The kitchen in any house is always buzzing - be it with the echo of different voices or the aroma of freshly cooked delicacies!
However, after years of use, it looks outdated, and a well-executed kitchen renovation becomes necessary. Besides, who doesn’t love a bit of spark and a splash of colour in their cooking area?
While you can redecorate a corner from time to time, a kitchen renovation project requires hiring professionals. It’s a substantial investment and must not be taken lightly.
There are numerous advantages of a customised renovation project. It can add to the overall functionality of the space and give it a contemporary look. Besides, it can upgrade the antique appliances for energy-saving goods and meet your growing family’s needs. Most importantly, remodelling increases the value of the property.
We’ve done our research and compiled this complete guide to kitchen renovations. So, let’s have a look!
Essential Steps In Kitchen Remodelling
While the experienced designers will tailor the project to your needs and make all the necessary adjustments, you also have a significant role in ensuring a trouble-free renovation process with few or no pitfalls.
Listed here are six essential steps in kitchen remodelling.
Step 1: Get An Estimate
A full-blown renovation project is expensive, and there are no two ways to do it. So, be prepared to shell out a hefty sum and be realistic about the costs.
Different contractors and interior designers will offer varying ballpark estimates, which might create confusion. However, every kitchen renovation varies based on the project scale and the company you’re hiring.
Several remodelling guides online can provide a rough estimate for your area. However, the best way to get an approximate figure is to list all your requirements and consult with at least two renovation companies, who will quote you accordingly.
To sum up, the remodelling estimate you get depends on the following factors:
- Experience and reputation of the renovation company you choose
- The repair requirements of the kitchen
- The design, materials and layout that you select for remodelling
- The taxes and shipping charges
However, this can fluctuate once the work starts, so keeping some extra funds on the side is essential. Some companies also offer a fixed price policy, conveying all the costs before commencing the work. But if you change the order mid-project, some additional charges might be levied.
Step 2: Choose A Suitable Financing Option
Kitchen renovations are costly, and unless you’re lucky enough to have that kind of cash lying around, comparing different financing options is a must-do. Although this is a tedious task, it’s an important one. Once you’ve got a ballpark estimate, it’s time to proceed.
We’re all familiar with personal loans, but other more secure ways to finance home remodelling projects exist. We’ve listed a few of them below.
1. Home Equity Loan
Home equity is the current value of your property minus the mortgage amount you still owe. You receive the entire amount in one go against the house’s equity through home equity loans.
They carry lower interest rates, have fixed monthly payments and have a longer repayment time.
2. Home Equity Line Of Credit
The home equity line of credit (HELOC) has a credit limit and allows you to draw funds as you proceed with the remodelling project. During the initial ‘draw’ period, you can make only interest payments and start paying the principal amount once the repayment period begins. However, their interest rates are variable and can fluctuate occasionally.
3. Cash-Out Refinancing
In this, a new mortgage replaces your existing one. The amount is higher than what you currently owe and depends on the current value of your house minus the mortgage paid. The difference can finance your renovation projects.
This option usually has lower interest rates, but you’ll have to pay mortgage closing costs.
4. Using Your 401K
For the unversed, this is how you borrow money directly from your retirement fund. The money is then deducted from your income over the next five years.
Although the interest rates are higher, the money returns to your retirement fund. However, if you quit or lose your job before complete repayment, you’ll have to pay back the balance within a specific period. Failure to do so will lead to a penalty.
Step 3: Choose A Remodelling Company
While DIY is excellent for some minor repair jobs, we warn you that kitchen remodelling is a different story. It involves demolition, framing and plumbing, flooring, installing cabinets and doors, and much more. Therefore, hiring a reputed remodelling company is the best option.
In addition to catering to your specific requirements, they’ll follow the building codes and the city’s construction regulations and obtain necessary permits from local authorities.
Earlier, people would hire an architect and work on remodelling plans before approaching contractors. However, this method has become obsolete because of the uncertainty of costs. Besides, disputes between architects and contractors can delay the work.
Today, people choose a single company to manage the entire renovation process. This method is more convenient and collaborative, and the work is completed within the stipulated time.
The best way to find a renovation company is to check online resources and ask friends or colleagues for references. Then, shortlist a few companies and review their websites. This will help you gain insight into their work portfolio.
Lastly, get in touch with the chosen companies to get a quote and ask relevant questions before making a final choice.
Step 4: Design The New Kitchen
The dream kitchen you design should be functional and aesthetically appealing.
Depending on the lifestyle and size of the family, you will have specific storage needs. For instance, a large family will require a bigger fridge, more space for dishes and glassware, etc. Besides, if you frequently entertain guests, you might want a classy dining piece in the kitchen and some gorgeous lights to illuminate the space.
The remodeler will give you several layout options that maximise space, provide clever storage solutions, and properly position work zones. While opting for the latest kitchen trends is tempting, we recommend a design that’ll withstand the test of time and live past trends.
However, that doesn’t mean the kitchen has to look dull. The best approach is a minimalist design that allows creative expression and eye-catching additions.
Remember to choose durable materials for different spaces, such as countertops, backsplashes, cabinets, etc. Natural stones make excellent kitchen worktops, and engineered wood and plywood make sturdy cabinets. Similarly, tiles are great for flooring, as they can withstand heavy foot traffic and are easy to clean.
Lastly, you must decide on plumbing fixtures and the kitchen sink material.
Step 5: Embrace Greener Appliances
Any renovation project is incomplete without installing energy-efficient appliances that make your kitchen “greener.”
Please eliminate the bulky oven, the worn-out dishwasher, or the crock pot that has overstayed its welcome. It’s time to revamp your kitchen with stylish, functional, cost-efficient appliances.
However, if the products are relatively new, there’s no need for a replacement. Decide how you wish to accommodate them in your new kitchen space and discuss it with the designer, who’ll change the plans and design the area accordingly.
Step 6: Make Alternative Arrangements For Yourself
There’s more work to do! Your kitchen will be out of bounds during renovations. Thus, you’ll have to construct a low-budget makeshift space in some spare part of the house or move to a relative’s house for a while. Alternatively, be prepared to eat take-outs for a couple of months.
Also, regular meetings should be scheduled with the remodeler to inquire about the progress and ensure the renovation is up to pace.
Remodelling the kitchen is disruptive for all the house members. However, patience is crucial; temporary adjustments to your everyday routine can make the entire process more bearable.
Conclusion
With that, we come to the end of this guide. We hope you can now go about getting the kitchen of your dreams. Once the remodelling is complete, take some time to properly arrange the cutlery, plates, and appliances on the shelves.
Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure a neat and functional kitchen. Immediately repair any damages you see over the years, inspect the hoses and faucets, and deep clean the space occasionally.
So, remember this guide when you embark on your kitchen remodelling journey. It’s time to take our leave, but you can always contact us with any queries in the comments below.
Until next time, happy renovating!