Here are some tips to help facilitate your remodel plan. We know from experience that asking these questions, or seeking these solutions, are far more helpful to pursue at the very beginning of a project. We’ll be very glad to help you. Let’s start by looking at these factors. If they all seem like “no-brainers” to you, all the better! You’re that much closer to fulfilling your dream remodel.
15. Consider the foot traffic in your kitchen.
When people walk through your kitchen, or for that matter, just come in, are they in the way? Are there ways to move some things around to make it more accessible? A contractor can often help you see solutions that you might not see on your own, because the contractor isn’t so close to the situation. Even if you aren’t ready to take that huge step in your remodel, it could signal a concern to hold off until you’re ready to undertake that reconstruction.
14. Make style choices before choosing individual elements
Once you’ve decided on styles and colors, you’ve narrowed the options down considerably. That means you reduce your planning time, and can focus on options that will actually work. This will also open up innovations that you might otherwise have missed. Contractors often are aware of features that would be helpful to bring to your attention, and that kind of advice is almost always free. It helps establish (or reject) a relationship.
13. Decide if it is time to upgrade your appliances
Not every appliance needs to be upgraded in every remodel. On the other hand, in a new kitchen, some appliances no longer look quite right. It might be time to consider trading some in, or in other cases, placing them for sale in some of the many options now available.
12. Lighting and electrical outlets can make a huge difference
Do you have enough outlets now? Could more be helpful, or could some be more practical if moved to a new spot? We rarely see a kitchen that couldn’t benefit from a few new outlets. This is not an expensive addition to your project, so it’s worth doing! New light fixtures can show off your new kitchen in some interesting ways. New light fixtures are a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade your kitchen. Don’t leave them out of the new plan.
11. Look for ways to increase your counter space
An island where you don’t have one, a movable counter/cabinet combination, or even new construction could make your work area far more satisfying. Of course, space constraints might be the limitation, but there are almost always options. It’s worth having a discussion.
10. Is it worthwhile to add sound-proofing to the walls?
As part of your project, ask yourself whether that would improve an existing situation that you’ve learned to live with. While in remodel process, that’s the right time to add insulation where warranted. That can change the overall feel of your room in unexpected ways.
9. Is there space for a window?
Windows and venting may be more important that you think. Is there too much humidity in your kitchen? Is there not enough? These factors, while hidden, play an important role. Sometimes, they even improve safety. Let us help you consider whether this is important in your application.
8. To have an island, peninsula, or open area
Space and traffic patterns are the issues here. Where there is an island, does it hamper your movement? Would a moveable solution work to your advantage? Or, do you have enough room that a fixed island or peninsula can be added? You know your space, so you’ll be moving the ball on this issue.
7. What existing elements definitely need to be updated?
Appliances that are old need to be considered. The latest data on refrigerators says that if it is older than 20 years, it isn’t worth maintaining. Go with a new one, which is often more energy efficient. That’s good advice for dishwashers and microwaves, too. Cabinets have really nice features now that weren’t readily available before, like quiet-closing, Pull-out shelves, lazy susans, and more. All of these options can make your remodel far more satisfying.
6. Is there a way to maximize your storage area?
Can closets be converted to accommodate more options for a pantry? There are other ways to use new cabinetry to increase your space. If not additional space, certainly improving the accessibility when space is limited. We can show you some options.
5. Will it be as convenient to eat in the kitchen as it is now?
How often do you eat in the kitchen? Even if you don’t opt for ways to make this even more comfortable, you want to make sure that it isn’t less convenient. It’s more common than you may think to eat in the kitchen, and simple ways to make this even more convenient will always be a welcome inclusion.
4. Will room doors or appliance doors be a factor in daily use?
If a door swings into your traffic, or even worse, no longer moves completely and freely, it’s going to be annoying. This is true for cabinets and appliances as well. Refrigerator doors can usually be switched to swing in the opposite direction, but that’s not always the solution to a plan that has gone awry. These factors are details that are frequently overlooked. How can you calculate this? Many people have no trouble, once that detail is brought to their attention, but advice of this type is almost always a part of a contractor’s planning.
3. Are there enough drawers in your new plan?
Silverware, kitchen tools, and a junk drawer are almost always necessary, even though that junk drawer becomes a joke most of the time. But, do you have one now? Will you miss it in the future? Additionally, if you’ve kept things in a certain place for years, are you going to be able to adjust to a more practical, or even merely different, placement of those things? Our family still hasn’t forgiven us for moving the silverware drawer six years ago.
2. Can you replace the facia (space above cabinets) with taller cabinets?
It used to be pretty common for eight to 12 inches above the cabinets be open, or even filled with drywall. Sometimes, utilities run in this space, but not always. It might be possible to get taller cabinets, giving your more space. Things that aren’t often utilized can be stored on those top shelves, or even on a ledge. Keeping a folding stool handy can help grab those things when they occasionally are needed.
1. Get your contractor involved sooner rather than later.
We don’t mean this to be self-serving, because it is usually a free part of the job. Sure, we’re going to gain your confidence for at least some of the project, but we really don’t mind talking you through the process. We’ve done these projects before, usually many times. We can improve your concept in many ways.