Renovating a kitchen can be a massive task, yet can give you an enormous sense of achievement once completed. From full tear-out in Nashville homes to minor cosmetic updates in San Francisco apartments, there are certain considerations you should keep in mind before beginning a remodel process.
1. Know Your Limits
With popular kitchen renovation shows such as The Block and House Rules offering inspiration, more people than ever before are embarking upon DIY kitchen remodels themselves. But such undertakings should only be attempted if one understands his/her limits before diving in.
Plan and prepare a budget before beginning any kitchen remodeling project, to prevent overspending and provide for unexpected expenses that might arise during its completion.
Create a kitchen that meets all of your needs over the course of several years, such as making sure water reaches the stove easily and having adequate storage space for cookware, silverware and other essential items.
2. Be Prepared to Spend Money
Your kitchen renovation costs can add up quickly; materials, contract labor and living out of your home during its makeover are just some of the expenses to consider.
Replacing cabinets can be one of the more costly components of a kitchen remodel, but there are ways to keep costs in check. One option would be refinishing or repainting them instead – this way you’ll make an impactful statement without breaking your budget!
Use reclaimed wood instead of more expensive new materials as a cost-cutting measure, as it adds character and charm that instantly upgrades any room.
3. Be Creative
Renovating your kitchen can be an incredible opportunity to express yourself creatively without breaking the bank. Painting walls before installing cabinets or backsplashes may reduce labor costs (even with extra touchups), prevent staining on countertops and tiles, and ensure an ideal line where cabinetry meets walls.
Lighting can make a dramatic change to any kitchen. Choose decorative light fixtures that suit both your taste and budget, such as hanging lanterns.
DIY kitchen remodel projects often include taking the route of demolishing load-bearing walls in order to expand space or create an open concept layout. When doing so, however, it’s vital that a professional inspector examines your home first; otherwise it could cost both you money and stress in the form of further headaches and costs in the future.
4. Stay Organized
Kitchen renovations can be complex. If you lack the experience necessary to tackle plumbing and wiring yourself, hiring professionals could save time and money while protecting you from possible mistakes.
Choose durable materials that suit your design aesthetic when choosing countertops for your kitchen or bath. Granite, marble and quartz are beautiful but expensive while repurposed vinyl provides a budget-friendly solution that’s both easy to keep clean and heatproof.
Do not opt for trends that will quickly date, such as bold backsplash tiles or busy countertop patterns. Instead, invest in timeless details like classic wood cabinets with glass door pantry storage showcasing organized food items – this will prevent running out of room before your next grocery trip!
5. Be Flexible
No matter whether you choose a DIY kitchen renovation project or hire professionals for this task, being flexible during the process and finding ways to save money are both paramount considerations.
Painting cabinets is often more cost-effective than replacing them if you plan to keep them. Furthermore, painting them prior to having the backsplash installed reduces labor costs and the risk of touch ups later.
Reusing materials from other areas of your home may help lower renovation costs. Reclaimed wood adds warmth and character while being eco-friendly; laminate options that look like tile or hardwood but are more cost-effective can do the same thing for flooring options.
