Doing a kitchen remodel is a big project that creates a lot of disruption in your daily life. While the results are often worth the effort in terms of resale value and functionality, the process itself can be a nightmare. Adequate research, preparation, and stress management are essential for making the project a success.
Here are helpful pointers to make your kitchen remodeling a success without breaking the bank or your sanity and you can do it.
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Research Your Options
Conducting research is the first step in a kitchen remodeling project. If you're looking to hire specialists that can provide kitchen and bath remodeling then hiring contractors is the way to go. It is always worth getting a quote, however, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when navigating this process is diving right into budget development. However, a budget is mostly pointless without taking the time to research how much things cost. This exercise is also an opportunity to explore your options and find ways to save.
For example, you might discover that you can find your favorite kitchen cabinet styles in a ready-to-assemble (RTA) format rather than a prefabricated format. This option could cut weeks off your shipping timelines and save you hundreds of dollars on cabinetry. Similarly, you might discover local stores with recycled or overstocked fixtures, tile, etc.
Researching will give you a realistic view of what's ahead, making your kitchen remodeling project more predictable and easy to navigate.
Add Buffer to Your Budget
Creating a detailed budget is an important step in the kitchen remodeling process, as this room tends to be the most expensive to upgrade. Once you carefully research and create a budget, it's important to add a buffer of approximately 10%. This buffer amount will help account for issues that inevitably arise when doing a renovation project.
It's important to adjust your mindset when engaging in a kitchen remodeling project. Something will go wrong. You'll find mold or discover that the previous homeowner did some weird electrical work. Problems are an expected part of the renovation process; adjusting your mindset and budget to account for them will save you stress later.
Know When to Hire vs. DIY
Doing DIY work is an excellent way to save money when doing renovations. It's also a great way to cause significant damage leading to greater repair costs. Knowing when to DIY and when to hire a professional is the difference.
If you plan to make any structural changes or demolition, it's important to hire a contractor to review the project first. Taking out a supporting wall could put your entire house at risk. Once you have the go-ahead from an experienced contractor, you can likely do the demolition work yourself. For a complete Kitchen Remodeling Orlando, or wherever you are, it is best to choose an experienced team that will save you time and money while also relieving you of stress if something goes wrong.
The same strategy applies to plumbing and electrical work. Things like wiring or moving piping should be left to the experts. Adding new fixtures or appliances to existing infrastructure can be a DIY task. It's important to be realistic and know the limitations of your skills.
Create a Realistic Timeline
Developing a realistic timeline will also help you manage your expectations and plan accordingly throughout your remodeling project. It's important to factor in shipping and supply issues— now more than ever.
Consider delaying your start date until all of the necessary supplies arrive. Many homeowners have started projects during the past two years to discover that their sink or flooring is caught up in supply chain issues. This occurrence could leave you without a kitchen for months.
Plan Your Meals
Finally, plan your meals for the duration of your kitchen remodeling project. Consider how you can prepare and store meals so you don't have to rely on expensive takeout during the entire project. Outlining periods when your kitchen will be entirely unusable during your timeline will also help you plan. If possible, consider your renovation project for the summer months so you can grill outside.
With patience and planning, you can make your kitchen remodeling project a success.
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