A renovated kitchen will add a new style, elegance, and value to your home. But unless you have strong do-it-yourself skills, the process can feel overwhelming. Where do you start, what do you leave in place, and what do you eliminate?
To help you succeed with your intended kitchen makeover, here are ten things you need to consider before you start.
- Set a Reasonable Budget
Before you lift a tool to start your kitchen renovation, consider the total amount you want to invest. You need to weigh your budget against the current selling price of your property.
It is pointless to invest $15,000 to build a new kitchen when your property sells for a maximum of $150,000.
Since a good kitchen makeover can boost a home’s value by about 6%. It is wise to invest less than 6% of your home’s value to renovate your kitchen.
- Plan for Appliances Early
Don’t make the common mistake of leaving appliances out of your thinking and budget until you complete your layout.
If you do that, you may need to spend more than your budget or choose products of low quality.
A good rule-of-thumb is to allocate at least 20 percent of your budget to purchasing and installing new appliances. Choose built-in appliances that will fit your kitchen design perfectly. Opt for kitchen appliances that are elegant, energy-efficient, durable, and easy-to-use.
- Know the Elements of Professional Kitchen Design
The most loved kitchen designs connect with the dining area, and they have a kitchen island. That means you should strive to open out your kitchen and make it the focal point of your home.
- Design a Suitable Kitchen Island
Examine the measurement of your kitchen space before you design an island. Some kitchens are too tiny to accommodate an island.
Make sure your island has a minimum clearance of 36 inches around it. A clearance of 48 inches is even better. Don’t forget to make a provision for the electrical outlets that will enable you to comply with building codes.
- Create a Detailed Work Plan
Whether you plan to adopt a DIY approach for the entire kitchen remodel or you want to hire an expert to assist you, you need to have a well-written plan and work schedule before you begin.
Separate the tasks you have the skills to handle from those that require the technical expertise of a contractor or kitchen designer. For instance, if you choose to alter the layout of your kitchen, you may have to change old gate valves. You may also reinstall electrical wiring and fit new gas lines. While you may be able to demolish and remove old installations by yourself, it is better to get professional help for these technical tasks.
- Examine Your Surrounding Walls
You may decide to make your kitchen the central hub of your home. That means you will open it up to other rooms in your home.
Unfortunately, you can’t take a saw or hammer and start breaking your drywall. Some walls carry part of the load of the building while others don’t. Also, you may need to relocate your stove, sink, and refrigerator. All these require proper assessment and planning.
- Design Your Ventilation
Never relocate your cooktop without planning for ventilation. While some building codes may not insist on using a range hood, it is advisable to install one.
To have effective ventilation, design short and straight ducts. Add a kitchen vent fan. Go outside your house to find out where your vent will send out the heat from your kitchen stove.
- Consider the Location of Your Cabinets
Look around your kitchen space before you order new cabinets. Take note of critical areas that can affect the shape and stability of the cabinets.
* Are the floors straight or sloppy?
* Are the walls thick or lean?
* Are the corners square, or do they have acute angles?
Beware that sloppy floors or lean walls will need additional work before you install cabinets. All kitchen countertops must also be level.
- Choose the Right Flooring
Good flooring is essential in any kitchen. Ensure that you choose an option that is attractive, maintainable, and safe. Changing floors usually creates elevation issues. Adding tiles, for instance, will affect doorways to other rooms, require a new subfloor, and rearrangement of cabinets or appliances. Always check that the existing flooring runs under your kitchen appliances, so you don’t end up patching large holes while installing your new floor.
- Pick Good Kitchen Lighting
By all means, avoid dark areas in your kitchen. You need lighting that provides general illumination and lighting above your island, stove, kitchen sink, and other areas where you work frequently in the kitchen. Be careful when using recessed lights because the wrong installation can create unpleasant shadows.
Those are some of the vital things to consider when you are planning a kitchen remodel. The more time you invest in detailed planning, the more successful your kitchen renovation is likely to be.
