Top 10 Tips to Consider Before Starting Your Kitchen Remodel

So, you’re getting ready to remodel your kitchen and you can’t wait to get started. But you’ve heard far too many home renovation horror stories from friends and you’re determined not to be one of them. We don’t blame you!

Thankfully with so many successful remodels under our belt, we have proof that it’s possible to achieve the kitchen of your dreams without hitting those unwelcome bumps along the way. One of our most talented and experienced design consultants joins us today on the blog to dish out expert advice. With her help, we’ve compiled this fool-proof guide of the top 10 things to consider before starting your remodel to prevent road blocks:

1) Create a Pros & Cons List for Your Wants Vs. Needs

Create a Pros & Cons List for Your Wants Vs. Needs

Instead of approaching your kitchen remodel project blindly, it’s important to consider your wants vs. needs. By writing out pros and cons of each, you may find that your original need to have 20 chilled glasses of wine at 50 degrees in your custom-made wine chiller may actually not be a necessity. (Although if it is a need, we totally get it, wine lovers!)

2) Do Your Research

Do Your Research

“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.”

– Zora Neale Hurston

Are you unsure about what cabinet colors are trending? Do you know what the average ROI of a kitchen remodel in your area is? If you have questions about kitchen remodeling, it’s best to get them answered BEFORE you start your project. That way you’re not playing catch up the entire time. You’ll feel a lot more comfortable in the remodeling process if you have gathered facts and knowledge and you’ll be better equipped to bring your vision to life.

Check out our FAQ‘s or call us and we’ll be happy to answer your remodeling questions.

Do Your Research - 2

3) Be Open to Change

So you’ve done your research and now you have a distinct plan that you want to implement. But what happens when the door knobs that you had your heart set on are out of stock and the new shipment date is unknown. Or perhaps the paint company no longer makes that exact hue you wanted for your cabinets. Although we never anticipate any mishaps, when it comes to your kitchen remodel, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Prepare to have an open mind and allow for minor changes rather than being rigid with all your decisions. Who knows, you may end up adoring fire engine red for your cabinet color instead of what you originally wanted.

4) Know What you DON’T Want

So you’ve tried to narrow down your needs vs. your wants, but you’re having a hard time. If you find yourself in this predicament, not to worry. Our design consultant, Jamie, encourages home buyers: “Even if you don’t know exactly what style you want, it really helps in the design process to know what you DON’T want. That way you can eliminate certain looks right off the bat and more easily narrow down what you’re looking for.”

Browse our Pinterest page for design ideas

5) Set Up a Small Kitchen

Some people opt to eat out while remodeling their kitchen, but for those of us on a budget, it helps to still have an option to eat at home. Instead of being exiled from your home during the remodeling process, Jamie recommends setting up a temporary food prep area apart from your remodel. “You can get a mini fridge and stock it with your favorite food items. Set up a small area in your garage, and that way you will still be able to enjoy meals at home without disrupting the remodel process.”

6) Consider Project Costs

Consider Project Costs

Photo: Mikael Damkier/Alamy

Whether you are able to spend $2,500 or $25,000 – this graph shows the average way a budget is allocated with a remodel.

7) Keep Existing Layout

Many people don’t realize that there’s an easier and less expensive way to achieve a brand-new kitchen than tearing down walls. At Mr. CabinetCare we offer our exclusive DURAMAX Cabinet Refacing service that allows you to keep your current layout. Moving gas lines, tearing out cabinetry, and rewiring plumbing connections will quickly deplete your budget. With cabinet refacing, you can save big and avoid these big changes.

Call now to get your free estimate: 800.581.2193

8) What About a Warranty?

Sure, you may enjoy computerized cutting tools and cabinets made by machines from corporate cabinet companies, but do they ensure the same service as our family-owned business? Not only are our cabinets made by hand, but we also offer an unbeatable 20 year warranty – the best in the industry! Before investing in your remodel – make sure you get a warranty on the work.

9) What Kind of Accessories?

An update from the lazy susan, this half-moon design has pivoting shelves that slide out from the cabinet, making it easy to grab what you need. From pull out shelves to spice racks and everything in between, think about what kind of accessories you want to add in your kitchen to help you stay organized.

10) Sink Design

Color – Instead of playing it safe, a popular trend right now is to accent with colored decor sinks in the kitchen. From ice grey to basalt black, there are plenty of hues to choose from to bring the look you want to life.

Materials – There’s cast iron, granite composite, stainless steel, quartz, and more. The one you choose depends on your budget and also the look you want in your kitchen. Contact us and we’ll set you up with one of our design consultants who can help you pick the perfect sink material.

Style – The iconic farmhouse sink is a popular trend today, while undermount sinks still remain a staple in the kitchen. We invited Kohler’s industry professional from their Design Center to dish more about sink style. Read the full post here.

Have you remodeled your kitchen? Are you in the process? Please comment below with any other ideas/insights to help others!

Financing Options Available! Call or Visit Our Showroom!Learn More