Kitchen Remodeling: From Start to Finish

Remodeling a kitchen is an extremely exciting opportunity but requires significant planning and consideration. According to HomeAdvisor, the average kitchen remodel costs $23,706 or $150 per square foot. Though the total expense depends on the size of the space, quality of materials and whether you change the kitchen’s layout. With this significant investment, planning is key!

Does your kitchen require a complete remodel, or just partial? Before demo begins, it’s important to think about your overall budget, examine your existing layout, choose appliances, and perhaps even consider an addition!  It’s also important to think about who will be doing the majority of the work, do you have the time and skills or should you contact a professional to assist or complete the project entirely?

To begin the important planning process, let’s start with your budget.  Determining the budget for your remodel is likely the most daunting task. It’s important to note that the money you spend on remodeling and improving your kitchen will add value to your home. Though there is a return on your investment, it’s also important to stay within your means and plan accordingly. We suggest studying your favorite kitchen and remodeling magazines, websites and pinterest for budgeting hints and tips. It’s also worth exploring home equity loans for a major remodel. One great way to save money is to simply paint and revamp your existing cabinets, rather than purchase completely new ones. 

After determining an appropriate budget for your remodel, next thoroughly examine your existing layout. To save money, keep major systems like plumbing, gas, and electricity in place but, if you do plan to move major system, planning ahead will ensure accuracy and minimize risks.

Selecting your updated appliances is the next step and will dramatically affect the aesthetics of your new kitchen. If you are planning to install a large, commercial range be prepared to install the necessary vent which may require additional construction to tear out part of the walls or ceiling in order to reroute or upgrade the ducts. Another potentially big thing to note is that if you plan to move the location of your dishwasher, additional wiring or plumbing may be required. With these minor suggestions, your appliance selection process won’t contain any major surprises, after all this should be fun!

Lastly, gaining more space is often a major reason people decide to remodel a kitchen. Before you start knocking out walls, be sure you’ve weighed the cost of adding this space and be sure it’s absolutely worth it. You might prefer to spend the money on quality cabinets or high-end appliances instead. If you’re set on more space, it’s also worthwhile to consider adjoining rooms and places where you can steal square footage rather than a whole addition!

Now that we’ve provided some important tips to consider before starting your kitchen remodel, let’s get into what to expect when all the work begins.

Once this exciting process begins, starting with demolition all the way to installation, you’re house will be under construction . This seems like an obvious statement but many homeowners are still surprised by the amount of work that truly goes into a remodel.  You will likely be without running water and a sink for the majority of the project. This also means that you should plan your meals ahead of time or be ready to eat out for quite a while!

In addition to being without a kitchen, it’s also important to be ready for delays to occur. There is no way to guarantee a completion date with so many variables in play. Out of stock materials, back-orders or discovering a pipe in the wall that needs to be moved, all of these unforeseen events will unfortunately delay your kitchen and there isn’t very much you can do about it. One important suggestion is to develop a good working relationship with your contractor and maintain constant communication so that everyone is aware of the progress and on the same page.

Fitzpatrick Painting is proud to serve the Willamette Valley, from Portland OR down to Eugene with kitchen remodeling services. Our Google reviews will inspire confidence and our craftsmanship is second to none. We have a team of highly-skilled carpenters who love helping their customers vision come to life. Families spend a significant amount of time in their kitchens and our goal is to make your dream kitchen for your family to enjoy for many, many years. We will treat your home with the utmost respect and guarantee close communication from demolition all the way until installation. 

With so many exciting options for a kitchen remodel, there are also many things that could go wrong. Spending adequate time planning the remodel is the first, most important thing to. With your research done the next suggested step is to contact a trained professional. If you’re planning to do the majority of the work yourself, a professional carpenter can still provide some guidance and suggestions. We wish you all the best on your remodeling adventure and if you’re looking for a team of highly-skilled carpenters, contact us !