Remodeling the kitchen is a great way to improve home value, or an investment property. For some people, their kitchens are small for the size of their homes; others may remodel to update outdated cabinets and countertops. Homeowners with insufficient counter space may benefit from upgrading it.
What you’ll find in this article is a complete guide to getting started on your kitchen remodel. From drafting plans, to lighting considerations all the way up to tips on choosing a contractor if needed.
Creating Your Draft
Start by sketching out your kitchen on paper. This way, you’ll be able to get a visual understanding of the flow of the area. Take into account any walls that you’ll need to move or add; this will affect your budget and the flow of your design. Allocate space for doors and windows and make sure that you can easily service your appliances.
Use a floor plan drawing program to design a new kitchen layout on a computer. This way, you can take advantage of the program’s features, such as the changeable view options to see your kitchen in different ways. This kind of program is especially useful if you’re going for a custom look and don’t have an existing layout to work from.
When designing a new kitchen, consider the size and layout of your island countertop. If you need an additional workspace that’s accessible only from one side, consider a peninsula or L-shaped island. If you need a lot of storage space, consider a U-shaped island. Make sure to give yourself enough room to move around the island so that you can be safe while cooking or moving food from one surface to another.
How to Design A Kitchen Island
When deciding on how big your kitchen island should be, take into account how big your kitchen is and the items you’ll place on it. Your island should be big enough for you to move around the food preparation area safely, without bumping into other people or objects.
If your kitchen is large enough, consider building two islands: one in the dining room and one in the kitchen. This will allow you to do different tasks while still keeping a conversation going, or it will give you a dining space and a workspace depending on what you need.
How to Design A Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets are among the most important features you can add to your kitchen and they are also among the most important parts of your kitchen design. Cabinets divide and organize the space of your kitchen and therefore, they can make or break a look. The way how you design them adds a lot to your overall design.
Get kitchen cabinet inspiration, Farmhouse Kitchen Cabinet Ideas That Will Transform Your Kitchen
The first thing you should think about when designing a new kitchen is where it will go. You need to make sure that your cabinets can easily fit in the space you’ve allocated for them. Remember that having more cabinets will not necessarily mean you have more storage. Make sure you don’t go overboard and buy too many cabinets unnecessarily; this will only waste money and add needless weight to your kitchen.
The next thing you need to decide is whether or not you will go for a traditional design or a modern design. Remember that if you want to add a modern touch, the cabinets are not the only things you need to change. You need to make sure that all of your appliances and furniture are modern as well.
How to Design A Kitchen Floor Plan
Start by creating a scale drawing using graph paper. This will make it easy for you to determine what size your kitchen is and where everything needs to go.
Once you have your scale drawing and the space you’ve allotted for your kitchen, move onto designing a floor plan for your kitchen. For this, you will need to take into account the appliances and cabinets you want to include, as well as their size. In addition, measure the height of each cabinet you want to add so that you can determine how far they will be from one another.
When designing a new kitchen, decide what kind of flooring you want for your kitchen. You should decide on tiles for hard floors, laminate flooring for carpeted floors and you can also go for granite or marble countertops.
How to Design A Kitchen Lighting
One of the most important things you need to think about when designing a new kitchen is the lighting. Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a kitchen because you will need it in order to be able to work safely. In addition, it also helps set the mood of your kitchen and allows you to create a more relaxing atmosphere. Here are some things to consider when designing a new kitchen lighting scheme.
When deciding on how much light your kitchen should get, you should consider its size and function. If you want to add pendant lights over your island, you will need more light than if you just have your overhead lights on. In addition, it is best to choose lamps that have a dimmer switch so you can adjust the amount of light as needed.
When it comes to installing new lighting, think about where you will place them. Many people prefer hanging light fixtures over the kitchen island or dining table because they provide more light than if they were placed elsewhere. You should also consider lighting your kitchen at night; after all, you probably need to cook at night. You should use recessed lights in order to avoid glare on your appliances and countertops.
How to Design A Kitchen Floor
When deciding on the flooring for your kitchen, you have a lot of options. There are many different kinds of materials that you can use to give your kitchen a unique look. Here are some ideas:
Wooden floors . These are an excellent choice because they can help your kitchen stand out from the rest. When choosing wooden floors, be sure to consider their upkeep – sealed wood is easier to clean, but it will also show scratches more easily.
These are an excellent choice because they can help your kitchen stand out from the rest. When choosing wooden floors, be sure to consider their upkeep – sealed wood is easier to clean, but it will also show scratches more easily.
Vinyl . This material is durable and easy on the eye, so it makes a great alternative to other flooring options.
Ceramic tiles . For a clean, modern look that will also keep your feet warm, ceramic tiles are a great option.
Carpet . Carpet is an excellent choice if you like to keep your kitchen warm and cozy.
Cork tiles . These are an eco-friendly alternative to many other flooring options, including wood, laminate and vinyl.
Marble . In addition to being beautiful, marble tiles will also make your kitchen stand out from the rest.
Marble mosaic . This is a great choice if you want something even more unique than marble tiling.
Limestone . Limestone flooring has natural patterns and cracks, so it will add character to your kitchen.
Linoleum . This is an excellent choice for those who prefer practicality over aesthetics. It is durable, easy to clean and affordable.
Who’s Doing the Work
Once you have your design concept created, you will need to decide if this is a project you want to take on yourself or if you will need to hire a professional. A kitchen remodel is a big job so make sure you are experienced and up to the task before considering doing the work yourself.
The nice thing about hiring a professional is that you can talk to them about your remodel and they will help you plan out the work so that there are no surprises. They also have experience working with contractors, so they can show you how to do the work yourself. If you do decide to hire a professional, be sure you choose one who specializes in your area of expertise, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Tips for Choosing a Contractor
When choosing a contractor, think about what kind of experience they have. You should choose one that has experience doing the kind of work you want done, such as kitchens and bathrooms. In addition, you should choose someone who has been in business for a long time and has a good reputation among their peers. Also, make sure to look for references so you can talk to people who have already worked with the contractor.
When choosing a contractor, don’t hesitate to ask them any questions you have or to go over the plans with them. You should also make sure they can do the work in a timely manner and that they have all of your information so that they can complete it properly. Finally, know what materials and products you want your contractor to use so that there are no surprises on the day of the job.
What is the Average Cost for a Kitchen Remodel/Remodeling Project?
The cost of a kitchen remodeling project depends on how much work needs to be done and how much you are willing to spend. If your kitchen is small, you might only need minimal changes, but if your kitchen is large, you will probably want to do more work. Your average kitchen remodeling cost is approximately $15,000, but your budget should be based on the work that needs to be done and how much you want to spend.
What are the Pros and Cons of DIY Kitchen Remodels?
If you have the time and energy to go through this project yourself, DIY projects are definitely a viable option. Definitely consider taking on a do-it-yourself kitchen remodeling project if you intend to save money on labor costs, are handy or already have all of the necessary tools.
The advantages of doing a DIY kitchen remodeling project are:
You can save money by making the changes to the kitchen yourself instead of hiring a contractor.
You can execute any plan you have created and use the cost of materials and supplies to create an accurate budget for your project.
You can determine exactly how much your project will cost before you start. This means you can ensure that you are not overspending on materials or products used within the project.
The disadvantages of DIY projects are:
If you have never worked with particular materials or tools, you might find that the choices available to you are limited. This can leave you with a project that has not been executed as well as it could have been.
You might end up spending more money than you initially intended on supplies and products used during the remodeling process. If this is the case, your project will most likely be delayed due to lack of funds. If you fall into this category, consider some of our kitchen decorating ideas as opposed to a complete remodel.
You might not have the right tools or materials needed to complete the project. For example, think about if you are going to use a power drill or paint brushes instead of a hammer.
How Should You Choose Your New Kitchen?
There are plenty of options out there when it comes to finding the right kitchen for you and your family. Decide how much space you want in your new kitchen and how many cabinets you will need. Consider the type of appliance you will need, as well as storage space for it, too. For a complete list of considerations, you can view our article Things to Consider Before Designing a New Kitchen
In conclusion, develop a detailed plan start to finish, set reasonable expectations and stick to your budget. From there, you can find the right materials, products and expert advice that will help you achieve your remodeling goals.
We suggest getting Free Kitchen Remodel Quotes from professionals in your area to help you get a better idea of what your remodel costs could be. Use our guide to get you started on what to look for and compare quotes from experienced professionals and find one that best fits your needs!
