Planning to Renovate? Follow these Kitchen Remodeling Steps

Remodeling any area of your home requires lots of planning and organization. If you go into it without a strategic plan, you could end up paying more than you bargained for.

There’s a lot you must go through, such as picking out the products and materials, hiring a contractor, and ensuring everything goes according to plan.

So, to help ensure your remodeling project goes as seamless as possible, we decided to put together this guide.

Let’s look at some of the steps you should take when remodeling your kitchen.

Questions to Ask Yourself

You want everything to go smoothly, but the only way this is going to happen is if you’re well-prepared…mentally. And the best way to get here is to ask yourself the right questions.

For example, what are your needs and desires? For instance, are you looking to remodel your kitchen to make it more organized, more modern, or to add value to your property?

So, if you have run down cabinetry, you may want to rip these out and replace them with something more durable.

Another question you should ask yourself is whether the kitchen remodeling project is worth the hassle. You shouldn’t go into a major overhaul just for the sake of doing it. There should be a pretty good reason so that you’ll stick through the project until the end.

Keep in mind that your kitchen will be in turmoil during the remodeling process. In some cases, it can take weeks to get everything done, which means you’ll have to make other plans for cooking.

Lastly, ask yourself how far you want to go with the remodel. You may start off wanting a simple face lift with new counters and cabinets. Then by the end, you’re knocking down walls and adding plumbing for a new sink in a kitchen island you weren’t planning for.

Select a Kitchen Design

Now that you have a better idea of what you’re doing, it’s time to begin designing your cooking space. If you’re not planning to do any updates to the layout of your kitchen, then creating a new design shouldn’t be difficult.

All you’re doing is giving the intended areas the upgrades you want. For instance, changing out the countertops, cabinets, appliances, floors, wall paint, and adding backsplashes.

Just make sure that if you do decide to make structural changes, such as adding a kitchen island, that you keep the classic workflow model. The kitchen triangle should be existent, so that you can reach the sink, stove, and fridge easily.

This will keep your workflow quick and easy in the kitchen.

As for planning the design of your kitchen, you can work with a design expert from a remodeling company or you can use software to get the job done. There is various inexpensive kitchen design software you can use.

Another option is to use book-based design packages that come with cardboard punch-outs you can use for your cabinets and appliances.

By far, your best bet is to go with a professional design from a remodeling company.

Hiring a Contractor vs DIY

Here’s the million-dollar question – should I hire a contractor or do it myself? If you’re a homeowner, you grow accustomed to doing things yourself. And in some cases, you’re the best person for the job.

However, when it comes to an extensive remodeling project, you should think twice about trying to pull it off on your own. Unless, of course, you have experience in the areas you’re remodeling, such as assembling and installing cabinets.

While you’re saving money on labor costs for installing the products in your new kitchen, it won’t come with the warranties you’d otherwise get by hiring a contractor. You’re also not guaranteed to have a professional-looking outcome.

Contractors give special attention to detail that comes with many years of experience. It also doesn’t hurt to have an expert on site that can take care of other problems that may arise, such as with your electrical wiring or plumbing.

Shopping Around for the Best Quotes

If you decide to go with a kitchen remodeling contractor, then it’s best to shop around for the best one. This all comes down to the experience and pricing being offered. Now, it’s ill-advised for you to go with the cheapest option simply because they’re cheaper.

Make sure they’re a legit company with a track record of customer satisfaction. Also, be sure the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured, along with anyone else working on site for your remodel.

After receiving a list of quotes from local contractors, you can interview them and see who’s the best fit.

Hiring a Contractor for Your Kitchen Remodel

Now that you have a road map for planning your kitchen remodel, it’s time to get a contractor on your team. The licensed professionals at Fairfax Kitchen and Bath are insured, experienced, and ready to help.

For years, we’ve worked on properties throughout Virginia, including Fairfax, DC, Vienna, Falls Church, and Springfield. Our top priority is to ensure our customers are pleased with the work we provide.

The products we have available come backed with brand warranties to ensure your purchases are secured. We also carry products from leading brands in the industry to ensure you’re getting nothing but top quality.

You can visit our local showroom to look at the items we have available. This includes various lines of granite, marble, and quartz countertops. Other products we have on hand include cabinets, carpets, vanities, hardwood, knobs & pulls, backsplashes, and tile.

When you work with us, you’re getting a one-stop shopping experience for all your kitchen remodeling needs. Get in touch with us today to get started with your free estimate!