A kitchen is more than an oven, a refrigerator, and some cabinets. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where you prepare meals for your family, catch up on the events of the day, laugh together over an afternoon snack.
Because we spend so much time in this area of our home, many homeowners remodel their kitchens to make it exactly what they want it to be. In fact, 50% of homeowners plan to remodel their kitchens at some point in the future.
If you’re preparing to take on a renovation, having a kitchen remodel checklist can be the difference between success and total disaster.
1. Set a Budget
The first step in any home project is to set your budget. You need to know exactly how much you can afford to put toward your remodel before you begin.
Once you have your overall amount, you can begin allocating it toward the different aspects of your remodel. The best way to do this is to make a list of the things you want to include and put them in order of importance.
Unless you’re working with an unlimited budget, you’ll have to make sacrifices somewhere – your priority list will help you do that. For example, if you have your heart set on marble countertops, get them! But know that you might have to buy a less expensive refrigerator or refinish your flooring rather than replacing it.
Listed below are a few common costs to consider when planning your budget:
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Hardware and knobs
- Sink
- Faucet
- Flooring
- Appliances
- Paint
- Light fixtures
- Backsplash
- Permit costs
- Decor
And don’t forget to include any luxury additions you might want to make to your kitchen, such as a walk-in pantry or kitchen island.
2. Choose a Palette or Style
Next, you’ll need to choose a palette or style that you’re going to use to design your kitchen. It should feel cohesive with the design of the rest of your home but choose the style that speaks to you. If you’re not a fan of stark white kitchens, don’t design your kitchen remodel that way!
Between Pinterest, HGTV, and online research, you’ll be overwhelmed with ideas at first. But don’t feel pressured to go with a design that’s trendy. It’s your kitchen and your home, it should fit your tastes!
3. Plan Your Timeline
Although you’ll need to stay flexible when it comes to the amount of time your remodel will take, you should be able to determine a rough timeline. If you’re using a contractor, talk with them about a potential end date, but remember that this is only an estimate.
From speedbumps in the construction of the kitchen to setbacks in shipping and other issues, it’s normal for a remodel to take a bit longer than expected.
If you’re doing most of the remodeling yourself, check the shipping periods of your materials. That way, you can set an approximate start date and begin clearing your schedule around that date.
4. Make Arrangements
A remodel can bring your dream home to life, but there’s no way around it – it’s an inconvenience, especially if you’re remodeling a kitchen. You’ll need to decide if you’re able to live in your home during the construction. Because while you’re not living in your kitchen, the noise, dust, and other irritants will be unavoidable.
If you plan to stay in your home during the remodel, you’ll need to decide where you’re going to cook and eat until it’s completed. Your kitchen will be out of commission, but your family still needs to eat!
It’s a good idea to set up a microwave, hot plate, and other small appliances near another sink in your home. Your laundry room can make a great temporary kitchen, as it likely has a sink, outlets, and countertops.
If you decide that it’s better for your family if you vacate your home until it’s no longer under construction, there are a couple of options to choose from. For less intense remodels, you could make it a mini-vacation! Stay in a hotel, order room service, and play in the hotel pool with your children for a few days.
For more involved remodels, you can save a lot of money by staying with family or friends rather than renting a temporary home.
5. Be Aware of Potential Obstacles
As we mentioned earlier, during a kitchen remodel, you’re bound to encounter an issue here and there. By preparing yourself for any potential problems in advance, you’re more likely to avoid them.
You’ve done your research into the best gas ranges, but have you made sure that your new oven will fit through the door? You’re planning to reuse your hood vent pipe to save money, but have you consulted with a contractor to ensure its safe and up to code?
How will you store your materials and appliances until they’re ready to be used? Can it all fit into the garage, or will you need to use your living room or other areas of your home for temporary storage?
Do your best to have all of your ducks in a row before you begin. It’s better to be overly meticulous than to go into your renovation without a clear plan and make mistakes that are difficult to reverse.
Use This Kitchen Remodel Checklist to Create the Kitchen of Your Dreams
Putting your home and your family through a renovation can be a stressful experience. But by using a kitchen remodel checklist, you’ll find the process much easier and more enjoyable.
Remember, your checklist should be personalized to you. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends other’s suggestions. Do what works for you and your home!
For more tips and tricks for making your dream home a reality, be sure to check out our blog!
