You’ve planned and saved, and now the time is right to start the kitchen remodeling project you’ve always dreamed of for your Southern California home. You might think you’re ready to tackle the project on your own but take a step back for a moment. If this is your first major remodeling project, read on for some important factors to consider before jumping into your big project.
Setting up a strict budget is vital to planning a successful remodeling project. Having a firm number in mind on what you can spend will help narrow your design choices, weeding out design options you can’t afford and keeping you focused on items that fit your budget.
You might think it doesn’t matter when you start your kitchen remodeling project but consider this: If your family usually hosts the big Thanksgiving or Christmas get-together, you’ll want to avoid the holidays as a time to be without a functioning kitchen. Block out at least two months for your project with a little wiggle room if you have an event planned. Additionally, remodeling during the summer lets you easily access your outdoor grill to offset the inconvenience of being without your cooktop and oven.
Before making plans to tear down walls, consider hiring a building inspector who can assess how your space functions. The inspector will point out important factors to consider when planning your remodel, such as the placement of load-bearing walls. The inspector will also check the condition and placement of HVAC ducts, electrical wiring, plumbing, and more, and give you an opinion on the feasibility of changing the placement of these necessary features.
Every city has its own building codes. Check with your city building department to see if you need to apply for building permits before you start your project. If so, expect the application process to take at least two weeks to complete.
To lessen to hassle of being without a functioning kitchen, set up a temporary mini-kitchen to help. Set up a small area with a microwave, plastic plates and utensils, and access to running water. You can move your refrigerator to this area or use a mini-fridge if you have one. Talk to your family about planning meals that don’t require a cooktop. Again, take advantage of your outdoor grill and eat at your picnic table.
Getting a shipment of cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring takes some advanced planning. Clear out space in your garage or dining room or rent a climate-controlled storage space to hold all of your materials. Order these items early since custom orders can often be delayed. Wait until you have everything on your list before starting your project.
As you can see, there are many things to learn and plan for when remodeling your kitchen. Let the professionals of Mr. Cabinet Care take the stress and uncertainty out of your dream project. We employ a highly skilled team of designers and craftsmen who will walk you through the entire remodeling process from planning to completion. Contact us today for a free, in-home, no obligation quote.