repairs, including a schedule and any related costs. This is also a good time to go over warranty details and obtain written confirmation of your warranty.
Enjoy your new kitchen right away! Invite friends and family over to admire the finished product and be sure to praise your contractor. Most small businesses rely on word of mouth advertising, and will work very hard to ensure you're satisfied. Return the favor by passing on a good recommendation where possible.
A successful kitchen renovation follows several steps from the initial consultation, through to design, final selections and pricing, construction and inspection. Each stage requires careful attention and personal involvement in order to make the most of your investment. Get ready for a renovation adventure and look forward to a valuable kitchen remodel.
Posted by: dianaSuggested Reading For You
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