Kitchen remodels can be pricey, but a remodel adds great value to your home. If you are starting to think about updating your kitchen space, here are some things to think about before meeting with a contractor.
Step 1 – Begin by thinking through the overall design. Find pictures that inspire what you like. Consider colors, hardware finishes, tile, countertops, flooring, cabinets, sinks and faucets. Creating a Pinterest board that reflects what you like is a great way to focus in on your style and a great tool to share with your contractor and/or designer when it is time to start designing.
Step 2 – Now it is time to get specific with each area of the kitchen. Consider your “must-haves” for your cabinets, are there certain drawer features or cabinet styles that you want? Are you wanting cabinets doors and drawers that self-close? What type of shelves or drawers do you need for your pantry? Do you want a Lazy Susan or a pull out trash drawer? What about a spice cabinet or drawer?
Step 3 – Moving on to the sink, pick out your sink and faucet. We will talk about countertops next, but the countertop installer will ask about your sink, so it is good to already have something picked out. The countertop installer will want to know if you are getting an under mount, farmhouse sink or drop in. They will also want to know the number of holes you will need for your faucet, so pick that out too.
Step 4 – Now that we have the sink and faucet in mind, it’s time to pick out a countertop type and edge profile. When thinking over your options, I always suggest looking at options in person. Seeing in person which materials have the best quality while still fitting your price point is helpful. Once you pick out your countertop, note the name of the material and then pick out the edge profile you like.
Step 5 – Next up: Backsplash! If you are doing a backsplash, it is helpful to know what kind of material you want to use in order to inform your price point and overall budget.
Step 6 – Ok, now let’s decide on a flooring. When picking out your flooring, keep in mind that kitchens are a high traffic area. You will want something that is good quality and can stand up to daily use. There is a lot of variety for high-quality, durable floors including wood, tile, luxury vinyl floors (LVL) and vinyl sheeting. LVL floors are becoming more popular as they come in a number of styles and hold up well over time. They can also be installed over old floors saving time and money on demo.
Step 7 – We are almost done with the decisions! Knowing what you have picked out so far, let’s consider wall colors. I recommend narrowing down your favorite colors and getting paint samples at your local paint store in order to see what you think of the color you like in the space before making your final decision.
Step 8 – And finally! Pick out finish hardware. The following questions can help you in this process: Are you trying to match something already in the house? If not, what is your style? Are there going to be light fixtures like a chandelier? Do you like knobs, pulls or some of both?
I hope you find this checklist useful. Taking the first steps into a remodel can feel daunting but by paying attention to what you like and taking it one step at a time, it can come together beautifully. Enjoy the process!
I have also included a PDF of this list, for those who appreciate checking boxes by hand! As always, if you have kitchen remodel needs or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!
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Cream City Maintenance & Remodeling, LLC 