RENOVATING YOUR KITCHEN IN 5 STEPS
To achieve whatever kitchen design that suits your lifestyle, you must start from somewhere and end somewhere. Thus, we represented the whole kitchen remodeling process in 5 steps:
Your project is sure to be a success if your follow these steps accordingly.
Step 1
Contractor Selection
As you know, kitchen renovation is not an all easy task. You’ll need the help of an expert kitchen remodeling contractor. And, it is only advisable that the very first you do is to choose a reliable contractor. This is because they will help you with other stages.
Advertise your project and let interested contractors submit proposals. Choose your top 4 – 5 proposals and invite them consultation. Here, they will share their ideas, processes, experience, skills, etc. with you. Thus, you can select among them the one which you feel can handle your project.
Step 2
Design Selection Stage
This stage will be easier if you chose a contractor with experience and project catalogue. He will provide with samples of different kitchen designs and how they function. This will help you narrow down the design ideas running through your head.
While this stage may seem easy, please do not rush it. Pay attention to the design details. Check out the workflow, the cabinets in use countertops, backsplash materials, flooring materials, etc. Ask for 3-D renderings to satisfy your assumptions on the design appearance (Some advanced companies offer a virtual reality imagery).
Step 3
Create a List of the Things Required and Conclude on Budget
After selecting a design and making adjustments according to your personal needs, you need to create a list of the things needed. This list will help you prepare budget for your kitchen renovation. It will also help you avoid afterthought changes when the project must have started. This list should include the cabinet materials, gadgets and appliances needed, flooring materials, backsplash, countertops, paints, etc. Just list out all your preferences. Your contractor will help you out also.
Once the list is done, starting placing their costs. A market survey can do; however, your contractor should already have the market prices for each material. You must not choose the priciest items (except you have a limitless budget), instead invest in the most important ones. It could be quartz over granite for you, go for it
You should have a price quotation from your contractor already. This is among the first thing he’ll hand over to you. Feel free to negotiate for adjustments. But, note that some may agree to adjustments while others won’t. Whatever the case is, make sure your contractor is happy with what you are paying to avoid it affecting your entire renovation.
Step 4
Construction Begins
The renovation process starts physically at this stage with demolition coming first. There are things that would make space to allow new ones take place. Demolition typically lasts 24 hours to a few days at most.
Fixing up structural components and frames should follow on the conclusion of demolition. If there is need for permits from the local authority, your contractor should take care of it. Permits are usually for plumbing and electrical fittings.
Install your kitchen components next starting from cabinets, sinks, and counters. Do your flooring next, then follow up with the backsplash and the trimming process. Paintings, wallpapers, and other artful decorations wraps up your kitchen renovation.
On approximation without other unseen events, the entire construction process should last 2 – 8 weeks. The bulk of the work determines the time factor. Other unforeseen factors may affect the time range, thus, leading to extension.
Step 5
Inspect and Start Using Your Kitchen
Your contractor will walk you through your new kitchen as he completes the construction. Compare with your list and design choices you made before starting the construction. If everything works out just fine, feel free to appreciate your contractor and enjoy your new kitchen. Remember to demand for warranty from your contractor even before starting the project.
If not, point out where the mistakes are, and let your contractor suggest the best way to fix it.