Planning a Kitchen Reno

Adding new appliances will make your home more energy-efficient and provide a fresh look. New appliances are also more reliable than older models.

A full kitchen remodel changes the footprint and may require demolishing walls and rerouting electrical or plumbing. This is more expensive and time-consuming than a partial remodel.

Budget

The overall budget will depend on the scope of your kitchen remodel. If you’re adding a dishwasher or moving plumbing lines around, the costs will be higher than just replacing the sink. Installation and on-site labor can eat up to 20% of your budget.

Unless you have DIY experience, hiring a contractor for plumbing and electrical work is a must. It’s not a job that you can learn on the fly, and it requires specific knowledge of how to safely reroute water, gas and electricity.

Demolition costs are also part of the equation if you’re changing up the kitchen layout. Hiring a demolition crew to break down load-bearing walls is an additional cost that will likely run $500 to $13,000 per wall, plus hauling away the debris to the dumpster or scrap yard.

Design

After setting your objectives, you’ll need to determine what Ariana Lovato of Honeycomb Design in Shell Beach calls “the scope” of your kitchen remodel. This can range from a simple cosmetic refresh to what you might call a total gut that requires tearing down walls and reconfiguring your layout, which may require permits.

This stage will also involve determining what changes you’re willing to make, such as implementing a time-tested concept called the Kitchen Triangle, which dictates that your primary use items – sink, refrigerator, and stove (or cooktop) – should form a triangle. This will help keep your traffic patterns and work areas as efficient as possible, while ensuring that all the elements fit together seamlessly. This is where a professional designer can help.

Layout

One of the biggest considerations when you plan a kitchen remodel is deciding on the layout. Choosing an efficient design is key to creating a room you’ll love to use.

There are many kitchen layout options to consider, including Galley (think thin corridor) kitchens; L-shaped kitchens that take advantage of a corner in a medium-sized room; and Island kitchens, which create a work zone in the middle of an open-concept home. When choosing a layout, keep in mind the time-tested concept of the Kitchen Triangle, which states that the distance between your refrigerator, sink and cooktop should be between four and nine feet for comfortable food prep.

Once you’ve figured out your ideal kitchen layout, choose durable materials like Cambria quartz surfaces to ensure your new room stands the test of time.

Materials

The materials needed for your kitchen renovation have a huge impact on the functionality and aesthetics of the finished product. Whether you are going for a sleek, minimalist look with stainless steel and quartz or a rustic, homey vibe with wood and natural stone, the materials you choose set the tone and ambiance of your new space. Plus, premium materials often last longer, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.

When choosing kitchen materials, consider durability and maintenance requirements as well as your budget. It is also a good idea to visit specialty design showrooms for a real feel of the options. For example, if you are considering changing the layout of your kitchen and moving plumbing*, talk to a licensed plumber for advice.

Financing

If you’re in the market for a new kitchen, consider a financing option that allows you to borrow based on your home’s future value. This can be an advantage over secured financing, like a traditional home equity loan or HELOC, or government-backed renovation loans like FHA 203k and Fannie Mae Homestyle loans.

Depending on the type of financing you choose, it can take a few days or weeks to receive your funds or access the line of credit. For this reason, it’s a good idea to obtain estimates from multiple contractors before making any commitments.

Contractor financing offers homeowners the best chance to get a kitchen remodeling project funded without having to dip into their rainy day fund. This option is arranged directly through the contractor performing the work, allowing for the entire process to be coordinated seamlessly.

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