Have you heard of the nightmare stories people share about their designer kitchen remodeling experiences? There are many things that can go wrong with such a project, as it is complex and requires professional assistance.
However, at the beginning of any such renovation, you should know that it is worth it. The kitchen is undoubtedly the most important room in any home. People call it the “social hub of the family” for good reason: everyone visits it daily. As far as seeing the successful completion of a kitchen renovation project, you need to follow a strict 4-phase plan:
Find the Right Contractors – If kitchen remodeling is at the top of your wish list, you may want to hire the best professionals for the job. Probably the best place to start your search for a contractor to do the job is with a personal recommendation. Ask your friends and family if they know of this person they have hired in the past. Don’t forget to check the credibility and reputation of the contractor, because at the end of the day they are only as good as the last project they worked on. Take a look at their work with past clients and be sure to discuss every little detail with them before giving them the green light; after all, it is your custom kitchen.
Layout Planning: If you’re working with an experienced planner, they’ll tell you all about maximizing storage space, high-end materials, and necessary features. However, you need to make sure that you provide the contractor with an accurate representation of your current kitchen. Also, you should make a detailed wish list, stating your needs for storage, style, and must-haves. Whatever you do, don’t forget to consider the usefulness of your kitchen triangle: the connection established between the refrigerator, sink, and stove.
Cut Costs – It’s easy to get carried away with your custom kitchen design and end up spending a third of your property value on this one project alone. Before you start your project, you might want to think about whether what you have right now is good enough—that is, whether it really doesn’t need a total makeover. When it comes to appliances, you should pay attention primarily to the heat output of your stove’s burner, energy efficiency, ease of operation, safety, and ease of cleaning.
Avoid Mistakes: Like any big project, a kitchen renovation can take a wrong turn here and there. That’s especially the case if you decide to be your own general contractor or hire the wrong person for the job. Make sure you have the project specifications listed before you turn it in. It doesn’t do anyone any good if you start changing your mind halfway through the project. Surely you should devote some time and attention to the project so that it does not turn into a disaster.
Getting a designer kitchen is surely wonderful, but you need to follow these steps to make sure the job is done right.
