Steps to Take to Properly Plan Your Kitchen Overhaul
As one of the premier bathroom and kitchen remodeling companies near you in Kansas City, we have seen nearly every size, scope, and degree of difficulty when it comes to remodeling projects.
We’ve revamped tiny half baths and completely overhauled sprawling kitchens as big as studio apartments. No matter the scale or the complexity of the remodel, there’s one common element that makes for a successful project: good planning.
The Pitfalls of Poor Planning
Before we dive into the tenets of good planning, let’s talk about the opposite end of the spectrum. We’ve all heard some version of the nightmare kitchen remodel. You probably have a friend or a co-worker who’s gone through it. Nothing derails a kitchen remodel quite like poor planning.
The following are just a few examples of what can happen when shooting from the hip during a home remodeling project.
- Your project will hit unexpected snags and delays
- You feel forced to make compromises on function and/or design
- You incur additional expenses due to mid-project changes and improvisations
- Home remodeling contractors overstay their welcome
- The quality of work may be affected
- You and your family may be unable to use the space for far longer than originally thought
Kitchen remodels can take as little as approximately six weeks to complete. They can also span on for months if you and your home remodeling contractors aren’t on the same page.
So, how do you avoid a dreaded too-long kitchen remodel? We’ll break down the planning process for you. Once you have the general blueprint for a successful kitchen remodel, we’ll discuss how
NextGen Remodeling can help you achieve your dream kitchen space.
Proper Planning Step #1: Set a Budget, and Set it in Stone
A kitchen remodel should never be a “money is no object” situation. You should have a relatively firm figure in your mind for your overall remodeling budget. Make sure to communicate that number to your remodeling company when you confirm your project scope. This sets the necessary budgetary parameters so they can properly plan for labor, materials, and other expenses.
Keeping that in mind, make sure you’re ready with an extra 10 percent of your overall budget waiting in the wings for unplanned expenses or upgrades you didn’t realize you wanted. Even with the most comprehensive planning, kitchen remodels are notorious for the random curveball here and there. Pad your budget a little to ensure you’re ready.
Proper Planning Step #2: Dream Big, But Dream Realistically
Now that you have your budget firmly set, you can begin conceptualizing what you envision for the kitchen remodel. Many homeowners take to Pinterest or browse online for design inspiration. However, don’t let your imagination run too wild. Every tile, fixture, and cabinet you browse through has a very real cost associated with it. If you wind up selecting too many high-dollar items, you may deplete your budget sooner than you think.
Our advice? Create a hierarchy of the most important elements you want to address during your kitchen remodel. Perhaps you don’t get to address every single issue in your kitchen, but you at least take care of the most important items on your list.
And one more important thing: don’t get so caught up in the fashion of your kitchen remodel that you forget about the function. A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t align with your culinary endeavors won’t be of much use.
Proper Planning #3: Find and Vet Your Home Remodeling Contractor
Finding a great contractor that specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling can be a bit of a chore. The very best in the industry – like NextGen Remodeling – are usually booked out for several months, so you either need to be patient or have some kind of inside track via a referral.
Put any home remodeling contractor you consider through the proper vetting process. That means going over their prior work, interviewing them, and calling their references. Considering that you’ll have a working and creative relationship with your contractor, make sure you don’t skip any of these steps.
Proper Planning #4: Establish the Blueprint with Your Kitchen Remodeling Company
Once you’ve selected a contractor, you can dive into the nitty gritty of your kitchen remodel planning. This is where your kitchen remodeling company can begin to give you solid costs and timelines, predicting down to the day when your home will be complete.
If your contractor has a lot of experience under their belt, they’ll be able to problem-solve issues relating to materials, layout, and other attributes of the kitchen remodel. The end goal should be establishing a realistic blueprint that meets your aesthetic and functional list of wants while staying within budget.
Your general contractor should provide you with the following:
- A detailed estimate that includes materials, labor, and other costs
- A detailed timeline of the different phases of the kitchen remodel
- A detailed, legally-binding agreement (review this carefully)
Once you both sign on the dotted line, your kitchen remodel will kick off, and you’ll see your space transform before your very eyes.
Pro tip: Make sure to arrange a backup kitchen. A mini fridge, microwave, and hot plate go a long way in these types of situations. Otherwise, you’re going to be relying on food delivery services and dining out for the next several weeks.
Ready to Get Moving on Your Kitchen Remodel? Contact NextGen Remodeling Today!
If you’ve been searching high and low for kitchen remodeling companies near you in Kansas City, then you’ve come to the right place.
NextGen Remodeling is one of the leading companies in the area that specializes in premium kitchen and bathroom remodeling.
We have decades of combined experience working with spaces of all sizes in a wide array of styles, layouts, and design aesthetics. Additionally, since every person involved with your remodel is an employee of NextGen Remodeling, that means you can rest assured they all perform work to our high standards.
Contact NextGen Remodeling to
get your estimate today. You can also call us with any questions about your upcoming kitchen remodel at
(913) 423-5113.
