Basic Kitchen Remodeling Planning
Stephanie Foster
There are some basic steps you need to take when you decide to
remodel your kitchen. Here I will present to you a quick
overview of what you need to do when remodeling your kitchen;
you will find more details throughout this website.
The first step is, of course, deciding on your goals for the
kitchen. What do you want your remodel to accomplish for you?
You'll want to do some research even at this early stage. What
kinds of materials will you want to use for countertops?
Granite is hugely popular, as is Silestone, which is made from
natural quartz and comes in a huge range of colors. What kind
of wood do you want for your cabinets, and how light or dark
should they be? What about flooring? Then you have to consider
which appliances will need to be replaced, how you want the
room painted, lighting and any major changes in the layout of
your kitchen.
Of course, there's one more very important goal for you to
consider - your budget! How much will you want to spend? Will
you want to get a home equity loan for your remodel or have you
saved money up for this project?
Now you will want to start sketching out your ideas. You don't
need to be a great artist; just get some graph paper, pen or
pencil and a ruler and start mapping things out. Of course, if
you are more technologically inclined, you can do this on the
computer as well if you have the right software.
Generally speaking, you will want your refrigerator, stove and
sink to form a triangle in your kitchen. Include plenty of
walking space and room for eating. Will you want an island in
your kitchen or will that just be in the way? How will the
table fit? You'll also want to look at where outlets are,
keeping in mind where you plan on placing your appliances. You
may have to move outlets or plumbing if you're rearranging your
layout. Don't forget to consider installing extra outlets.
Make sure your sketches include dimensions. Whether you're
doing it yourself or hiring professionals, accurate dimensions
will help you plan well and give the best feel a paper sketch
can give for how your kitchen will look.
Many home improvement stores will have kitchen designers on
their staffs, and this is a resource you should take advantage
of. They'll go over your plans with you and possibly have ideas
you haven't considered.
When the time comes to place your order, make sure your
measurements are very, very accurate or you will have a
terrible time with your kitchen remodel. You can have
professionals come out and do the measurements for you. In
fact, if you are having your cabinets and countertops
professionally installed, you WILL have professionals out
taking measurements. If your measurements are accepted by the
store without question and without sending out their own
people, you will probably want to shop elsewhere. You're
spending too much money on remodeling your kitchen to take that
kind of chance.
Your cabinets will, of course, be installed before your new
countertops. In fact, until your cabinets are installed, they
can't even start work on your countertops if you have chosen
granite or Silestone (or other stone) countertops because they
need to make a template. Ask for temporary countertops and a
sink to be installed so that you aren't eating out the entire
time you're waiting for your countertops to be cut. It might
take weeks.
Appliances such as stoves and refrigerators can be installed
whenever convenient. As most dishwashers are installed beneath
the countertops, you'll want to ask about the best time to
replace your dishwasher.
Perhaps the most important aspect of planning your kitchen
remodel. This is one of the most inconvenient rooms to remodel,
so you'll want to do it at a time when you will have the time
and patience to deal with it. Your kitchen will be marginally
useable for weeks during the remodel. However, the beauty of
your new kitchen should more than make up for the
inconvenience.
About The Author: Stephanie Foster has seen some interesting
kitchen remodeling mistakes in her time. Visit
http://www.kitchenthoughts.com/
to learn more about kitchen
remodeling.
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