How to Ensure Your Kitchen Remodel Goes Smoothly

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the most popular rooms that homeowners want to remodel. By making the right upgrades to modernize your kitchen, you can not only make the space more functional to use on a daily basis, but also make it more visually appealing and improve the overall value of your home.

Remodeling the kitchen gives you an opportunity to add some unique upgrades to the space, such as a farm sink, built-in wine cooler, or undercounter ice maker. Because a kitchen renovation is such a big investment, it is important to have a clear understanding of what to expect, so you are prepared to make the right decisions when it comes to hiring a contractor, choosing materials, budgeting, and more.

To get you ready for the adventure of remodeling, we’ve compiled the following nine tips that will help ensure that your kitchen renovation goes as smooth as possible.

1. Research Contractors Before Hiring

Hiring a contractor is one of the most important decisions for your kitchen remodel. It’s important that you take the necessary time to do decide whether this is the best contractor for the job. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to be left disappointed with unfinished projects or shoddy work, all because they rushed this one decision and hired the wrong contractor.

To avoid problems, research the contractor or company you are thinking of hiring and use their last few jobs as a guideline. This will help you set realistic expectations for the work that will be performed. It is also smart to ask for references. When you speak to previous clients, make sure to ask them the following questions:

• Did the contractor stay close to the budget?
• Were any unauthorized changes made?
• Did the contractor stick to the schedule?
• How would you describe their work habits?
• Did anything go wrong? Was it resolved?

Finding the right contractor is one of the best ways to avoid unexpected problems during a kitchen renovation. Even if you have to wait a few weeks (or months) to get the right person, it is absolutely worth it.

2. Add Functionality to the Space

Before you begin your kitchen renovation, it would be wise to consider what types of upgrades you can make that will make this important area more functional.  One way you can incorporate improved functionality with the materials you use is with your countertop. It would suit you to splurge on a countertop that is not only durable enough to last for a long time, but looks good and adds value to your home.

Consider the type of wear-and-tear your kitchen counters see on a day to day basis, from hot pots and pans being placed on it to food being chopped directly on it to harsh chemicals used to clean it. One popular choice for kitchen countertops is granite or marble. You can put hot pans on these surfaces without them being damaged, not to mention they are a bit more difficult to crack or chip, as well.

If you budget allows for it, use this time to expand walkways or knock out entire walls. Having a more open space in your kitchen to walk around and work within is a huge benefit to not only you, but any potential buyers when you decide to sell. If possible, try to create an easy line of sight from the kitchen to the living room.

There are many other ways to add functionality to this important room, including adding extra storage space and built-in shelving. Both of these options will go a long way in helping you organize your kitchen cabinets. Before you begin your kitchen remodel, try to envision what you feel you are currently lacking, as well as what you can do to make the area more functional. 

3. Set a Realistic Budget

Setting a budget is a crucial part of the planning process, and it is important to do this prior to starting any remodeling project. When you set your budget, make sure to be realistic. If you are changing the layout of your kitchen, for example, then it might be more costly due to plumbing and structural repairs.

Also, keep in mind that certain materials are more expensive. To avoid burning through your budget, try to prioritize what you want to see in your kitchen. In addition to planning out the cost of the project itself, it may also be wise to prepare for unforeseen expenses that might arise during the remodel.

4. Focus on What You Use the Most

When you are remodeling the kitchen, it is a good idea to improve the most important elements within the area. Staying mindful of your budget, think about what you use the most and what really needs to be improved.

Of course, every homeowner would opt for quality countertops, cabinets, faucets, and appliances. But, few homeowners will have an unlimited budget to build a designer kitchen. Instead, focus on what you use the most, and what will give you the most bang for your buck.

For example, upgrading your kitchen appliances can make a huge difference in the kitchen because they are not only more functional for day-to-day use, but also look better visually. When you are choosing the appliances, it may be smart to spend a little more on quality units that you will use frequently, like an oven or stovetop.

5. Don’t Forget About the Extras

One of the best parts of a kitchen remodel is that it allows you the opportunity to add all the extra details that you’ve always wanted to add.   For example, you can finally add the pot filler faucet, pull-out trash can, or built-in kegerator.

To determine what extras you really need, consider how you really use your kitchen. This will help you create a kitchen that is unique to your lifestyle.  When it comes to some of these extras, consider whether you can do these on your own after the renovation is complete.  Stay mindful of your budget and prioritize these extras based on what you really need, or want. Otherwise, you may regret it after the project is finished.

6. Save Money Without Cutting Corners

Ideally, nobody should be spending their life savings on a remodel. There’s no denying that a kitchen renovation is going to cost a pretty good chunk of change, but there are some things that you may be able to do to help you reduce the overall cost of the project.

For example, many people save money by taking advantage of local or online sales. This is especially helpful for high-priced items, such as new appliances.  In addition, you can reduce long-term costs by choosing EnergyStar appliances or installing energy-efficient LED lighting that will cost less to operate.

7. Remain Organized Throughout Your Kitchen Remodel

How clean and organized you keep your work space can directly impact the overall quality of the remodel project. However, it is often difficult for homeowners to maintain a clean kitchen throughout the entire renovation process. After all, many people use their kitchen several times throughout the day.

If possible, try to limit or avoid kitchen use as much as you can. This way you will not create a mess that causes problems with the installation. Also, a clean space is safer for both the contractor and your family.

8. Look for Inspiration

It is important to avoid choosing random pieces in your kitchen that do not coordinate. If you struggle making decisions or are not sure what you like, try to get inspiration on pinterest, or consider hiring a professional designer.

While browsing for ideas and determining the aesthetic of your future kitchen, you might discover that you like the look of a cleaner, modern kitchen. In this case, you might prefer white cabinets with modern hardware. Or maybe you like the traditional, ranch-style kitchen, in which case you may want to stick with dark-wood cabinets and granite finishes. Really, the options are endless.

Browsing different spaces can also help you identify unique features that might look good in your space, such as open shelving units or a colorful mosaic backsplash.

9. Pay in Portions

One of the biggest mistakes people make during a renovation is paying the total cost up front. This can be risky, and it may even jeopardize the timeline of the project. It is recommended that you pay in portions as the project progresses. This gives the contractor incentive to work hard, stick to their timeline, and help you stick to your budget. Furthermore, it is often helpful to include a payment schedule in the contract.