It’s easy to get excited about a kitchen remodel as you envision the finished project, but you may need to focus your thoughts and get organized when you are still in the initial planning phases. Once you’ve selected a contractor for your project, you may want to write down a list of questions to ask as you collaborate on a design and budget for your new kitchen. Below you can see some of the most essential inquiries for starting a kitchen remodel, so you can better prepare for your consultation with your contractor.
How can I get the budget right the first time?
If you know anyone who has remodeled their kitchen, you might hear stories of how the project ended up costing much more than the initial projected budget. This doesn’t have to be the reality of your project, though, if you plan properly. To get an accurate picture of your budget from the get-go, schedule an in-home consultation with a contractor. This is the only way to get an accurate idea of construction and material costs, and it helps your contractor get a sense of your home before making key changes.
What types of permits will my project need?
Your contractor should handle the filing of your project permits, but it’s still important to understand the building permits that will be required to move forward. You should also know what the building code in your area may prohibit you from doing. For example, you may envision an open floor plan after knocking down a dividing wall between the kitchen and living room, but you will want to be sure that this is something you’re allowed to do before you start designing blueprints. Knowing your restrictions from the start can be most beneficial, because you won’t have to rework plans later on, adding to the time and cost of your project.
What kind of maintenance am I looking at?
As you plan your kitchen remodel, don’t get too caught up in what your kitchen will look like. Though aesthetics is important, you will want to be sure that your kitchen functions well too. That includes considering the maintenance requirements of the materials you choose. Going over these details ahead of time will ensure that your kitchen looks great for years to come, because you will be able to commit to the necessary cleaning schedule of your kitchen materials.
- Flooring – Tile, laminate, and vinyl flooring are all popular choices in the kitchen, though tile can require more care, since it may be more prone to breaking and staining, depending on the type of tile.
- Countertops – Natural stone is a beautiful, lasting choice for countertops, but it can require regular sealing and polishing to maintain its finish. Quartz may be a good alternative, or you might choose manufactured Corian countertops as a lower-maintenance choice.
- Fixtures – Your fixtures may seem like small details, but the finishes you choose can require different methods of cleaning and have varying lifespans. Brushed finishes may be better in busy kitchens, because they tend to hide water marks well, so you won’t have a dirty looking faucet if you aren’t able to wipe it down frequently.
How much should I customize, really?
When you remodel your kitchen, it can be tempting to go with a completely custom design with features like counters adjusted to your specific height and intricate design choices that reflect your artistic creativity. You may quickly find, however, that the more custom the project, the higher the costs climb. In addition, you should think about resale value. Even if you aren’t planning on parting with your house anytime soon, you might want to sell down the road, and custom features that you love may dampen the appeal for future buyers with differing tastes. The best approach is to sit down with your designer and discuss all your ideas, then determine which will have the most lasting appeal in your kitchen and fit into your budget.
Can I reuse elements from my old kitchen?
You might want to preserve certain elements of your kitchen if you have an older home with vintage design elements, and in these cases, your designer can likely work with you to find the right solution. In instances where you are considering reusing materials like your faucet and sink, however, it is likely better to choose something new. Often, it will not save much money to retrofit an old sink into new countertops, and you may face maintenance issues if you don’t select a new sink that’s better fit for your modern kitchen design.
What should I look for in new cabinets?
Chances are, you’ve given plenty of thought to the brand-new appliances you want to include in your kitchen, and you have some ideas for countertops and flooring, but where do you stand on cabinetry? If you think the only decision you need to make for your cabinets is the color and finish you want, then you should get to know more about kitchen cabinetry so that you make the right decision. Here are a couple quick facts to help you know what to look for.
- Cabinets are not always solid wood; they may be made from cheaper particle board that might lack the longevity and style you’re looking for.
- You should look for cabinets with shelves that are at least ¾” thick and sides that are at least 1/2” thick—any less and the cabinets won’t support themselves or the weight inside.
- There are many options for hinges, drawer closes, and door pulls. Ask your contractor which are most durable and try out some samples from these options. Just like anything else, you’ll want to see samples in person before you make a commitment.
If you are getting ready to renovate your Tucson kitchen, Southwest Kitchen and Bath can help you get your project started with an in-home consultation from one of our design experts. Our team will work closely with you through every step of the project, so you will not be left with questions in various stages of the project. To learn more about what we can bring to your remodel, call us today at (520) 531-9187.