Steps to Remodel Your Kitchen

Getting your kitchen remodeled can be one the more time consuming, yet rewarding, remodeling projects out there. However, by following these steps you will be prepared for your efficient and effective kitchen remodel.

Assess Wants and Needs            

Start by assessing what you really want for your kitchen versus what you can afford. Often times people are disappointed with the cost of their remodeling project because they didn’t spend the necessary time to think about what they want versus what they can afford.

A great way to go about this is start to think about what the biggest issues are with your kitchen and what needs to be improved the most. A priority list would be a great way to do that because it will help you balance what you need to be completed versus what you want in your kitchen.

After completing the priority list, estimate how much you can afford for the work to be done, so that you have an idea of what your budget is when you begin to plan remodeling your kitchen.

Design

Start to think about the layout of what you want your kitchen to look like and where you want everything placed in the kitchen. Once you have the visual layout in your mind laid out, the next step is to share with us that layout to design a blueprint of the kitchen so that you can see what it will actually look like.

Once you are happy with the blueprint of your kitchen, it is time to put your plan into motion!

Preparation

Make plans on living without your kitchen for however many weeks your kitchen is going to be remodeled for. Some appliances may still be able to be used during this time, however most plumbing appliances will be disconnected for about a week.

If you have a sink in another room, like a recreational room or a wet bar, you can use that for the time being. You could also cook up a number of meals beforehand and store them away to be reheated in the microwave. Eating out or meal delivery is also an option.

Demolition

The first step in the physical remodeling process will be to tear down your old kitchen, by removing any old appliances and tearing down any unwanted materials in your kitchen. Before this occurs, we recommend taking before photos so you can compare the finished product with the old space.

Build-Out

This step is optional, this step is for if you are adding an addition to expand the square footage,  replacing any windows, removing windows to increase cabinet space, or opening up the kitchen to the rest of the house. Anything that is being built out from the kitchen to the rest of the home would occur during this step.

Plumbing and Wiring

The next step is put the plumbing and the wiring back into place. We have a team of licensed plumbers, electricians, and HVAC pros to come in and put everything into position for your new appliances. Kitchens tend to require a lot of plumbing and wiring, especially if you are changing the layout, so it is crucial that this step is completed properly.

Unless your kitchen project involves just replacing a sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator in the same locations, then normally there will be a rerouting of the water and drain lines to the new locations of appliances. This would be a good time to update any old plumbing pipes. The plumbing changes could be complex or it could be a simple swap, depending on the project. It is the same for wiring, many large modern kitchens require a large amount of electricity so that would require the electrician to update the electrical service to your home.

Walls and Ceiling

This is the step where the kitchen will start to look like the kitchen you imagined. Exterior walls will be insulated with high quality insulation and fiberglass batt to keep the weather out. Then drywall is hung and the seams are taped and finished. Any wall or ceiling is then primed and painted and if any texture is to be added, this is when that will happen.

Flooring

Flooring installation is one of the final stages before we put in all of the new appliances and fixtures. It is saved until the end to prevent any wear-and-tear on the new flooring. The time required to finish the flooring depends on what type of flooring you have chosen.

Sheet vinyl is the least expensive flooring and can usually be laid in one day. Ceramic tile requires a base of cement backer board, to which tile is adhered with mortar and the tile is then grouted. This can be more expensive and more time consuming because of the labor involved. Engineered wood is very similar to solid hardwood, is much less expensive, and less time consuming. Laminate flooring is the most popular choice for kitchen flooring because of its low price and easy installation. Hardwood is less popular because water can warp if not quickly wiped up; however, with great care it is a great choice for kitchen flooring and can usually be installed in approximately three days.

Cabinets and Countertops

As we enter the final stages of remodeling your kitchen, it is now time to install the cabinets and countertops. This step requires a bit of patience because depending on what type of material you have chosen for your countertop will determine how long it takes to be ordered and installed. This is when the hardware for the cabinets is installed, and this can be completed within one or two days.

Appliances

This is the step where the kitchen will start to finally look like what you hoped for. All of the appliances are placed in the proper position, the plumber will come back to hook up the dishwasher and refrigerator. The electrician will also return to install light fixtures, any switches and outlets, and the ductwork covers are installed.

Completion 

This is the time to give us any feedback on anything that doesn’t meet your satisfaction or anything you want adjusted. Walk around the kitchen and make sure that everything is exactly the way you would want it to be. Once this final step is completed, you can now enjoy the kitchen that you had hoped for with all of the new appliances!

 

Source: thespruce.com