Getting your kitchen remodeled is an exciting and sometimes scary step in improving your home. The kitchen is the most valuable room in your home and if your home is over 10 years old, remodeling it can definitely make some sense. Generally speaking, people either remodel the kitchen to enjoy a new space with more up to date fixtures or they do it to get ready to sell the home in which case they don’t get to enjoy it. Whatever the scenario, remodeling your kitchen isn’t something someone does all the time, so here’s 11 things you must know before you remodel your kitchen.
Why are you remodeling the kitchen?
Before you embark on a kitchen remodel, you need to ask yourself why you are doing it in the first place. Is it an aesthetic upgrade, or do you need more space for storage or countertop space? Establishing a clear goal for your remodel can help inform the rest of your decisions, from the layout to the materials you choose. In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s important to have a clear vision and what you can do to ensure it’s a successful project.
Identify the purpose of remodeling
The first step to successful kitchen-remodeling is to identify the why. Do you want to…
- extend your kitchen
- create a more functional workspace
- make it bright and airy
- add modern appliances
- build an eat-in area
What are your high-priority wishes and how can they be fulfilled? Now is the time to think through all the projects you’d like to take on. If you’re just making small adjustments, you can make a list and tackle them separately. However, at Home Hero in Atlanta, we recommend trying to tackle as much as possible to avoid thee frankestein affect from having different materials and styles all present in the same kitchen.
The level of complexity of a remodel will determine whether or not some projects must be left in the hands of professionals. It’s essential that plumbing, electrical and any other major construction changes have the required permits and codes so avoid DIYs that involve complex systems like these.
An important aspect of remodeling is deciding on the size and shape of cabinetry. Islands are great for creating extra space as well as gathering areas within the kitchen, but if they aren’t installed correctly they can disrupt ease of movement throughout that space. Think about what arrangement works best for everyone who uses this space and plan out where an island should go — if an island is desired — before any construction takes place. Floors too must be considered when planning for a remodel since some materials like tile require tearing up existing floors under them before being put down which could increase costs in unexpected ways because existing materials must first be removed for new ones placed into place. Know exactly what decision needs to be made before beginning!
Determine your budget
One of the first steps in the remodeling process is to determine your budget. This can be both challenging and discouraging, but it is an important step to take before starting any type of construction or remodel. Before you get started you need to calculate how much money you are willing and able to spend on the project. Knowing this will help dictate what materials, appliances, and items need to be purchased for the completion of the project. Consulting with a professional contractor may also be beneficial when constructing a budget for your kitchen remodel so that there are no surprises down the line. After setting your budget, plan for additional costs such as labor costs, installation fees, permits, taxes, shipping charges and materials that might have been forgotten or overlooked during an initial plan. This will keep you from going over budget when unexpected expenses arise during the renovation process.
Kitchen Island
Adding a kitchen island is one of the most popular remodeling projects people undertake. An island can provide helpful extra space for storage, organization, work surfaces, seating, and more. When planning for a kitchen island, there are several factors you need to consider, such as size, shape, design, materials, how it will fit into the existing space, and making sure it has the necessary utilities. Let’s take a look at all the details.
Measure the space for the kitchen island
Before you go ahead with the remodeling process of your kitchen, it’s important to measure the space where your kitchen island will go. In most cases, the island will be situated in the middle of the room or at least somewhere near your main working area. It can be placed against a wall or centered in an open space depending on your preference and available room. Keep in mind that while islands come in standard sizes, they can also be customized to fit exactly into the space where you intend to install them.
To accurately measure the area for your new kitchen island, start by measuring its depth which should probably range between 24-30 inches. Then use a tape measure to determine its required width keeping at least 6 inches of additional space from each side to facilitate seating people around it and moving around it when necessary. Also, note down any special features such as plumbing or electrical outlets and make sure to include them in your final measurements. Once you have set all these parameters, you can move forward with more detailed plans for remodeling your kitchen including selecting material for countertops, cabinets and flooring .
Choose the right material for the kitchen island
When selecting materials for your kitchen island, you should consider functionality, cost and design. The material should be durable enough to withstand everyday kitchen use as well as occasional spills and splatters. It’s also helpful to select materials that are heat, moisture and stain-resistant. Popular options include natural stone like quartz or granite, butcher block countertops, or stainless steel surfaces. Depending on the material you choose, you may need additional topping such as sealants and oils if necessary for maintenance or protection against water or other elements. This is one reason why marble is often a poor choice in the kitchen.
In addition to durability and design, cost is an important factor when selecting a material for your kitchen island surfaces. Natural stone countertops such as granite or marble tend to be more expensive than other options like laminate or ceramic tile. However, natural stone adds an air of luxury and may have an increased value in the market when it comes time that you sell your home. Butcher block countertops are relatively inexpensive while offering a medley of wood species and a range in finish options. Stainless steel is ideal for those seeking a modern look with specialized fabrication techniques available to create beautiful patterns on the surface of the metal island countertop. Bear in mind that more elaborate designs often add up in costs.
Think carefully when it comes time to select materials for your kitchen island so that you can create a functional piece of furniture that meets all of your needs while complements your overall design aesthetic and falls within budget constraints
Select the right countertop
When selecting a countertop for your kitchen island, material and color matter. Different materials have different properties, so there are important considerations for what kind of countertop will work best for your needs. Durability is an important factor to consider; the right kitchen island countertop should be able to withstand anything you plan to cook up in your kitchen.
When it comes to choosing the right style and color of countertop, look carefully at how they’ll pair with other elements such as cabinetry, backsplash, appliances, and even flooring. Whether entertaining or busy with everyday activities, a kitchen island countertop must support the way you use your home.
Here are some popular island countertop materials:
- Granite: This durable stone is heat-resistant and comes in endless varieties of colors and textures.
- Quartz: This nonporous surface is beautiful and resists everyday wear and tear better than most natural stones.
- Wood: Butcher block is the classic choice here—it won’t stand up to heat or spills as well as stone surfaces but provides warmth and beauty that can’t be matched by granite or quartz.
- Concrete: For an industrial edge, you may want to consider concrete for your island surface—it can be cast in any shape or size so it perfectly fits within your design plan and perfectly complements other elements like appliances and cabinets.
- Laminate: There are dozens of wood-look finishes available with laminate surfaces today that offer durability in a low budget option that may fit well with certain home décor styles like vintage or retro kitchens.
No matter what material you choose for your kitchen’s island countertop look closely at its performance capabilities before making a final decision on color or texture to ensure it will work with all the other features of your new space!
Plumbing
Before you start remodeling your kitchen, it’s important to consider how your plumbing will be affected. From sinks and dishwashers to waste disposals and appliances like a fridge, plumbing can cause headaches when renovating a kitchen. This section will go over all the factors related to plumbing that you need to consider before starting your kitchen remodel.
Check the existing plumbing lines
If you intend on adding a kitchen island, appliance, sink or any other installation that requires a plumbing line, then knowing the layout and condition of current pipes can help determine what changes you will need to make going forward. Check for leaks and clogs in current plumbing lines that may indicate a bigger problem and make necessary repairs or replacements. Additionally, if adding an island or sink, take measurements of your space to ensure that you have enough room for plumbing lines between the walls. Evaluation of existing cabinet configurations and potential relocation might be wise when addressing plumbing needs.
Plan for water supply and drainage
This includes evaluating your current plumbing system, determining what the plumbing needs for the remodel will be, and laying out exactly how you want those plans to be carried out.
When it comes to running new water lines for a kitchen island or installing a new dishwasher or washing machine, you’ll need to ensure that the existing piping configuration is adequate to accommodate these additions. You should consult with an experienced plumbing professional before you begin planning your project as they will be able to point out any potential conflicts or solutions that may make it easier to complete the remodel.
When relocating appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators, you’ll need to make sure that new drain lines are run in the most efficient manner possible according to local guidelines and regulations. If a sink is being installed in a new location within the kitchen area, suitable water supply lines may need to be installed along with a shutoff valve and necessary fixtures. And if additional fixtures such as gas cooktops or connective vent hoods are necessary for cooking purposes, appropriate piping should also be incorporated into your plans.
Making sure all of these details are properly executed prevents costly delays during installation and helps make sure that your entire remodel runs smoothly from start to finish.
Consider the cost of plumbing fixtures
This can be one of the more expensive portions of your project, so you should carefully select the type of fixtures that best fit your budget and lifestyle.
Your selection will depend on a variety of factors including the size, shape, and style of kitchen sink you want. Also take into account potential additional features such as faucets and sprayers, water dispensers, or additional sink bowls. You may even want to incorporate an island with its own plumbing connections in order to maximize counter space.
You also need to consider hook-up needs for other appliances like dishwashers and disposals attached to the main sink or draining setup. All these considerations can increase overall costs for necessary pipe work needed for larger kitchens, as well as labor costs associated with connecting new supplies. Professional installers are generally recommended since incorrect installation may lead to costly repairs down the road. So you’ll need to factor in the cost of labor when considering all aspects regarding the price of plumbing fixtures in a kitchen remodel project.
Flooring
Not only will it affect the overall look and feel of the room, but it can also help you save money in the long run. When it comes to flooring, there are a few things you’ll need to consider, such as type of material, thickness, and installation type. In this article, we’ll take a look at the various types of flooring and their features, so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the best flooring for your kitchen.
Choose the right material for the kitchen floor
Kitchen floors must withstand major foot traffic, spills and food splatters. Durability and ease of maintenance are also important considerations for kitchen flooring. Given so many kitchen flooring options — luxury vinyl tile, natural stone, hardwood, engineered wood, concrete — selecting the right material can be tricky. To avoid making a costly mistake that you might regret later on, here are 11 factors to consider when choosing your kitchen flooring material.
- Durability: Kitchen floors have to put up with a lot of tough wear and tear compared to other areas in the home. Choose materials that are well-suited for your cooking habits and frequent entertaining activities.
- Ease of cleaning: Kitchens are prone to heat, steam and grease which can easily discolor some surfaces or make them difficult to clean. Choosing a material that is water-and-stain resistant will be more practical in the long run as you won’t have to worry about freshening up after every meal.
- Slip resistance: During meal preparation or when hosting guests for casual meals in the morning or afternoon snacks at night, there might be a lot of foot traffic around your kitchen floors since it’s usually an area where family and friends gather for conversations over good food! It’s important to choose a material that won’t slip easily so as to avoid any injuries from falls due to slippery surfaces.
- Beauty: Although practicality should always come first when choosing your kitchen flooring materials, aesthetics dictate how much you get out of it in terms of the overall look of your entire kitchen space so don’t forget about beauty!
- Cost: Select a material within your budget or allocate more funds if necessary – but decide which one you prioritize comfort & style over budget constraints early on into this project planning process so as not to incur unplanned financial burdens later on in the remodelling journey along with making sure you don’t miss any key elements during renovations such as plumbing changes or electrical needs etc…
Estimate the cost of flooring
Before you make any decisions on flooring, it is important to get a cost estimate. To determine the cost of your floor materials, take the time to research the different types of flooring options available and the associated price ranges. Since flooring costs for standard rooms can range from about $1–$15 per square foot, depending on material and installation, it helps to consider each option within your budget constraints.
Standard Materials
When shopping for standard floors, there are many different options: ceramic tile, laminate, vinyl plank or sheet vinyl, hardwood and engineered wood are some of the most popular choices. There are also various finishes to consider: gloss finish makes hardwoods look beautiful but they can be slippery; textured or matte finishes create slip resistance with a natural feel; wood grain has a classic look that works well in traditional style kitchens; matte finish provides a formal feel and has a subtle sheen. Additionally, porcelain tile is an ideal choice for durability as it can withstand heavy foot traffic making it perfect for kitchen islands. Each type of material brings unique characteristics and benefits depending on your family’s lifestyle and buying preferences.
Eco-friendly Materials
In recent years there has been an increasing interest in eco-friendly materials such as bamboo or cork. These green materials come in many styles that mimic traditional floors so you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for environmental concerns. Cork is also very effective in soundproofing as its tensile strength absorbs noise from footsteps or other activities around the kitchen island area. It is important to consider all these features when shopping for green floor materials as prices can vary significantly based on product quality and sustainability efforts such as certifications like FloorScore (meaning emissions conform with international indoor air quality standards).
Consider the installation process
When it comes to choosing flooring for a remodeled kitchen, it’s important to consider the installation process. While it would be nice to just buy and install flooring without any hassle, the fact is thatthis is a significant investment and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You’ll need to factor in who will install the flooring and whether or not you’ll require help.
The cost of materials and labor when installing kitchen flooring can vary, as different surfaces call for different processes. For example, some vinyl planking can simply be glued down while wooden floors require either stapling or screwing into place. Floors with raised patterns might need additional time for the complex installation process. It’s best to work with an experienced professional who has knowledge of different types of surfaces so that you end up with a durable finished product in line with your vision for the new kitchen.
Electrical
Electrical is an important part of any home remodel, especially when it comes to the kitchen. When you’re remodeling your kitchen, you must make sure you’re up to date on the latest electric codes for safety. Consider the placement of the outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures. You may need to hire a certified electrician to ensure everything meets the code requirements. Knowing the electrical requirements is essential before you begin your remodel.
Check the existing electrical wiring
You need to know if it is up to code and can handle the additional load you’ll be adding during the remodel. You should also ask yourself how many additional outlets and fixed appliance connections will be required for the area you plan to remodel.
You may need additional outlets or switch boxes for larger appliances and any new electronics such as charging stations, refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, etc. Additionally, you should consider whether you want specialty lighting installed in the kitchen island or an under cabinet lighting system. The wiring for these types of installations must take all necessary safety measures into consideration so that no one gets shocked by loose wiring or short circuits caused by overloaded circuits. An electrician can help answer any questions about current wiring before starting a kitchen remodel and ensure that it is up to code.
Consider the cost of electrical fixtures
It is important to budget for additional outlets as well as any special lighting needs. Consider adding motion detector lights and ceiling fans to your plan. Having a kitchen island with an electrical outlet is also something you should decide before remodeling your kitchen, as it will make it easier to use appliances while standing at the island or working there. You may also need to consider bringing in a licensed electrician if there are issues with the existing wiring or if you are upgrading any existing fixtures or appliances. Some other issues that you should consider when dealing with electricity in your kitchen remodel include:
- Adding grounding protection for countertop and wall mounted appliances like microwaves and coffee makers
- Factoring in budget considerations for dimmers, switches, the placement of outlets and light sensors
- Making sure that cupboards and wiring meet current code requirements
Plan for the installation process
Make sure that you cover all the details of electrical work – what wiring and outlets will be needed, how they will be laid out, and who will be responsible.
When working with electricity, safety is paramount. Ensure that your wiring complies with local building codes. Ask us or electrician to include provisions for circuits that can handle any additional appliances or gadgets you might add in the future. It’s best to have an extra circuit installed during remodeling so you won’t have to go in and request a new one later down the road – this could incur additional costs.
You may also want to install motion sensor lighting under kitchen cabinets or other areas that don’t get direct light from overhead fixtures. And consider updating existing electrical outlets with special built-in USB ports for charging electronics like phones and tablets without having bulky cords lying about on surfaces. All of this should be planned out ahead of time so it can be considered as part of your overall remodeling budget (and timeline).