Kitchen Planning 101 – Remodeling Your Kitchen Will Test Your Family Ties
3 min read
A kitchen remodel can be an intrusive project in your home. There are a few things to consider before venturing off into this direction and what you should expect.
Remodel Time Frame
On your way to your new shiny appliances and kitchen cabinets, your house will be literally turned upside down. You’ll be wiping off dust from everyone and everything for weeks. There will be delays and frustrations and your family ties will be tested to the max. You may have spent months planning your remodel, but instant gratification is far away once you order your products and materials.
Some products and materials may take up to nine months to get, and if you’re having custom made cabinets, they start arriving anywhere from 12 – 16 weeks. Semi-custom can take 8 – 10 weeks and stock about 4 weeks or less. Once the products do arrive, you can expect installation to take from 2 – 12 weeks. That depends on how involved your project is and how many set backs you have.
Remodeling Your Kitchen Compared to Having One Constructed From Scratch
The obvious big differences in a remodel are: Demolition has to take place before construction can take place. The floor plan and style of your kitchen must take into consideration the surrounding rooms and architectural design of your home. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical components may need to be brought up to current building codes. Columns and other structural components may need to be reinforced. Slanting floors and walls may require installers to adjust the heights of cabinets and appliances.
With all the unexpected things that can happen, cost can mount very quickly blindsiding homeowners. Be prepared to make the adjustments and make them as frugal as can be. Partner with your contractor to come up with the most cost efficient approach.
Financing Your Project
You can finance your project in several ways. Here are a few suggestions:
- Cash
- Credit Cards
- A personal or bank loan
- A loan from your insurance company or credit union
- A loan from a savings and loans institution
- Refinancing your mortgage
- A home equity loan
- A home equity line of credit
- A Federal Housing Administration loan
All of these options are available and need to be thought through very carefully. Take time to research these options that best suits your needs. Once the project has been given the green light, you need to make sure that financing is in place.
How will a Designer Help Me?
Working with a professional can take a lot of the stress and uncertainty out of planning and building/remodeling a new kitchen. Let them help you figure out all the technicalities and details. Their expertise will help prevent costly mistakes, come up with cost efficient solutions and help with the entire planning phase.
The design phase is the most exciting part of your remodel, but it can also be one of the most stressful times. Making careful decisions about your kitchen design, will set the stage for a great kitchen remodel project. Some aspects of your project your should consider:
- Think about what styles and items you want to include
- How much are you willing to pay
- How long are you willing to put up with the remodeling process
- Find out what the process is from your designer
To conclude, designers typically work out of showrooms with tons of catalogs for viewing and samples as well. Partner with a professional kitchen designer. They are there to help you by thinking through all the measurements, material coordination and all the logistics involved with the actual remodel.
