For many of us, the kitchen is the heart and soul of the home. Depending on how you use your kitchen will help determine how to approach your kitchen remodel. Are you a gourmet chef? You will likely want to splurge on a multi-functional range, dual oven and overhead hood. Are you the head of a busy, on-the-go family? Storage, practicality and multiple eating locations may be ideal for you. Do you love to entertain? Counter space, a coffee nook, wine cooler and warming drawer may be what you need.
Are you designing with the thought of reselling in the near future, or are you creating your dream kitchen for your personal enjoyment for a generation? These and many other questions are a great place to start when thinking about your kitchen remodel.
Here are 7 tips to ensure your kitchen remodel is enjoyable and rewarding, and help to avoid the dreaded “gotchas” that can keep it from being a great experience.
Tip #1: Think about your budget. Each element of the kitchen will interact with the other. And there are many elements to a remodel where you can spend a lot. Think about the areas where you and your guests will focus when you are in your kitchen – cabinetry, flooring, appliances, backsplash, fixtures and lighting, countertops.
Each of these areas can have a wow factor by themselves. Together, they can create a dream kitchen that is a jaw dropper. Working with an experienced kitchen remodel designer can help you get just the look you desire and stay within your budget.
Tip #2: Do your prep work. Remodels are often like art. We don’t know what we like until we see it. Look at kitchen magazines and website. Cut out magazine pictures that inspire you, save images online that you love. Read articles on latest trends, design elements, kitchen layouts. Research appliances, paint colors, countertop options, and cabinet styles. Again, a kitchen remodel expert can help you understand how the wall color, countertops, back splashes and cabinets all flow together to create the ideal effect.
Tip #3: Find your kitchen remodel contractor! Search online, ask friends for recommendations, speak with several contractors. This individual and their team will not only be creating your new kitchen, they will be interacting with your family, pets, and in your living space for several weeks.
Price is one element to consider. But quality of work, material, and the ability to get the permits quickly are also important. Does the contractor have a good reputation, communicate well and are they known to get their projects done on budget and on timeline? Finally, do you enjoy working with them? A kitchen remodel is a big project and can be disruptive to your family. Having a contractor that understands that, and is sensitive to cleaning up each day and being out of the home on schedule is important.
Tip #4: Start with a clean slate when you think about layout. What may have been in fashion 40 years ago, or even 20 years ago, when your home was built may not make as much sense for you today. Is the sink in the right location? Can you add more counter and cabinet space? How about a big island – can you make one work within the confines of your kitchen? Understanding your work flow in your kitchen is important, and modern kitchen designers and contractors can do amazing work creating your ideal kitchen within the confines of your space.
Tip #5: The #1 complaint of the kitchen for homeowners is the lack of storage and space for plateware, utensils, pots and pans, and kitchen appliances. Working with a kitchen designer can help you explore the different options to optimizing storage within your kitchen while maintaining the look and feel you desire. Creating a nook, ceiling height cabinets, efficient cabinetry, and storage-friendly islands are just some of the ways your contractor can create more storage for you. Exposed shelves can provide beauty and practicality, adding an artisan touch and providing an open feel to the kitchen.
Tip #6: Lighting. Too many kitchen remodels do outstanding construction work, but fail to emphasize lighting elements in the kitchen. The result misses a golden opportunity to make the room light and bright, and to highlight the special features of the kitchen. A new “wow” back splash, for example, can lay dull on the wall without accent lighting. An island can sit in the shadows without a stunning overhead light that is not only practical but beautiful. In-cabinetry lighting may also be a great solution, especially if the cabinets have glass panes.
Tip #7: Countertops. Nothing in a kitchen will get the scrutiny of a visitor like your countertops. The good news is you don’t have to invest in imported Italian marble to get the wow factor you are looking for. There are multiple options that look great and can match your budget. Granite, stone, marble, quartz, solid surfaces like Corian, and even laminates are all options. Work with your kitchen designer to understand the best product for your kitchen.
Tip #8: We’ve spoken a lot about working with a designer, and you might be thinking, “do I need both a designer and a contractor for my kitchen?” The answer is yes. Each performs a very important function, creating the look and feel you desire, and also the ability to build it well to last for generations. Many contractors, like Bryan Casey Construction, include design consultation with the remodel. JC Design is the design team at Bryan Casey Construction, and has worked with the contractor team for almost 20 years. That synergy and teamwork provide a real benefit to the customer who needs experience and quality in their kitchen remodel.
Are you looking to remodel your home? Bryan Casey Construction is an award-winning home remodeling and interior design company based in Kansas City, Missouri. Co-Founder Bryan Casey is a licensed builder and contractor and has built premium-quality kitchens, basements and bathrooms for over 20 years. Co-Founder Julie Casey received her degree in Residential Interior Design and has created beautiful custom design projects for over 20 years. With over 40 years of combined experience, Bryan and Julie provide free assessments and quotes for your home remodeling needs.To Contact Bryan Casey Construction, call 816-716-8258. To Contact Julie Casey JC Design, call 816-616-3758.
