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The Ultimate Kitchen Remodeling Guide

Kitchens remain the most popular room in the house to renovate. It's a big job, both in terms of cost and project scale. So before you hire a contractor and start bashing down walls, there are some important things to consider and prepare: namely, setting a budget, determining what you want, and planning how it will all fit.

Set Your Budget Before You Remodel a Kitchen

As you go about planning the new kitchen, be realistic about the cost. Large renovation projects often end up taking more time and money than you plan for, so it's a good idea to aim for a conservative budget beneath your max budget to ensure there are extra funds if your project goes over. A good rule of thumb is to add another 10 to 20 percent for unplanned expenses. The more financial cushion you have, the better. You don't want to be scrambling for an additional loan mid-project, or worse, end up with a half-finished kitchen because you ran out of cash.

Do Some Research


Consider "Hidden" Costs

Remember to factor in the cost of labor and materials as well as taxes and any shipping or delivery costs that might come up. These can add up very quickly, so it's important to take them into account when you're setting the budget. Also, consider if there are any steps along the way that you would like to perform yourself. Even taking on just a few tasks can save you a significant amount of money.

Aim for Quality



Evaluate Your Needs vs. Wants

Be practical and don't buy unnecessary items. It can be tempting to buy all sorts of gadgets and fancy appliances, but it's better to go with the reliable basics that you know you'll use. Remember, with every new appliance comes a slightly higher utility bill. They also add to your upkeep responsibilities and require time and money to maintain.

Planning a Kitchen Layout

More than any room in the house, the kitchen needs to be practical and functional. Think about how you use your current kitchen to identify your priorities for the remodeled space. What works and what doesn't? Give considerable thought to the layout of the room and assess what will work best for your household.


Also, think about how many people usually work in the kitchen at the same time. If it's more than one, you might want to incorporate more than one workstation. Or, if there's enough space, consider adding an island or purchase a wheeled cart that can be moved around the room and put away when not in use.

Kitchen Space Planning

A good remodeling contractor can help you make sure things are laid out to ensure proper safety, but it's up to you to plan for convenience. Here are a few things to remember when mapping out your space:


Final Considerations Before Renovation

Invite your contractor and/or your designer into your home to discuss all of your hopes and requirements for your kitchen renovation. This will help confirm your space is planned in a way that will ensure convenience and ease of movement for you and your family. Remember to stick to your plan, and don't get caught up in the excitement or let yourself get talked into things you don't want or need.