The best way to do kitchen remodeling is to find a contractor offering design and architectural services. This will allow your remodel to go more smoothly and be completed faster.
It is also a good idea to consider eco-friendly options for materials like flooring, lighting and backsplashes. These will be more cost-effective and sustainable and will add a unique touch to your kitchen. Contact Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA now!
If you’re tired of your old, worn out kitchen surfaces and materials, remodeling may be in order. Remodeling can range from a simple cosmetic refresh to what’s often called a “total gut” project that involves taking the space down to the studs and completely redoing the layout, which could require permits and/or structural work. It’s important to determine what your goals are for the project and how it will meet your lifestyle needs.
During the planning stage, it’s also a good idea to consider how you use your kitchen and what features are most critical to that function. For example, do you need more storage space? If so, consider adding or reconfiguring cabinet drawers rather than basic shelves to allow for better organization and easy access to items.
A kitchen remodel can take weeks or months, and it’s not usually something you want to tackle yourself unless you have experience in home improvement projects and the skills to do the job well. You’ll likely need to hire a general contractor or designer. Keeping them involved in the planning process will help you stay on budget and avoid costly pitfalls that can wreak havoc on your project.
It’s also wise to decide at the planning stage whether you plan to stay in your home during the kitchen remodel or move out temporarily. That will impact the scope of the project and whether you’ll need to reinforce joists or other structural changes. It’s also helpful to determine at the beginning if you want to use recycled or eco-friendly materials or opt for energy-efficient appliances, which will increase your home’s efficiency and lower utility bills. Finally, make sure to include a safety element, such as slip-resistant flooring or accessible storage for a fire extinguisher.
The design of a kitchen remodeling project will set the tone for the entire space. It can include new countertops, cabinets and appliances, as well as reconfiguring the layout for improved functionality or aesthetics. Depending on the extent of the remodel, it may involve expanding the kitchen’s footprint. This step requires a detailed plan to avoid expensive blunders that could jeopardize the entire project.
For example, changing the location of the sink or stove can require rerouting pipes and adding electrical outlets, which will add to the total cost of the remodel. Kitchen remodeling also provides the perfect opportunity to add storage solutions that improve organization and decluttering. Whether it’s a simple addition of a custom drawer organizer, or an enlarged island with open shelving for storing and displaying serving pieces, these features will make your new kitchen easier to use and maintain.
Countertops are another big expense, especially if you choose a high-end material. Natural stone products like granite offer timeless beauty and durability but come at a premium price tag. Other materials, like solid surface or laminate, are less expensive, but they don’t hold up as well to heat and water, so be careful when considering these options.
A quality backsplash or floor tile can also be a great way to make a visual impact, but it is important to balance this with coordinated design elements elsewhere in the room. This will help keep your kitchen from feeling over-designed and distracting.
Other upgrades, like adding a window treatment or painting, can be relatively inexpensive and give your kitchen a fresh look without major changes to its footprint or cabinetry. These projects can be done in stages to fit your budget and needs.
Kitchen remodeling can range from simple upgrades of surfaces and appliances to a complete gut of the space down to the studs and a total redesign. The cost of a project depends on the scope and extent of the changes, as well as any unforeseen costs such as repairs, permits and services.
The most common expenses include cabinetry, appliance and fixtures, and flooring. On the low end of the scale, homeowners can spend $15,000 for a basic remodel with new cabinets, an upgraded laminate countertop and painting the walls. On the high end, homeowners can expect to spend $50,000 or more for a full upgrade with custom cabinets, a stone countertop and a backsplash, as well as a new sink, faucets and appliances.
Appliances represent the second highest expense, with a new oven costing between $400 and $4,000. A new refrigerator can cost $500 to $4,000 or more, while a dishwasher will run you $300 to $1,200. The price of a new microwave will depend on features and brand.
Cabinets will account for 28 percent of the total budget, with the final amount largely dependent on the style and materials chosen. Homeowners can cut costs by choosing stock cabinets, rather than custom options, or opting for a less-expensive wood species like pine instead of cherry.
Other major expenses include new flooring, which accounts for around 5 percent of the total cost. Installation costs can be fairly expensive, ranging from $150 per square foot to $350 or more. However, there are ways to reduce the price of new flooring, such as by buying in-store specials or installing the materials yourself. New walls and ceilings can also be quite costly, especially if load-bearing walls need to be removed. Adding fire- and moisture-resistant drywall can increase safety, while paneling or tongue-in-groove ceilings add character.
Choosing the right materials for your kitchen remodel is key to the success of the project. You want to choose durable and functional materials that will withstand repeated use while also complementing the design aesthetic of your home. Consider incorporating natural stone, wood, ceramic tiles and stainless steel into your kitchen to create a stylish and modern space that will stand the test of time.
When it comes to flooring, tile is a popular choice because of its durability and ability to resist water damage. Wood floors are also a great option, but they tend to be more expensive than other options. If you are on a budget, laminate or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a good choice for affordable kitchen floors.
Countertops are another important feature to consider when completing your kitchen remodel. Marble and other natural stone countertops are a beautiful choice, but they can be very pricey. Poured concrete or epoxy countertops are an alternative to granite and quartz, and they can be customized with stains and colors to suit your style.
Cabinets are an essential kitchen feature that can impact the overall look and feel of your kitchen. MDF and plywood are common materials for affordable cabinets, but you can opt for solid hardwood for a premium look that will last longer.
Kitchen appliances are another major purchase that will make up a large portion of your kitchen remodeling budget. You should consider investing in energy-efficient appliances that will help reduce your carbon footprint.
Before you start your kitchen remodel, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials and tools for the project. A few essential tools include a ladder, tape measure, level, power drill, tile saw, tile snap tool and a multi-meter. A multi-meter is particularly helpful for testing outlets, so you can determine if they need to be replaced during the remodel or if they are faulty.
Depending on the project goals, you may want to review estimates from multiple contractors. You might find that one contractor is able to complete the job more quickly or efficiently. If so, this contractor might be worth the extra cost. At the same time, you should consider what items on your wish list are most important to you and whether it is worth sacrificing a bit on other items.
If you are a homeowner, you’ll probably have strangers traipsing through your home and making noise and mess for weeks or even months during the kitchen renovation process. It’s best to work with a general contractor who will manage all of the subcontractors involved in your remodel. This reduces the chance of conflicts, missed deliveries and other issues that can cause delays and increase your overall project costs.
The first step is demolition and removal of the old materials that you don’t want to keep. This is not a simple task, especially if it involves removing load-bearing walls. It is a good idea to get professional help with this phase of your kitchen remodel to ensure that the underlying structure of the house is not compromised.
Once the demolition is complete, the rough-in stage of your kitchen remodel begins. This includes framing, plumbing, and electrical work. This phase is usually the longest part of your kitchen remodel and is often done by a licensed general contractor.
Once the rough-in work passes inspection, drywall is installed. This is a time when you can really see your new kitchen take shape. This is also the time to install appliances, although some homeowners like to wait until after the cabinets are installed for this.
