So you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen. That’s a big decision and one that will have a significant impact on the look and feel of your home. You’ll need to plan carefully because it can be easy to get carried away with all the different options available for materials, finishes, appliances, etc.
Still, before you know it, you’ve spent way more than anticipated, or worse yet, you haven’t planned at all. To help you stay organized, we’ve created a kitchen remodel checklist of the top eight things you should do to keep everything moving forward.
Gather Your Ideas
It would be best if you first decided what your must-haves are and what are your nice-to-haves. You should also have an idea of the color scheme you want or whether you want something brighter or darker in color. Next, you’ll need to decide whether you want appliances that match the cabinets’ finish or ones that blend in with them.
Finally, make sure when gathering ideas that you keep track of when certain materials will go on sale. You might have a hard copy, but it’s even easier if you save all your information to your phone to access it at any time.
Plan Your Budget
This is probably the most critical step because it will dictate how much you can spend on your remodel. You’ll need to account for materials, appliances, labor, and permits (if required)—and remember that unexpected costs always seem to come up.
You should also decide whether you want to do the work yourself or hire a professional. If you’re hiring a contractor, get estimates from several different companies, and read the contracts carefully.
Create a Timeline
Once you have an idea of what you want and how much it will cost, create a timeline for the project. This will help ensure that everything is completed promptly and with no delays. It’s also important to factor in time for ordering materials and appliances and any necessary permits.
Shop Around for Materials and Appliances
This is another critical step, as prices vary greatly depending on the supplier. It would be best to wait until after you’ve created your timeline to order materials and appliances, as you might need to adjust some of the dates depending on what’s available. You’ll also want to do this before choosing a contractor to ensure that they’ll be available to complete the job on time.
Get Permits (If Needed)
Some remodeling projects will require a permit from your local municipality. Be sure to check with them before starting anything, as they might have specific requirements that you’ll need to adhere to so that you avoid fines or other penalties. You don’t want to start work and then have to tear everything down because you didn’t follow the rules.
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
If your remodel will involve any construction, you’ll need to set up a temporary kitchen. This can be as simple as using a camp stove and a cooler for food, or you might want to rent a small kitchenette unit. This will allow you to continue cooking during the remodel and avoid eating out or relying on takeout all the time.
Handle Waste Carefully
There will be a lot of debris and construction waste during a kitchen remodel. Make sure you have a plan to dispose of it properly, as you don’t want to risk running into problems with the municipality or your contractor. You’ll also want to be strict with yourself regarding recycling, such as plastics and cans.
Stay Involved
A kitchen remodel is an excellent opportunity for you to get involved in the project to learn some basic skills related to home renovations. Even if you’re hiring a contractor, ask them lots of questions and stay on top of what’s going on.
This will help ensure that the project goes smoothly and that you’re happy with the results. It’s your kitchen, and you want to be satisfied with it, so don’t be afraid to ask questions until you get the answers you’re looking for.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to keep your kitchen remodel on track, it’s time to get started! Gather your ideas, set a budget, and create a timeline—and then get to shopping! With a little planning and organization, you’ll be able to accomplish everything on your list and have a beautiful new kitchen in no time.