Things you should know before remodeling your kitchen
There is no denying the fact that a kitchen remodel is a big project, with an equally big price tag. However, the good news is that a significant portion of the upfront costs may be recovered, by the value the project brings to your home. The key to making sure that this happens is to take the time to do careful planning, and research, before beginning your project. To make sure you maximize your return, here are some things you should know before remodeling your kitchen-
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- Make sure that you have clear priorities, before any of the work begins. It is to easy to get sucked into making decisions, in the heat of the moment. Design experts advise that you spend at least six months planning, before beginning the work. That way, you can thoroughly evaluate your priorities and you won't be tempted to change your mind during construction. Keep in mind that contractors often have clauses in their contracts that specify additional costs for amendments to original plans.
- Consider all the obstacles (or at least what you can)-You want to avoid traffic jams. There are space guidelines that will make working in the kitchen much easier. While each kitchen is of course a different size, these should be kept in mind, so don't end up squeezed into your brand-new, but unworkable kitchen. You should also consider kids. This is important even if you don't have kids in your home. Buyers will be looking for kitchens that have safe corners on countertops, and microwaves that out of the way. You should also make sure that your kitchen has access to the outside. This is especially important if you want to easily reach entertaining areas, such as a deck or a patio. Finally, because planning a kitchen is complex, consider hiring a professional designer. A pro can help make style decisions and foresee potential problems, so you can avoid costly mistakes. Typically a designer will cost about 5% to 15% of the total cost of the project.
- Try to keep the same footprint-It is important to understand that no matter the size and scope of your planned kitchen, you can save major expense by not rearranging walls. This is also true if you can locate any new plumbing fixtures, near existing plumbing pipes. Best of all, not only will you save on demolition and reconstruction; you'll greatly reduce the amount of dust and debris your project generates.
- Match appliances to your skill level-This is important since a six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator might make eye-catching centerpieces, but if they don't fit your lifestyle, its just a waste of money. Designers report that this is the part of a kitchen project, where people tend to overspend the most. The bottom line is that the high price is only worth the investment if you're an exceptional cook. Keep in mind that you can save thousands with trusted brands that receive high marks at much lower prices.
- Communicate effectively and often-If you want to stay on budget then having a good rapport with your project manager or construction team is essential. Experts report that poor communication is a leading cause of kitchen projects going wrong. If you are not living in the house, drop by the project during work hours as often as possible. This is important since your presence assures subcontractors and other workers of your commitment to getting good results. Make sure that you establish a communication routine. You can hang a message board on-site where you and the project manager, can leave each other daily communications. You should also give your email address, and cell phone number, to subs and team leaders. Make sure to set house rules. You will want to be clear about smoking, boom box noise levels, which bathroom is available, and where workers should park their vehicles.
