How To Plan A Kitchen Remodel

Before beginning the kitchen remodeling project, it’s important to determine what you want to change, establish a realistic budget, decide on the kitchen layout, select the materials and appliances, and draw up a project schedule. When planning a kitchen remodel, aesthetic, usability, budget and longevity are all important. It also covers permits, contractors, plumbing, electrical, storage, lighting and unforeseen costs. With a bit of planning, homeowners can avoid expensive changes, cut down on delays and design a kitchen that is comfortable, practical and works for their lifestyle.

You can see and feel the difference a kitchen remodel can make in your home on a daily basis. But it’s not just about selecting new cabinets and countertops. Budget, layout, storage, appliances, lighting, materials and labor are all things to consider.

Well thought out planning can make the project easier to handle. It can also prevent you from making a decision which could turn out to be expensive later.

You can create a practical kitchen remodeling plan in the following steps, no matter if you’re just planning a small kitchen update or a complete kitchen remodeling. 

1. Decide What You Want To Change

Determine the objective(s) of your kitchen remodelling before considering paint, cabinets or appliances. First, note down the issues with your existing space.

Maybe there is insufficient storage in the kitchen. Perhaps it isn’t easy to cook from the layout. It might require extra counter space, improved lighting, newer appliances or a bigger dining table.

Go through your kitchen and make a list of all things you wish to change. Identify the necessary changes and desired upgrades.

For example: 

• Upgrade broken or outdated cabinets.
• Make additional kitchen storage.Create extra kitchen storage.
• Optimize the work triangle between the sink, stove and refrigerator.
• Replace old appliances
• Install suitable task lighting.
• Include additional counter space
• Update flooring
• Improve ventilation
• Make an open plan kitchen.Design a spacious open kitchen.
• Include an island or breakfast bar 

This is a step that enables you to get some idea of what the project will entail. It also helps you not to waste any money on features that don’t address your central concerns.

Consider how you have been using the kitchen in the past. Think about who is doing the cooking, where the food is being stored, how often do you entertain and if the space would be needed for children or older family members.

The kitchen needs to be designed to fit into your routine. If a design is aesthetically pleasing but makes everyday activities more difficult, it’s not a successful remodel. 

2. Set A Realistic Kitchen Remodeling Budget

One of the most crucial components in kitchen remodeling planning is your budget. It influences various choices, ranging from the layout and cabinets to the appliances and finishes.

First, figure out the amount of money you can afford to spend. Next, break the budget down into the big categories, including cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical work, labor, and permits.

Don’t expect to invest in all of the outward transformations to the wallet. When you’re tearing down walls, floors or cabinets, it is not unusual to discover surprises and issues during your remodel.

A contractor might find, for instance, leaking pipes, out-of-date wiring, water damage, or structural problems. These issues are part of the reason to make the overall price higher.

One way to do this is to have a buffer of approximately 10% to 20% of your remodeling budget available for those surprise costs.

If cost is a factor, don’t just consider the up-front price. The lower cost material may need to be maintained more often or last for a shorter period. However, if you have an expensive upgrade, it may not offer you much benefit for your home.

Focus on spending money on the things that are important.

When storage is the limiting factor, it might be better to spend some of those extra dollars on cabinets that have been designed to hold stuff. If you’re cooking often, the purchase of quality appliances and long lasting countertops might take up more of the budget. 

3. Plan The Kitchen Layout Before Choosing Finishes

The layout is one of the most important aspects of a kitchen remodel. It is the key to ease of movement, food preparation, cleaning and storage.

There are a number of layout options available for the kitchen: 

• One-Wall Kitchen: Kitchen cabinets and appliances are lined up along one wall. It is suitable for smaller homes and apartments.
• Galley kitchen: This is where the two parallel walls provide a compact, efficient working area.
• L-shaped kitchen: Kitchen cabinets face two adjoining walls and are open.
• U-shaped kitchen: Cabinets take up three walls, and offer a lot of work space and storage.
• Island kitchen: A central counter surface that provides additional counter space, storage, seating or all of the above.

Don’t just select a layout because it is trendy. Take the dimensions of your room and the way people navigate it into account.

Be mindful of the placement of the sink, refrigerator and cooking space. These are some of the most common items in a kitchen space and are important to have in a location that allows it to help with the flow of the kitchen.

Take into account doors, cabinets, paths and room for appliances. If there isn’t enough room around a beautiful island, it is of no use.

The project might be more complex and costlier if moving plumbing, gas or electrical connections. Maintaining major services at their current locations can sometimes also reduce labor costs. 

4. Choose Cabinets, Countertops, Appliances, And Materials

With the layout done, you can now begin your decision making process for major components and fixtures. 

Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets are typically the biggest impact for both a kitchen remodel’s aesthetics and price. First think storage, then cabinet style.

Store pots, pans, and regular items in drawers, if it fits. Add shelving or pull out storage for hard to access areas. Tall cabinets can be a good way to store things without consuming extra space.

In selecting a cabinet material and finish, factor in the amount of maintenance required. A showroom looking finish can be quite unattainable in a very active family home. 

Countertops

The counter top should be tough enough to endure everyday use. Think about how durable it is, how it’s supposed to be washed, withstands heat, looks like, and the cost.

Not all of the most expensive countertop options are the best. Select a surface according to your cooking style and maintenance needs. 

Appliances

Take measurements of space before buying appliances. Examine width, depth, height, door clearance and ventilation.

Consider your real needs. While a large refrigerator or professional range might seem like a good idea, it might not suit all families.

If replacing multiple appliances, consider both purchase costs and energy costs. Operating cost savings may be important over the life of the appliance. 

Flooring and Backsplash

Kitchen flooring needs to be able to withstand moisture, spills, foot traffic and regular mopping. The back splash should be fitted to the design but should not extend past the back of the counter.

Select materials for their appearance and use. Kitchens are work areas, which means they must be durable enough to withstand daily use. 

5. Plan Lighting, Storage, Plumbing, And Electrical Work

When remodeling a kitchen, these details are so easy to miss – but they make a huge impact on the functionality of the finished product.

Generally, good kitchen lighting is a blend of different types of lighting and not one single ceiling fixture.

Consider: 

• Ambient light: light for general illumination.
• Create task lighting over counter tops, sinks and cooking spaces
• Use accent lighting to illuminate cabinets, shelving or architectural features. 

Undercabinet lighting can also be beneficial – this helps to minimize shadows on the countertop.

Planning of storage needs is also important. Consider the location of dishes, cookware, food, cleaners, small appliances and trash and recycle bins.

Try to keep frequently used items within easy reach. Items that are not used in a household may be kept in other, higher or less accessible locations.

Another consideration of the project is electrical planning. There are refrigerator outlets, microwave, dishwasher, coffee makers, small appliances and other equipment that must be installed in modern kitchens. Your contractor or electrician should ensure that the electrical system is up to local standards.

If you are moving the sink or dishwasher, refrigerator water line, or moving other fixtures, plumbing may be required.

Electrical and plumbing jobs may have safety and building code requirements, so hire the right professionals for this task. 

6. Hire The Right Contractor And Build A Remodeling Timeline

Make a major kitchen remodel a task that is better performed by professionals if you don’t have the background knowledge.

Begin by conducting research on local contractors and get some quotes. Avoid going with the lowest bidder. Consider qualifications, recommendations, interaction, insurance, licensing and the amount of detail in an estimate.

Ask potential contractors: 

• How many years you’ve conducted kitchen remodeling tasks?
• Do you have happy recent customers to refer?
• Who will do the electrical and plumbing job?
• What’s in the quotes?
• What will be done if unexpected costs arise?
• How long will the project take?
• Who’s responsible for the necessary permissions?
• What will be the documentation of changes to original plan? 

Ensure that agreements are in writing and agreed to. A clear contract should have clearly defined information about the scope of work, materials, payment schedule, estimated timeline, and how changes will be handled.

Ensure that materials and appliances are ordered as needed before demolition. Project delays or delays of cabinets, appliances, or specialty materials can cause the entire project to stall.

Develop a simple timeline of design, ordering, demolition, structural/utility work, installation, finishing, inspections and cleaning.

Keep in mind that most remodeling does not go according to schedule. Don’t make plans that presumes that each step will proceed without complications. 

7. Avoid Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes

Important aspects that are overlooked can make a well-planned remodel stressful. If you are aware of some of the common pitfalls you should be able to avoid them.

Not considering the budget: A remodeling plan should be based on what one can afford. Try not to plan the kitchen with features that you can’t afford.

Picking appearance over function: Your kitchen ought to operate efficiently every day. Consider storage, workflow, lighting and accessibility first, and then decoration.

Inaccurate storage—new cabinets don’t necessarily offer improved storage. Design the interior spaces of drawers, shelves and cabinets properly.

Failure to remember appliance dimensions: Always double check the dimensions of the appliances before finalizing plans. The accuracy of measurement can lead to large installation difficulties.

Frequent change of plans: Alterations in the construction process can add up the cost and length of the project. Make as many decisions as possible before work starts.

Without professional assistance: Plumbing, electrical, structural and gas may need special expertise and may have to comply with local codes.

When using all of the budget: Unexpected problems are possible during reno. Having a contingency budget allows you to deal with them without taking any risks to the project.

Poor ventilation: Cooking produces heat, moisture, odours and airborne particles. Good air exchange will make the kitchen more pleasant and will also help to protect surfaces.

These little things: The placement of outlets, drawer hardware, interior lighting in cabinets, waste receptacles, and cabinet access to appliances can be overlooked when planning. But, all this information can significantly impact your daily life.

A good kitchen remodel isn’t all about having a room that looks remodeled. It’s about making a space more functional for the people using it. 

Final Thoughts

The first step in planning a kitchen remodelling is to have an understanding of what you need and what your priorities are. Before planning construction for demolition, set goals, make a realistic budget, design the layout, decide on a safe and durable material, and consider storage and lighting.

Give some time to research contractors and have a general idea of what is being done. Try not to change critical things after construction has started, and have a contingency budget for unexpected costs.

At the most important, create the kitchen around your daily routine. Reflect on how you cook, clean, store food, operate appliances and spend time with family and friends.

You don’t need to have all of the latest and greatest items or the costliest materials when making a kitchen remodel. It should offer a practical design, ample storage, sturdy construction and finishings that are appropriate for your lifestyle and budget.

By planning carefully, you can make better decisions in the pre-construction phase and develop a kitchen that will be functional and comfortable for several years.