Dec 10
10
Remodeling your kitchen will increase the value of your home and offers a very good return on investment. A freshly remodeled kitchen can also help increase the pleasure you get from your home and make cooking seem more fun.
Most people spend a lot of time in their kitchens. In order to make the most of such a heavily-used room, follow these five suggestions before you begin your remodeling project. If you do, you will end up with the kitchen of your dreams and make it through the construction process without unnecessary stress or frustration !
Start with a clear kitchen remodel design
It’s very important to have a clear vision before starting your kitchen remodel . I would recommend hiring a professional to draw-up your kitchen remodel plans. If you’d like to draw up the plans yourself, you can purchase computer design software. In either case, be very clear that you know exactly what you want before starting anything !
Consider your cabinetry carefully
When deciding whether to keep or scrap your present cabinets, consider the overall design of your new kitchen. Cabinets can account for up to 50% of the cost of your ktichen remodel . If your old cabinets are oddly shaped, too small or are damaged, it’s probably a good idea to replace them all together. If you don’t like the color or design of the door fronts or hardware, you may want to think about simply painting, refacing the cabinets fronts and changing out the hardware. If your new ktichen is going to be entirely reconfigured , it’s possible you can still utilize some of the old cabinetry in new ways .
Select products that are long-wearing
Cabinetry and countertops are going to have to last in your new kitchen. Make sure you select durable materials that you think you’ll still love 10, 20, even 30 years down the road. Countertops are available in many different materials and colors. Be sure to choose one that you understand how to care for properly, in a color you and your family will still love after a decade or more of use.
Show your personal flair in the details
Even though you may love the idea of teal blue countertops, consider showing your love in smaller ways. You can use teal colored highlights throught your kitchen in areas like cabinet hardware or trim, small accent tiles in the backspash or even dishware seen through a glass-fronted cabinet. It’s great to show your personal flair, but don’t do it to such an extreme that others may feel engulfed or out of place in your kitchen, or in such a way that, should you grow out of it , would be way too expensive to replace. The small details can add a lot of individuality without a hefty price tag.
Be prepared for the unexpected
You’ve hired a great designer and love your kitchen remodel plans. Your contractor comes highly recommended, is easy to communicate with and clearly understands your vision . You’ve chosen cabinets , countertops, flooring and appliances that fit your budget and your lifestyle. You have great ideas on how to best display your personal flair . The work begins and everything runs smoothly until…it doesn’t. Be ready for the unexpected. Set aside a contingency fund. If the construction worker removes the old cabinets and finds rotten wood under your sink that has to be repaired , then you have the money set aside to do it. These unforseen things tend to come up. Like the Cub Scouts motto , “Be prepared.” You may decide that you do want a higher-end stove hood . You can use your contingency fund for that. It’s not always bad things that come up, but in either case, it’s comforting to know you’ve done your best to prepare!
Jack Glisson founded J.W. Glisson Construction in Portland, OR in 1976. They specialize in kitchen remodeling, all forms of concrete work, land excavation, and building customized homes in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas.
