Planning to remodel your kitchen? There are a lot of possibilities when you’re upgrading your space. In most instances, people thinking about a remodel fall into one of two camps: the picture junkie who wants to daydream or the appliance enthusiast who can’t wait for a new stove.
However, before you jump into either of these roles, we recommend you consider a few essential questions. After all, a kitchen renovation is a big decision.
1. How will you use your kitchen?
Of all the questions this is the most important. Do you want your kitchen to be a place people linger during a cocktail party or gather for dinner? Do you want to cook with friends and family, bake cookies with grandkids or convince the hubby to help with meal prep?
While you’ll want to strive to maintain the resale value of your home, you’ll also want your kitchen to be functional for your lifestyle. Based on how you answer this question, we might recommend:
- A large pantry for hiding your mess during dinner parties.
- Bar seating to allow the cook and dinner guests to easily interact.
- Easy access to the patio for the “grill enthusiast” in your life.
2. What is your budget?
At the end of the day, budgets matter. The perfect kitchen remodel is beautiful, functional, and within your spending comfort zone. Like house hunting and car shopping, the most successful kitchen remodel experiences happen when you plan with a budget in mind. This helps eliminate surprises.
3. Do you have the skill and/or time to do the project yourself?
Are you a DIY home remodel fanatic? Awesome! We’re peas in a pod. Updating home is our passion too! However, if you don’t have the expertise or time to upgrade your kitchen, don’t worry.
The worst kitchen remodeling mistake you can make is biting off more than you can chew. If you don’t have what it takes to update your space, it’s time to talk to a professional.
4. Who should you use?
When you’re picking a kitchen remodeling contractor, we always recommend you start by asking friends and family for a referral. You’ll also want to verify the contractor’s credentials and view their work.
Get more tips about how to pick a contractor.
5. How long will the project reasonably take?
Remodeling the kitchen isn’t like updating the spare bedroom or guest bathroom. The kitchen is essential to everyday life because everyone has to eat. You’ll want to get a realistic idea of how long your project will take from start to finish.
6. Should you move out during the remodeling process?
Maybe. Moving out isn’t always essential, but it’s definitely more enjoyable. Even the cleanest job sites are still job sites. There is dirt, dust, and noise involved in any remodeling project. Plus, there’s the loss of your kitchen to contend with.
7. Can you monitor progress from out of town?
Thinking about going on vacation during the remodeling process or do you simply live out of town? If so, you’ll want to work with a contractor equipped to communicate with your long distance. Do they provide email updates? Will they call to check in with questions? Would the contractor be willing to FaceTime with you on site?