Remodeling your kitchen can be quite a complicated and overwhelming process. In many situations, homeowners are pretty unfamiliar as to how to begin such a project. We have outlined some steps to consider before you start the process to not only help you enjoy a stress-free experience, but also ensure that your kitchen renovation is completed exactly the way you want.

Step 1: Iron Out the Specifics

Before beginning your project, you will want to iron out all the details. Aspects you should consider before jumping into the project include:

• What is the goal of your project? Do you want to build an addition to your kitchen or change the layout? Do you want cosmetic updates?
• Are structural changes needed? Are you adding or taking down walls or building an island? Changes such as these will require special consideration from your contractor.
• Is your kitchen going to have a traditional, cottage, modern or classic design? How does this incorporate into the style of the rest of your home?
• What is your family’s lifestyle and needs for this space?
• What is your desired timeline for completing the project?
• What is your available budget?

By planning these details, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary problems while ensuring that you are satisfied with the finished project.

Step 2: Hire the Right Professionals for the Job

A great place to start is by heading to a kitchen showroom in your area so you can not only checkout the latest products and get design ideas, but to also talk to the professionals about quality contractors in the area.

It is also important to do research online. Browse websites, such as Houzz and Pinterest, to brainstorm remodeling ideas. Read customer reviews for companies you are considering to hire. In a recent study, it was revealed that online reviews are now trusted by the majority of online consumers just as must as personal recommendations.

When hiring a contractor you will also want to consider the kind of work they specialize in. Do they have experience completing the type of kitchen remodel you want and what types of projects are in their portfolio?

Step 3: Decide What Products to Incorporate

From the top to the bottom, it is a good idea to decide on the kind of products you want to use. The design and look and feel of your kitchen heavily influences the materials you choose.

• Cabinetry: This is often the foundation of the kitchen. What style of cabinets do you like? Do you want natural wood or painted finish?
• Countertops: Do you want a natural or manufactured stone? How much of a focal point do you want the countertops to be?
• Flooring: Do you want to use tile or hardwood? Are you concerned with durability and maintenance?
• Lighting: What types of lighting do you need for different areas of the kitchen? Hanging pendants over the island, a showcase light fixture over the dining table, recessed lighting and under cabinet lighting are all options to consider.
• Additional Features: There are many features and accessories to include in your kitchen such as islands, peninsulas, breakfast bars, tile backsplashes, cabinet hardware and more. Think about the different options that will add the final touches to your kitchen.

Step 4: Use Illustrative Designing

To put everything into prospective, you want to use drawings to help you calculate the square footage area and the layout of your kitchen. These drawings should include things like where the island will be positioned, what the dimensions of your cabinets will be, and the kind of products used for each of the areas of your kitchen. The contractor you hire should be able to provide you with this information.

Step 5: Begin the Construction Process

You are ready to start remodeling! Your contractor will need to acquire permits before the construction begins. Typical projects can span anywhere from four to eight weeks, and most quality companies will try to minimize disruption to your family’s routine.

In addition to this, it is a good idea to keep a constant flow of communication with the company performing the construction. By doing so, if there are any complications, they can be resolved fast and effectively.  Professional companies make it their top priority to keep the customer up-to-date on the construction progress.

Once the job is complete, you want to do a final walkthrough with your contractor. If everything is completed to your satisfaction, then you can start enjoying your new kitchen right away.

As one of the leading kitchen remodelers in Central New Jersey, DES Home Renovations invites you to contact us about your kitchen remodeling project. We’d love to discuss your ideas!