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The Kitchen Remodel
List
 The
Dreaming Stage: Evaluate your needs. What do you want to
change about the existing layout, appliances, utility, storage,
lighting, flooring, ascetics, etc. Consider how you use your
kitchen - where do you prepare meals, cook meals and clean up. How
can these used spaces be improved. What will make your ideal
kitchen in the space you have available? Do you want to go as far
as to restructure walls? Review the three basic layouts for
kitchens: U-Shaped, L-Shaped and Galley. Which of these works with
your kitchen use? You may also consider the "work triangle" which
places the refrigerator, sink and stove in an easily accessible triangle
to help optimize your kitchen tasks. Of course with the inclusion
of other useful appliances and innovative cabinetry/counter space, you
may think outside the triangle. Picture your ideal kitchen and
write down the elements it includes.
The Reality
Stage: Figure out your budget. How much can you afford to
spend/finance to make your dream kitchen happen. Do this before
any purchases are made or contracts signed. Knowing your budget
limitations is a must so you don't get in over your head!
Your Timeline:
Consider how much time you can be without a kitchen. You may
want to plan ahead and have the remodel done when the kids are at
college or you are certain not to have house guests, etc. Because
of the scope of the remodel, knowing a timeline is essential to
preventing some of the headaches involved with not having access to part
of your home for weeks or even a month or two!
The Design:
Now that you have your ideas, budget and timeline, you can contact an
interior designer (some are now specialized as kitchen designers) to
begin hacking out the reality. Now is when you determine which of
these formats will best fit your ideal use of the space. The
designer can help you determine how to make all your ideas work with the
products available to you at your budget.
The Material Breakdown - There
are many different types of materials for you cabinets, countertops,
floors, etc.
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Types of Cabinets: Cabinets either
come with a framed or frameless design. You can get 'Flat
Pack' or the do-it-yourself assembly-required variety, 'Stock'
which are limited in size but are fully assembled,
'Built-to-Order' which are made at the factory and shipped and
finally 'Custom' that usually include some factory pre-build and
more fine tuning on installation. The cabinets can be
stained, painted, laminated, and sometimes even made of material
other than wood like metal. There are plenty of options to
get carried away with. Review the options for the drawers,
slide outs and other extras for the interior of you cabinets as
well. Determine your style and use of your cabinets and
you will still be overwhelmed by the choices!
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Types of Countertops: Countertops
can be natural stone such as granite or marble, sealed surfaces
such as laminate or ceramic tiling, or manufactured surface
material such as Corian. Laminate and ceramic tiles may
offer a project for the do-it-yourselfer, but any of the other
products will have to made to order and usually need
professional installation to keep the warranty valid.
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Types of Flooring: Just like any
other room in your home, flooring options are endless.
However this would not be a room for carpeting! Installing
hardwood floors, Pergo flooring, vinyl, or tiles can be a
do-it-yourself project or another one you hire out.
The Appliance Breakdown - The
choices for appliances are abundant. When designing your new
kitchen you will want to consider the size and layout of these major
items. The layout of everything else in the room will be
effected by the appliances you choose. You may decide to include
appliances built into the cabinetry or countertop or keep them
freestanding. Overall, you are considering your refrigerator,
freezer, dish washer, microwave, stove top and oven.
The Kitchen Sink - The kitchen
sink stands alone as a major item to consider. You may have a
double sink, typical for hand washing dishes. You may have
more than one sink including one on a workspace island or
countertop. You may get a deep sink, shallow sink or a
combination of both.
Permits: It is very likely a major
kitchen remodel will need permits from your city or county government.
Research these to get a good idea of what permits you will need.
Your interior designer may be able to help with this. More likely,
the contractor(s) that you work with will either do the permits
themselves or be able to help you determine what permits you may need.
Steer clear of a contractor who tells you that you can "get by" without
getting a permit; it may sound like they are saving you money but in the
long run they could cost you much more!
Hiring A Contractor(s):
With a major kitchen remodel you may be using several different
professionals. You may start with a general contractor, however,
they may hire or you may need to hire specialists such as plumbers,
electricians or tilers. Talk to several contractors and get
estimates and references from each. Call the references and make
sure to ask questions about estimate variations - some may substitute
materials to cut costs. Discuss the timeline in detail with the
contractor you choose. Determine how they will work with any
sub-contractors. For example, when does the electrician and
plumber need to come in or when will you be ready for the tiler?
What time of day will they begin work and what days of the week?
What will the contractor do if there is a delay due to materials or
labor? For even more information about hiring and making a
contract with a contractor, please see our previous article
How to Hire a Contractor: Working as a Team on Your Next Home Project.
Demolition: Once you have
removed all the dishes and other small items, the big demolition will
begin. Even if you are just replacing a small section or part,
there may be demolition involved. Usually appliances are removed
first, then sinks, then fixtures, then countertops, then cabinets and
finally flooring.
The Remodel: After everything
is taken out the first couple items that will be done will be any
reframing, plumbing changes and electrical wiring. Any plumbing
and electrical work will need to be inspected before they can be sealed
back up. You may only have portions of wall removed for this type
of work. Once the inspection is done and the walls are in place,
the cabinets will usually be the first item installed. After the
cabinets are in place, your new countertops will be installed. After the countertop and any backsplash is done, the flooring will be
installed. The final items to be done will be all the finishing
work such as installing light switches and fixtures, installing the sink
and faucet, and finally, installing the appliances from the garbage
disposal to the refrigerator. Keep in mind, if any of the
appliances are built-in, they may be installed earlier. Extra care
should be taken to make sure they are not damaged while other work
continues!
If Things Go Wrong: Stay calm!
Delays may happen. The worst case scenario is if there are any
miscommunications between you and any of the professionals working on
your home. This can be anything from timing to cost. Make
sure to get all details in writing before any work begins!
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You should have a section in your
contract that states what is expected if there is a delay due to
material delays, staffing delays, etc.
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Stay involved in the process and don't
be shy - get progress reports daily!
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If a problem does arise, contact the
contractor immediately, a good contractor will respond quickly and
appreciate you speaking with them directly.
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If there is any question about the
quality of work, you may consider having an inspection done early to
ensure everything is on track.
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Never pay for the job fully in advance.
Many contracts work out a payment plan that will include paying a
certain portion as various stages of the project are completed.
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If there are disputes, make sure to
write your concerns down and keep records that you have communicated
all of these concerns with the contractor.
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You will save yourself from a headache
if you make sure to: Get it in writing, get the work described in
detail and leave no questions unanswered.
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Again, see our article
How to Hire a Contractor: Working as a Team on Your Next Home
Project for more details about hiring contractors and sample
contracts.
Finally - It's Done! With a major remodel there may be
another building inspection of the site on completion. Once that
is done you are ready to clean up and move back in! Enjoy your new
kitchen. Take pictures and keep a record of all your new
appliance, cabinet and other big item warranties. |
Other Useful Sites
Do It Yourself.com
www.doityourself.com/scat/kitchenc
Kitchen remodeling will increase the design, function
and resale value of a home. This section provides information about
building kitchen cabinets, re-facing kitchen cabinets, selecting a
kitchen cabinet style, selecting a kitchen countertop style, and
planning a kitchen design that will look great and maximize the
amount of available storage space.
HGTV
http://design.hgtv.com/kitchen/
HGTV KitchenDesign is your ultimate online
destination for all things related to kitchens: design and decor,
renovation and remodeling, appliances and products. Utilizing
original video content as well as the rich television libraries of
HGTV, Food Network, DIY and Fine Living, we show you everything
you'll ever want to know about your kitchen.
Improve.net
www.improvenet.com
Welcome to ImproveNet's Kitchen Remodeling Center. In
these and supporting pages, you'll find information and ideas for
kitchen remodeling, from kitchen cabinets to kitchen countertops and
everything in-between. Our goal is to inform you, give you kitchen
remodeling ideas and direction and show you some examples of kitchen
designs to get you started.
For their kitchen cost estimator
click here.
Kitchen Remodel Ideas
www.kitchenremodelideas.com
KitchenRemodelideas.com is a guide to new
products for your kitchen.
Kitchens.com
www.kitchens.com
Kitchens.com is the Web’s most comprehensive
consumer resource on kitchen design. We invite you to: Be
inspired by our Featured Kitchens and Photo Gallery. Learn the
basics of Design and Products & Materials. Check out the latest New
Product News and Trends. Follow the Kitchen Diaries for the
homeowner perspective of the remodeling experience. Get started on
your own kitchen project at Budget & Planning or our Professional
Locator
National Kitchen & Bath
Association
www.nkba.org
National Kitchen & Bath Association
has created the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Workbook. This workbook will
take you through every stage of creating that perfect space, whether
it's new construction or a remodeling project. From selecting a
designer, to collecting ideas and establishing a budget, this
workbook will help turn your dreams into a reality.
Renovation Experts
www.renovationexperts.com/green-kitchen.asp
Whatever the reasons and goals are, there are more options available
today for Greening your kitchen. Green kitchen design can be
eco-friendly with out losing luxury and style.
This Old House
www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/kitchens/pk
Kitchen Know How - Cabinetry, Countertops, Kitchen Sinks,
Backsplash, Appliances, Wet Bars, Design and Outdoor Kitchens.
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