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Kitchen Remodel
- What you Need to Know
by Paul Forte
You have decided to make the plunge and begin to plan
your kitchen remodeling project. There are so many questions
and you’re not sure where to start. There are some
steps you should follow to help you survive what is
probably the most intense home improvement project you
will ever embark on.
So where do you start? One decision that comes first
is who is going to be doing the project. If you are
thinking of making this a do it yourself project, take
a long hard look before diving in.
A full kitchen remodel requires a tremendous amount
of different types of skills. Beside the obvious trade
skills of carpentry, plumbing, electrical there is the
organizational skills and decision making ability. If
you intend to do the project as a couple make sure your
relationship can withstand the stress. A beautiful kitchen
doesn't outweigh a happy marriage.
The key to a smooth kitchen remodel can be summed up
in one word, Planning! If that didn't sink in, read
that last sentence again. I can't stress strongly enough
how important the planning stages are in a kitchen remodel.
There are a hundred reasons not to rush into a project
like this. If everything goes perfectly while installing
a new kitchen, it is still rather trying.
Add some speed bumps into the mix and it turns into
a pull out you hair experience. You will need to do
as much as possible in order to not leave anything out.
Read all you can find on the subject, visit forums,
look in magazines for ideas and talk to your friends
and family who have already took the plunge. Learn what
to expect during your Kitchen Remodel
A modern kitchen today is a large investment of money.
Cabinets and appliances are a major part of that expense.
These are amongst the first decisions you will need
to make. Even before you see a kitchen designer consider
your alternatives when it comes to color and style of
the cabinets. This will give you a base to start from.
There are countless cabinet companies and different
quality cabinets. When you finally get to a showroom
that is the time to begin down the road of how much
and how good a cabinet you want and can afford.
That brings up another important issue in the planning
stages, a budget. You will need to determine what the
total budget your willing to spend on this project.
Without making a budget the price can quickly escalate
out of control. A kitchen project that started at an
affordable $15,000 without budget parameters can quickly
turn into an $80,000 renovation. This will likely end
in frustration and no new kitchen.
Set the limits early and then work within those limits.
When you have your spending limit figured out take off
a percentage for unforeseen costs. They will almost
always come about at some point. At least 15% in my
estimation should be allotted for cost overruns, and
that is pretty conservative.
If you do decide to do the project yourself or become
your own GC, make sure you will have the time to do
it. In most kitchens, especially in homes with children,
not having a kitchen is a major inconvenience. A husband,
who drags his feet getting a new kitchen installed,
will find himself in the doghouse faster than fido after
he chews up the couch! The best advice I can give you
is to do your homework. There is so much great info
available on the internet today that it isn't too difficult.
About the Author
Paul Forte has been involved in hundreds of kitchen
renovations and remodels. To learn more and find out
what to expect during your Kitchen Remodel view this
page: http://www.forteelectric.com/KitchenRemodel.html
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