Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects among new homeowners.  Maybe that’s because the saying about the kitchen being the heart of the home really is true. The most successful remodels take patience and planning. Before you grab your sledgehammer, take a moment to learn from the experience of others and find out what you should know before taking on such a major project.

Kitchen Remodeling is Expensive

There are ways to save money on your kitchen remodeling project, but there’s no denying that kitchen upgrades are costly. It is important that you hire a highly experienced, communicative, detail orientated company that does not cut corners. The kitchen is often the focal point of a home, so think of a renovation as an investment in the home’s long-term value.

Cabinetry, appliances, and flooring are all high-ticket items. That’s why it is crucial to set a realistic budget before you begin. To start, make a list of your renovation priorities, then do some pricing research. You may find you need to reprioritize or, if you’re lucky, you may learn your money will stretch further than you first assumed. Either way, you’ll start the project on the right foot by understanding any gaps between what you want and what you can afford.

Lighting is Important – Don’t Skimp On It

Besides a home office, your kitchen is the most task-oriented space in your house. Not only do you need good lighting for food preparation, but you also need it for reading recipes, doing homework, making crafts, playing cards, and all the other fun things that happen in the kitchen. Good lighting also serves to make the room more inviting and aesthetically pleasing.

There are three basic types of lights to consider for your kitchen, and each fulfills an important purpose.  

• Pendant lights hang from the ceiling and provide bright lighting for tasks. They are often used above work islands.
• Recessed lights are mounted into an open space in the ceiling, and provide general lighting—lighting up an ample space in the kitchen. Recessed lights are popular because they essentially “disappear” from view and help create the look of a more expansive space.
• Surface lights are mounted on the surface of the ceiling (not into the ceiling like recessed lights). They also provide general lighting and are an excellent choice when ceiling joists do not offer enough space for recessed lights.

While lighting needs to be functional, it should also be beautiful. Working with a contractor who can provide experienced design advice will help you make lighting choices that enhance your overall style while providing the light you need.

Layout Makes or Breaks Kitchen Function

There’s a reason most kitchens have a similar layout, and that’s because the traditional “kitchen triangle” provides the greatest function. The concept behind the triangle is that a cook should be able to move unimpeded between the three most important points in the kitchen: the sink, refrigerator, and oven. For example, placing an island or kitchen table between the stove and sink would make it more challenging to perform daily kitchen tasks.

Don’t let ideas based solely on how you want the kitchen to look outweigh tried and true elements of a functional layout. On the other hand, some kitchens are too small or awkwardly shaped to follow a traditional layout. If this is the case, placing items where they are the most functional is always the priority.

Kitchen Remodeling Takes Time

Working with a reputable contractor is the best way to determine exactly how much time your kitchen remodeling job will take. Depending on the extent of the renovation, it could take three to five months until the job is completely done.

To make the experience less difficult, plan for the inconvenience. How will you cope without a kitchen for up to five months?  If you feel living in a construction zone for that long is too difficult for your family to manage, include the cost of alternate accommodations in your budget.

Expect the Unexpected

During renovations, things go wrong that aren’t necessarily anyone’s fault. Timelines get pushed, products take longer to come in than planned, and pre-existing construction problems get revealed. All of this means the job will take longer, and cost more than originally planned. It is always recommended to add 20% to your budget in order to handle the unexpected when it happens.

Want to Know More About Kitchen Remodeling?

Seven Valley Home Renovations LLC in Liverpool, NY is a full-service remodeling company. We have helped thousands of families turn their dream kitchen into a reality, and we can do the same for you. Contact Seven Valley if a kitchen renovation is in your future. We’ll be happy to answer any questions, and help you get prepared for the renovation process long before the work starts.