Want to give your Atlanta home a kitchen remodel, but are at a loss on where to start? This step-by-step guide can help set you off in the right direction.
1. Know what you need in your new kitchen
Think about how you’re currently using your kitchen and the changes you want to see. How often do you prepare meals here and who does most of the preparation? How does the work flow around the kitchen? Do you need a bigger space, more storage, or the latest appliances? Are you looking to spend more time in the kitchen with your family?
Get inspiration from photos of kitchens you like and file these photos to serve as a guide when you start planning.
2. Set a budget
Your budget will depend on the scope of work to be done. The more extensive the renovations, the bigger the budget you have to set aside. Set a ceiling for what you can afford, including a cushion of around 20% for unexpected expenses.
You’ll need plenty of research to come up with the right figure. Go to kitchen showrooms, home improvement stores, and similar places to get an idea on the costs of new appliances, fixtures, and finishes. Get tips from friends who recently had a kitchen remodel. Browse websites and other sources of information. Of course, don’t forget to factor in labor costs, as well as additional costs like shipping or delivery fees for the materials.
3. Find the right professionals
Working with a contractor who can help you from the design and planning to the construction can reduce the stress and the work you have to personally put into the job. But if you wish to be more hands on, identify the professionals you’ll need for the work you can’t do on your own.
For example, you might want to hire an interior designer to help you in the planning stages, then various contractors to work on different elements, such as the cabinets and the counters. The pros can help you with everything, from choosing the right design and ordering the materials you need, to scheduling the project and solving problems.
4. Plan the space
Together with your contractor, come up with a schematic that includes the layout of the kitchen, the dimensions of various features, the height of the cabinets and counters, and other details. The preliminary floor plans drawn at this stage can be used to get an estimate of the cost of the work and materials needed.
5. Decide on the fixtures and finishes
By now, you probably know how you want your new kitchen to look, and this stage is where you put all your desired elements together. Among the things to decide on are the construction, material, and finish for the cabinets, countertops, kitchen sink, flooring, and backsplashes. You also need to choose your appliances, light fixtures, and faucets.
6. Plan the logistics for the project
After you’ve firmed up the design and layout of your new kitchen and have arrived at an agreement with contractors, the real work begins. This means you likely won’t have a kitchen until the project is completed, so you might need to set up a temporary one. You also have to work with your contractor on how to protect your home from dust, debris, and damage that may arise from workers and materials coming in and out.
A beautiful new kitchen starts with the right planning. Take as much time as you need and do the necessary research before diving into the project to ensure the best outcome.
Sources:
Trends to Keep an Eye On in 2020, KitchenBathDesign.com
Kitchen Trends 2020 – These Latest Designs Are Ahead of the Curve, HomesAndGardens.com
