Remodeling Tips

In this edition of The Laura Report, VP of Cabinet Sales, Kitty Decareaux, shares kitchen remodeling tips. She tells us about the Do’s and Don’ts of kitchen remodeling, important things to consider when planning a remodel, where to find inspiration for your remodel project, common mistakes and helpful tips to save money on your kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Good Places to Pull Inspiration for Kitchen Remodels

Kitty pulls a lot of her inspiration from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas once a year. This year KBIS partnered with the International Builder Show (IBS). A team of our designers got an opportunity to attend this Design Construction Week this year and we were able to learn all the new and improved things coming in 2016. For people who do not have the opportunity to attend KBIS or IBS can check out our design lookbooks or go to Houzz.

Current Trends

There is still a lot of painted cabinets. All shades of white, different shades of grey and we are starting to see a lot of taupes.

Unique trend we are seeing is reclaimed wood. Manufactured cabinets are able to pull the design and look of reclaimed wood while providing you the quality of a brand new cabinet.

Another trend we have been starting to see is flush inset cabinets and appliances. This provides a beautifully sleek and clean look to contemporary or transitional kitchens.

Interior Accessories for your cabinets are helping people utilize their space more efficiently. Things are able to be brought to you instead of you having to reach into the cabinet.

To learn about more tends check out our Laura Reports on 6 Kitchen Updates for 2016 and Kitchen Cabinets 101.

Important Considerations when Planning a Remodel

Budget is always key. You should consider the investment on your home. Think about how much you should invest on your home. Factory Builder Stores provides a great resource for figuring out what you budget should be with our Kitchen Remodel Calculator.

You should also consider your everyday lifestyle. How many people will be cooking in the kitchen. Do you have a large family to feed or like to host dinner parties?

Lastly you should make sure you consider the rest of your home. You want to make sure you kitchen fits with the overall design of the entire home.

Common Mistakes

Quiet often people become over concerned about the money and set an improper budget. Doing this can cause you to potentially spend more money in the end. Kitty has seen people try to cut corners by painting old cabinets and simply replace the countertop. This is a mistake because you possibly just spent a few thousand dollars on a countertop that will outlive you old cabinets. In order to change cabinets you have to remove the countertop and it’s rare that a countertop isn’t broken when removed.

Helpful Tips to Help Save Money

If you don’t have to budget to complete your dream kitchen consider building on it over time. Spend your money upfront on your cabinets, countertop and appliances but come in later when you have more money to do your backsplash, accessories and hardware.

Looking for a Contractor or Designer?

Factory Builder Store’s team works with contractor and designers all the time. We would be very happy to help make suggestions on who we think will work best for your remodel. You can also check out your local Builder Association or Remodeler Association.

You should make sure you get at least 3 different people to interview for your remodel. This person will be working very close with you and be in your home for an extended period of time. You want to make sure you have someone you are very comfortable with.