Are you thinking about renovation your kitchen? The question isn’t “should you remodel” your outdated kitchen… the better questions are “how soon can I get it done,” and “what do I need to know?” Considering that the core of your home is your kitchen, it stands to reason that it should be everything your family wants and needs! There are a lot of decisions that go into a kitchen remodel, but here are the five most important considerations:
Consideration #1-Designer
Investing in a designer may be one of the wisest uses of your money in a kitchen remodel. Look for a designer that has tried and true experience with kitchens. Consult friends and colleagues who have kitchens you admire and ask for recommendations. Ask to see each designer’s portfolio and ask for a list of their references. Get an estimate of time and cost up front. Make sure they can handle all aspects of the design including floor plans, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and even final touches like an ornamental wine rack and fabric for eat-in kitchen pillows. Designers can cost anywhere from $40-$300 an hour, so you want to know that they are efficient, experienced, and professional. If you don’t use a designer, plan for 20-40 hours of research and legwork to create the kitchen plans of your dreams.
Consideration #2 - Countertops
Countertops are definitely one of the big three considerations for materials in a kitchen. They have to fulfill a tall order of not only looking fabulous but also being durable and functional. If you are someone who loves to cook, you will want something stain and heat resistant. If you have children, you need something that can take some punishment like spilled juices, cutting directly on the counter, one that is easy to sanitize and clean. With countertops, you have a number of choices including solid surface, butcher block, and of course, granite. There are also other less conventional types like concrete, and can’t not mention the timeless look of marble. One of the best ways to start the process of deciding is to make a wish list numbered by degree of importance, consider: budget, durability, functionality, longevity, aesthetics. Once you have prioritized the list, you can price the types that align with your wish list and narrow down your choices.
Consideration #3-Flooring
Fortunately, there are so many options for every aesthetic, every purpose, and every budget that you are sure to find flooring that you will love for not only it’s beauty and style but its functionality. Think about what kinds of use and frankly, abuse, your flooring is going to be exposed to. Also, determine how much care and maintenance you are willing to put into the flooring in your kitchen. Ask about water resistance, scratch resistance, long-term durability. Lastly, establish what kind of aesthetic and feel you are looking for in your kitchen. Tile, stone, wood, bamboo, laminate, and vinyl are the most common choices available. Fortunately, you can find tile that looks like wood, and vinyl that looks like stone. There truly is something for every unique style, budget and preference.
Consideration #4-Cabinetry
There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to cabinetry. A majority of cabinets are made of wood. Choosing high-quality cabinetry is recommended as they will take a lot of abuse, especially if you have youngsters at home. Then you have to determine the style of doors/drawer fronts and the finish, whether it will be stained and varnished or veneered wood. There are many styles to choose from for every aesthetic, from rustic to modern—inset, shaker, bead board, flat, glass, etcetera. One of the most important considerations you need to make in regard to cabinets is what type. Drawers are certainly recommended for a number of your bottom cabinets as they allow easy access and visibility to what is in them. Most people would recommend a walk-in pantry when possible, but if that doesn’t work into your floorplan, you will want some type of pantry cabinet with pull out shelves. You will have to consider whether or not you want any open or glass display cabinets. Finally, the molding on the top of your cabinets will need to be selected. It’s a lot of choices, ones you know you will have to live with for a long time, so balance functionality with aesthetics, and you won’t go wrong.
Consideration #5-Contractor
We have saved the most important consideration for the last. Who will be the contractor for the project? Most people enjoy the occasional DIY, but when it comes to a kitchen remodel, it is best to leave it to the experts. Kitchen remodels done by professionals can take upwards of three months and beyond to finish and while that doesn’t seem like a really long time, it can feel like eternity when you can’t cook in your own home. Also, making sure that you have the very best to help you bring your dream and vision to life is important. Your home is where you spend a great deal of your time. Much of your awake time in your home will be in your kitchen, so you want it to reflect who you are as a family and you want it to be as functional as possible. Likewise, you want to get a good return on your investment should you ever decide to make a change. You want a contractor that understands the importance of completing the project in a timely manner. They also have to be known for their quality of work and ability to come in on budget.
Giving yourself the gift of a new kitchen may feel a little self-indulgent, but isn’t having a good quality of life why we get up and go to work every day? Your kitchen is your home’s epicenter; it should be special. It should be an inviting space where you and your family gather to spend the best quality of time together. And, it will likely yield a good return on investment. At Moorhead, we will help you get it done on time, done on budget, and get it done right!