Ask most women, and they’ll tell you that their number one remodeling and decorating project is the kitchen. It needs to reflect the personality of the users, and it also needs to function in a way that particular household cooks, eats, and entertains. For instance, if you find your guests often gather around as you’re preparing the meal, perhaps your kitchen needs more workable space for helpers, or at least an island with some bar stools where they can sit and chat. Is yours a two-cook house? You may need an extra sink, or perhaps an oven separate from the stovetop. These are just some of the many factors to consider when contemplating a kitchen remodel.
Because of the almost overwhelming decisions and choices to be made when it comes to a kitchen makeover, not to mention the expense, many homeowners put it off again and again, all the while living with frustration because their kitchens are unworkable, outdated, and unattractive. Research indicates that it’s the home remodeling project most subject to change of mind at a number of points. This means it will drag out, and in the long run cost more than it should. Most kitchen makeovers take about two years from initial concept to finished project. Two years!
So how do make a kitchen remodel a reality, bring it in on budget, and accomplish it within a reasonable time frame? Here are some tips that can help streamline the process, cut down on time, and bring your visions to life.
- Establish your priorities. What are the main things you want to change about your kitchen? Is it just the look, or is it to make it more user-friendly? Do you need more space? Storage? New appliances? Make your wish list, and then rank it in order of importance.
- Take your whole space into account, not just the kitchen floor plan. If your main gripe is that the kitchen is too small, consider adjoining areas. Have you got an adjoining dining room you rarely use? Perhaps its time to knock out a wall and open it all up into one area. You”ll gain kitchen space because you’ll cut out duplicate eating areas.
- Honestly evaluate function vs. appearance. Does your kitchen get a lot of use? Do you often prepare “messy” meals? A white floor or white cabinets might not be the right choice, even though you love the look. If marble countertops appeal to you but your kitchen gets a lot of use, lower-cost and more durable quartz or other stone may be a better choice.
- Be storage-smart. When evaluating cabinets, consider such space- and time-saving options as pull-out drawers, lazy Susan shelves to maximize wasted corner space, appliance garages to stow your food prep gadgets away but accessible, and vertical pull-out pantry cabinets.
- Don’t fight your home’s overall style – let your kitchen flow with the rest of the house. Your kitchen shouldn’t be an isolated part of your home, and it’s style and decor should fit in, not compete, with the other rooms. If you’ve got lovely Victorian, an ultra-sleek contemporary glass and stainless look might be a bit drastic. But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid up-to-date appliances and convenience.
- Plan for the future. A kitchen remodel is a major undertaking, and most homeowners are unlikely to do it more than once. Now is the time to plan for changing needs. For instance, think in terms of how the kitchen will work as you age. You may want things up a little higher to cut down on bending and lifting. For example – consider a wall oven.
Kitchen remodeling projects are a major undertaking, and while they won’t be accomplished overnight or with little expense, with the proper planning and well thought-through objectives, you can streamline things and hopefully keep your budget intact.
