What to Expect from Your Dream Kitchen Remodel Project
Your kitchen remodeling project is something that is going to be very exciting, yet at the same time very stressful. This project is the most intrusive remodel that you can have done to your home, but has the most impact on the feel and function of your home. Before you begin your remodeling project, it is helpful to understand what all goes into kitchen remodeling and what you need to know about the entire process.
It is important to recognize that the more knowledge you have regarding the process, the more relaxed you will be and the more you will enjoy the whole experience. An excellent remodeling company will focus on educating you, preparing you, and communicating with you to ensure that you understand exactly what is going on during your kitchen remodel. After all, it is your home, and even when it is a construction zone, you should still know what is happening and how it will affect you. We created this comprehensive guide to help you understand what the remodeling process looks like before you even begin to look for a contractor or design your dream kitchen. Let’s take a look at what a kitchen remodel often looks like for our clients.
Step 1: Planning and Budgeting
Define Your Goals
Start by identifying what you want to achieve with your kitchen remodel. Are you looking to increase storage space, improve workflow, upgrade appliances, or change the overall look? Having clear goals will guide your decisions throughout the process. If you enter into the remodeling process thinking about what you want your kitchen to do for you and your family, you will be more sure about each design decision and the entire process will go smoother for you.
Set a Budget
Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the remodel. We have an article that goes through what a Kitchen Remodel Costs in Central PA, and it will help guide you as to what is a realistic budget based on your goals. Your budget should include your new cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, backsplash, flooring, painting, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC changes, Kitchen Appliances, and a little extra contingency fund in case changes need to be made to accomplish your goals.
Research and Gather Ideas
Browse home improvement websites, magazines, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. Save images and ideas that resonate with your vision for the new kitchen. The more inspiration and ideas you gather before the design process, the more likely you will have a smooth and enjoyable remodel. This stage of idea gathering needs to align with both your goals and your budget, so be careful to ensure that the type of kitchens you are drawing inspiration from can be somewhat replicated given your home, your budget, and your goals.
Step 2: Design and Layout
Hire a Professional Design-Build Contractor
Partnering with a design-build contractor means that they are able to take your ideas and bring them to reality. An experienced contracting company can provide valuable insights into space utilization, layout efficiency, and material choices, and often partner with interior designers to help ensure an aesthetic and cohesive design to your new kitchen. A company that can help you from design to completion will ensure that your ideas are maintained and that they are reflected in your freshly remodeled kitchen.
Create a Floor Plan
Work with your contractor to create a detailed floor plan. Ensure it includes the placement of appliances, cabinets, countertops, and other elements. A good layout enhances the kitchen’s functionality and flow. Your contractor will have much expertise in helping with layout and will be able to tell you what will work and what will not work given your existing space.
Select Materials and Finishes
Choose materials for countertops, cabinets, flooring, backsplashes, and other finishes. Consider durability, maintenance, and aesthetics when making your selections. Samples can help you visualize how different materials will look together. It is important to keep in mind the variability of cost in different cabinets or countertops, and that this phase will play a huge role in the total cost of your kitchen remodel project.
Step 3: Permits and Demolition
Obtain Necessary Permits
The company you hire to complete your remodel will be responsible for obtaining any necessary permits, inspections, or zoning variances depending upon your local legislation and the scope of the project. Make sure the company you hire understands what types of permits and or inspections you may need to legally complete the kitchen remodel project.
Prepare for Demolition
Before construction begins, you must make room for the contractor to work in your kitchen. Clear out the kitchen, removing all items from cabinets and countertops. At this point, the remodeling team will be responsible for protecting adjacent areas from dust and debris. Your remodeling team will then proceed to remove your old kitchen cabinets, countertops, backsplash, electrical, plumbing, drywall if necessary, and will begin the transformation process for your kitchen.
Step 4: Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Work
Update Plumbing
If your remodel involves relocating sinks, dishwashers, or refrigerators, you’ll need to update the plumbing. A licensed and insured plumber hired by your remodeling company will be responsible for these necessary actions.
Upgrade Electrical Systems
Modern kitchens often require additional electrical outlets and circuits. We partner with excellent electricians who can help install new wiring, outlets, and lighting fixtures to meet your needs. These choices will have been made during the design and planning phase of the project.
Address HVAC Needs
If you’re adding or relocating ventilation, we then consult an HVAC professional. Proper ventilation is crucial for removing cooking odors and maintaining air quality, and we want to ensure your kitchen smells and feels as good as it looks.
Step 5: Installations
Cabinets and Countertops
Once the plumbing and electrical work is complete, it’s time to install cabinets and countertops. The remodeling team will begin with the base cabinets, and then will install all wall cabinets according to the schematics drawn during the design phase. For Stone Countertops such as granite and quartz, the stone company will come out after the cabinets are installed to template the countertop space so they can custom cut your Stone Countertops at their factory and bring them out ready to install. This process normally takes 1-3 weeks from cabinet installation.
Flooring
Your remodeling team will then install new kitchen flooring. The best flooring for the kitchen tends to be porcelain tile, natural stone, hardwood, or engineered hardwood flooring. Your remodeling company will either install or subcontract out a professional flooring company to install your new flooring. Hardwood flooring will often be installed before the cabinets go in, but tile flooring will normally go in after the cabinet installation.
Appliances and Fixtures
The next step is to place appliances in their designated spots and connect them to the necessary utilities. The remodeling company will have their plumber and electrician back out to install the new sink, faucets, fridge water, range hood, microwave vent, island pendant light, under-cabinet lighting, etc. This is when the kitchen starts to really become useable again and starts to really come to life.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Backsplash and Wall Paint
At this point, the backsplash you chose during the design phase will be installed between the base and wall cabinets. The best backsplashes add pops of color or texture to the kitchen to accent or contrast certain features of your kitchen. Tile, stone, and brick are all common backsplash materials used, and will help sway the entire feel of your kitchen.
A professional painting company will then be brought in to revamp your room with fresh paint that will enlighten the entire remodel. Choose your wall color wisely, as this will either add or detract from the beauty and finishes of your new kitchen cabinets and countertops.
Lighting
The professional electrician will now install task lighting, under-cabinet lights, and ambient lighting to create a well-lit, inviting space. For a 250 square foot kitchen, you want 5,000 to 10,000 lumens of ambient lighting, which can come from overhead lighting, pendant lights, and under cabinet lighting. You also want to ensure that the kitchen feels more brightly lit, with some hint of warmness, as this room will be the center of life in your home for the decades to come.
Hardware and Accessories
This is when the remodeling team will add cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and other hardware. After this, you are able to incorporate accessories like rugs, curtains, and decorative items to personalize your kitchen. These small details will really make your kitchen stand out at the end of the remodel.
Step 7: Final Inspection and Enjoyment
Conduct a Final Inspection
Walk through the kitchen and check that everything is installed correctly and functioning properly. Address any issues or touch-ups needed. As your remodeling company, this is when any minor touch-ups or repairs will be completed to your general satisfaction, and this is when your kitchen is fully completed and ready for enjoyment!
Clean Up
Our remodeling team hires a professional cleaning company to ensure that your new kitchen is dust and debris free, and that you are not stuck with the burden of cleaning up a construction site in your home. This provides you with a brand new, beautiful, CLEAN kitchen to begin with!
Enjoy Your New Kitchen
Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Host a dinner party, bake your favorite treats, or simply revel in the beauty and functionality of your new kitchen.
Remodeling your kitchen can be a rewarding experience that transforms one of the most important rooms in your home. By following these steps and staying organized, you can achieve a kitchen that meets your needs and reflects your personal style. A professional remodeling company will manage your project to ensure that all of your wants, needs, and goals are met and that you can sleep at night knowing your new kitchen was built to last.
