You have decided it’s time to remodel your kitchen, now what? The kitchen can be one of the most complicated remodeling projects because of all the decisions you will make throughout the process. We’ve put together a helpful process to get you through some of the tough decisions and into the kitchen of your dreams.
Pick your budget and stick to it
Establishing a budget for your remodel is the very important. This should happen long before you start construction work or hire any professionals. Some things to consider before making you budget; how long do you plan to stay in your home? If you are planning to stay for many years, consider this an investment and create a budget allowing you to comfortably spend on upgrades to build a dream kitchen you’ll love through the test of time. If you’re planning to move in a couple years, research neighborhood prices and aim to keep your budget in line with the average home price.
How costs will break down
There are areas to remodeling that will suck up much more of your budget than others.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the following is an ideal breakout of expenditures based on your home value to ensure you get the most return on your investment. Keeping this in mind when reviewing quotes will help ensure your remodeling budget stays on track.
Cabinets – 35%
Appliances – 12%
Countertops – 11%
Lighting/Electrical – 9%
Labor – 20%
Other – 18%
Try our remodel calculator for more detailed allocation.
There is also the ‘unexpected’ budget you should consider. The average remodel project encounters a surprise or two, especially if you’re remodeling an older home. Make sure to leave some wiggle room, up to any additional 10%, in your budget for covering unexpected costs.
Setting your remodeling goals/priorities
What is the most important thing you wish to accomplish with your remodel? How will you and your family use the kitchen? What parts will be used the most? Take all your wants and needs and write them down in order from highest priority to lowest priority. This will come in handy when you start shopping or when you hit unexpected costs and have to make cuts in your plans.
Using resources like Houzz can help provide design ideas and an easy way to organize them. Working with design specialists will also help you figure out how to get as many of your wants and needs into your home within your budget.
Once you have your remodeling budget and list of priorities – stick to them. If you find yourself halfway through the remodeling project saying “it would be nice if we added…,” stop yourself – this is how a budget gets out of hand. Working with a professional, like the design team at Factory Builder Stores, to develop a plan will help ensure you consider all the possibilities and desires ahead of time. Often, those little extra items you want can be added later or you can find a cost-saving alternative for them.
Do some of the small work yourself to lower costs
You don’t have to pay someone to do all the work on your remodel. Demolition is a good place to start. Demoing a kitchen doesn’t require a handy man; pulling out cabinets yourself can save you several days of labor charges. Also consider handling some of the finishing touches on your own, such as painting the room, cleaning up or putting on hardware.
Where to save and where to splurge
Here are some general guidelines on where to save and where to splurge when doing a kitchen remodel.
Appliances
When looking at appliances, be practical. A gourmet cook can justify an inflated budget for appliances and splurge on a professional range. Think about your cooking habits. What appliances do you use the most and what features are needed for you and your family? If you have a busy family, spending a little more on a speed cook oven will go a long way or if you have messy children and dirty dishes are a way of life, splurging on a quality dishwasher or two is key.
Backsplash
Backsplash is easy to install yourself, especially if working with smaller tiles. Designs with small pieces are typically fitted to mesh sheets so you don’t have to place tiles individually. Sheets can easily be cut with scissors and any gaps can be filled with individual tiles of a similar style and color, eliminating the need for a tile cutter.
Countertops
A showpiece countertop may look fantastic in your kitchen but it will quickly cost a fortune. There are shortcuts when it comes to buying countertops. Some laminate products lost nearly identical to granite yet cost half the price. If authentic granite is a must have, choosing a grade 2 over a grade 5 will save some cash.
Quartz countertops are gaining in popularity. These manufactured countertops are made of crushed quartz mixed with color pigment and resin. They are more durable and stain resistant to natural stones and do not require regular sealing treatments. Quartz may cost a bit more than granite however, you’ll save in the long-term on maintenance and replacement costs.
Cabinets
Modern kitchens are much more ergonomic and provide efficient cabinet organization and storage access. Like appliances, think about your kitchen habits. What will you be using your cabinets for? Do you cook a lot and have lots of items to store? Rollout trays, corner pull-outs and lazy susans are a great way to maximize your efficiency however they’ll add to your cost. The most common splurge with kitchen cabinets is the pantry. Having a pantry with pullout drawers, can racks and deep storage will keep your dry goods organized and visible.
At Factory Builder Stores we have Cabinet Design Specialists that can help you pick out exactly what you want and keep it within your budget. Many midrange priced cabinets offer a rich custom look without the custom price tag.
Also, when it comes to cabinet installation, don’t try to skimp on costs; let the pros handle this. No matter how handy you might be, installing cabinets is much more complex than hanging boxes and can easily cause you trouble down the line if not done properly.
When remodeling a kitchen, think function, efficiency, style and longevity. Choose products and a layout to fit your family’s lifestyle as well as your design preferences. A well done kitchen will last for 20 years or more, without breaking the bank.
We know remodeling can be a nightmare but with these guidelines and the help of Factory Builder Stores, you will easily survive the remodeling process and get the kitchen you want.
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