5 tips for a successful kitchen remodel
From making a quick breakfast to preparing a big meal for your whole family, you don't want to work in a cramped and nasty kitchen. A well designed kitchen is no doubt one of the most essential elements in making your house feel like a home, and this is why a kitchen is usually the top priority on the list of home improvements for many homeowners. In this article, we want to share with you some useful kitchen remodeling tips that can help make your kitchen remodeling project more rewarding.
1. Set a realistic budget
When you try to set a budget for your kitchen remodeling project, it is important to do your research first and have a realistic view of the average cost of a kitchen remodel. The average cost of a major and midrange kitchen remodel is about $62,000 in the greater Atlanta area (depending on the size of your home and your project, this average may vary).
Before you decide the number, ask yourself: how long will you and your family live in this house? If you're planning on living in this house long-term, you will want a kitchen which suits the comfort and the lifestyle of your family. But if you're going to sell this house within the next 5 years, more consideration should be placed in the resale value of your house.
Regardless of the size of your kitchen and the remodeling project, you should know the cost for each component, such as cabinets, appliances, labor, etc. Then set your wish list and cut costs where you can. However, be prepared for inevitable and unexpected costs. A standard rule to follow is to set aside about 20% of the budget for these kinds of surprises. For instance, water damage, mold problem, and bad electrical wiring are all issues that can be hiding behind your walls. Having a little extra room in the budget can cover these unforeseen costs and you won't need to sacrifice any other parts of your initial kitchen remodeling plan.
2. Hire a pro
Unlike remodeling other parts of your house, a kitchen remodel can involve a wide variety of different aspects, which often includes moving existing plumbing, electrical runs and gas lines, and so on. It's more than just painting a couple of walls, picking out new cabinets and new countertops, and popping some new appliances into place. You will also need to apply for permits for your kitchen remodeling project.
For achieving a no-stress kitchen remodeling, it's probably best to hire a certified design build company who can simplify your kitchen remodel for you, and just leave the work to professionals.
A good communication is half the battle
Remodeling your kitchen can be exciting and it helps to increase the resale value of your house. However if you don't communicate effectively with your remodeling contractor, your new kitchen may not turn out the way you wanted, which can lead to a big disappointment and wasted money.
Before meeting with your kitchen remodel contractors, you can browse the internet or peruse a couple of the latest home design magazine. Find some inspiration for your dream kitchen and prepare some images and ideas you like. If you like, keep a running file of the images, magazine cut-outs, appliance picks, etc. With photos, images or diagrams, telling your remodeling contractors what you want to achieve will be more clear and easier than just verbally describing it. Misunderstandings happen, so make sure any initial estimate you've given is totally understood. If your remodeling contractors seem indifferent or disinterested to your needs or preferences, you need to consider hiring another company.
In order to have a successful home remodel, being honest and realistic during initial communication is very important. Don't be shy to tell your remodeling contractors any remodeling ideas in your discussions, and be very clear about how much you can afford. Don't be afraid of being too detailed about what you have in mind, as it's always safer to give more details than not to provide enough information.
3. Overall comfort and functionality
The kitchen is the heartbeat of a house and it's often a family's gathering place. A kitchen remodel project allows you to explore the potential of new designs and improve the comfort and functionality of your kitchen. Increasing wall and attic insulation, investing in efficient windows, or addressing kitchen ventilation needs can all be a great project to make your kitchen more comfortable and more functional.
One of the most popular kitchen remodeling projects is to create more storage, which can drastically reduce clutter. Another way to increase the comfort and functionality of your kitchen is optimizing its layout. A better working flow in the kitchen allows for more efficient cooking and even makes your kitchen feel larger than before.
4. Updating kitchen appliances to improve energy efficiency and safety
For a lot of families, the kitchen is certainly one of the most frequently used parts of the house. Therefore, incorporating features that will help reduce energy costs can have a real impact on your energy bills. For example, an Energy Star-certified refrigerator uses only 60% of energy of a refrigerator from 2001. By replacing old appliances with new energy-efficient ones, you can save you money and make back a big portion of the kitchen remodeling costs in the long run.
Besides, new kitchen appliance are usually more advanced and more secure than previous models. As you remodel your kitchen, you should definitely consider updating your kitchen appliances all together, to enjoy a well equipped, modern looking, and safer kitchen.
However, if a six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator, don't fit your cooking requirements or lifestyle, you don't need to spend that much money on it. While they look really modern and awesome, you can instead concentrate your dollars on long-term features that add value, such as cabinets and flooring.
5. Flooring, countertops and cabinets
In any kitchen, the flooring, countertops, and cabinets play important roles in term of a kitchen style. It's easy to neglect the kitchen floor when you're thinking about buying shiny new appliances and adding extra units, but your choice of flooring, countertops and cabinets is the most prominent and defining feature of a kitchen.
Besides a kitchen with a good style, you'll also need a hard-working kitchen that can stand up to abuse. This is why you should go with durable and high quality materials that can stand up to heat, spills, scratches, and scrapes, when picking flooring, countertops, and cabinets for your kitchen. Don't choose materials that look great but don't hold up well. A professional kitchen remodeling contractor can guide you in the right direction - make your kitchen fits a modern aesthetic but at the same time remains very functional.
Be quality conscious
Functionality and durability should be considered first for a kitchen remodel project. Don't choose materials for your new kitchen purely based on the price. You should choose durable materials that only need low maintenance with long warranty periods. The right flooring, countertops and cabinets can transform your kitchen in both appearance and function. It may cost you more in the beginning, but with the proper care, they will look shiny and beautiful for a long time.
Let's talk about your dream kitchen
An updated kitchen is not only important for your daily life, but also one of the best remodeling projects you can do for return on investment. After a successful kitchen remodel, you might fall in love with your house all over again.
Sanctum has more than 35 years of experience dedicated to building dream homes in Atlanta. We offer personalized solutions for every client and we always keep you updated. If you want to build a customized dream kitchen, please feel free to contact us at (770) 777 0100. Let's make your kitchen remodeling project a fun experience and a place you will enjoy for years to come!