You want to remodel the kitchen: even the words are daunting. Just the thought of the time and money that goes into a project of this magnitude can be dizzying.
On top of that, you’ve got all of the little concerns to worry about too: What will you do while your kitchen is being re-done? Where will you eat? What if there are workers trudging through your house for months on end? What if t
he remodel goes over the budget you’ve set?
Most kitchen remodeling projects tend to drag on and on. Often, there are contractors and subcontractors to deal with, building codes and licensing, and countless other snags along the way that lead to confusion, frustration, and escalating costs.
Before you begin a kitchen remodeling project, it is important for you to set clear guidelines for the project. To do so, there are a few key questions to ask yourself:
- What do I need out of my kitchen in terms of practicality?
- Think about what drives you crazy about your current kitchen. Is it a lack of cabinet space? A lack of counter space? Whatever it is that makes you dread cooking, dining, and cleaning in your kitchen will form your “must have” list.
- What do I wish I had in my kitchen?
- Your “must have” list is formed by your daily needs for using your kitchen; whereas, your “nice to have” list should be formed by special needs for your kitchen. Is your refrigerator not large enough for your grandmother’s heirloom dishes that you use at Thanksgiving? When you entertain work colleagues, do you find yourself trying to cook dishes at different temperatures in the same oven, only to wind up with one dish undercooked and one dish overcooked?
- What is my vision?
- Everyone has a dream kitchen, whether they envision a double oven or a kitchen that could rival a cooking show’s set. Flip through design magazines, search the internet, and watch cooking shows. Take notes about what you find appealing for your “wish I had” list.
- What is my budget?
- After you have your “must have” list, your “nice to have” list, and your “wish I had” list, it is time to figure out where reality plays into the equation. Prioritize the “must have” list before the “nice to have” list and the “wish I had” list, but don’t sacrifice too much of your dream. Make sure that you incorporate a few elements from each list so that you do not wind up feeling disheartened by the process. Your kitchen remodeling contractor can help you to find the perfect balance between vision and reality.
- How practical is it for me to have an ongoing kitchen remodeling project?
- For most people, remodeling a kitchen is already a financial strain. Compound that with weeks of having to pay restaurant prices for food and the cost can be completely overwhelming. On top of that, not having access to your kitchen is a surefire way to drive you to the brink of sanity in a hurry. When you, like most people, realize that a prolonged remodeling project is not for you, it is time to find a contractor who can remodel kitchens in a week.
By asking yourself a few basic questions, you will be able to design the kitchen of your dreams: one where you can enjoy cooking for your family and be proud of when you are entertaining. Remodeling a kitchen can be an enormous hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. The process can be simple, efficient, and rewarding when you prepare for the process by conducting a self-analysis and working with a contractor who can translate your unique vision into a reality.