Kitchen Renovation Tacoma WA isn’t a weekend project. It can take weeks or months and involve contractors, designers and plumbers.
A new backsplash, paint and cabinet hardware can make a huge difference in the look of your kitchen on a budget. But before you begin, consider your goals for the remodel.
A kitchen renovation can be a major undertaking, and it’s not something that most weekend warriors are equipped to handle on their own. It can take weeks or even months and might involve a number of professionals including general contractors, designers, and plumbers.
Whether you’re looking to make small cosmetic changes or a complete overhaul, determining the goals of your project will help keep things focused. The first thing to consider is what your motivations are for renovating the kitchen in the first place. Is it to get a higher return on your investment if you ever decide to sell the house or are you planning to use the space as a family hub?
Once you have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, it’s time to start making the big choices. First, figure out how much storage you’ll need and what type of layout you want. A professional designer can help you create a design that’s both functional and beautiful. They’ll be able to look at the whole room and determine how best to fit everything in, from where to put the electrical receptacles to how the cabinets will open.
The next step is to choose the materials you want for your new kitchen. If you’re doing a complete replacement, this will be the most time-consuming part of the project. It’s important to choose all the products you want well in advance to ensure you can get them. For example, if you’re doing granite countertops, it’s a good idea to pick out a color of paint that will compliment them.
If you’re going for a more subtle look, you can also change the style of your existing cabinets by adding decorative molding or replacing the doors and drawer fronts. Oftentimes, this is the least expensive way to give your kitchen an instant upgrade.
Decide on a Budget
One of the most important elements to decide on for your kitchen renovation is the budget. It can be easy to get caught up in all the new things you want to add, but it’s important to be realistic about what your budget is and how much the whole project will cost.
The most obvious place to cut costs is by avoiding overpaying for materials. Always look for coupons, deals and sales and compare prices between different stores. Also, consider buying in bulk where possible to save on delivery and storage fees.
Another way to save is by doing some of the work yourself. If you are handy and comfortable with a toolbox, you can take on many of the demolition and basic carpentry tasks yourself to save money. For example, you may be able to replace the flooring on your own rather than paying for a professional. If you are willing to serve as your own general contractor and hire subcontractors for the more complex jobs, you can save even more.
When you’re creating your budget, it’s also a good idea to leave some room for unexpected expenses. Remodeling projects rarely go exactly as planned, and unforeseen costs can quickly add up. For example, you might discover that your wiring needs updating or that a wall is unstable. Leaving some extra money in your budget for these unforeseen issues will help ensure that you still finish the job without going over budget.
It’s also a good idea to make a list of your renovation priorities. This will help you stay focused on the most important tasks at hand and keep you from getting sucked into expensive upgrades that don’t make the biggest difference in function or style. For example, you might love the look of crown molding or a fancy sink faucet, but these are not essential for cooking and will likely make your kitchen look over-designed. It’s a good idea to create a spreadsheet to track your spending throughout the process so that you can see how your budget is holding up and adjust it as needed.
Hire a Contractor
You’ll want to ask prospective contractors to provide references from previous projects, and you’ll also need a copy of their insurance policy to verify they have personal liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage coverage. You may also want to ask if they’re members of the National Kitchen + Bath Association, which is a network of established kitchen and bathroom professionals that stay up to date on codes and guidelines for the industry.
Demolition is the first step in a renovation project and usually involves tearing out appliances, cabinetry, fixtures, and flooring. For a full remodel, it could also involve dropping walls and moving gas lines, rerouting plumbing and electrical, and stripping the room to the studs and subfloor. Once demolition is complete, the rough-in process begins, which involves putting in all mechanical and electrical wiring, as well as new plumbing and drainage lines. This is also the time to install new lighting and any appliances that aren’t being relocated.
At this point, it’s a good idea to set up a temporary kitchen. This might mean eating out more frequently, or it may simply involve setting up a dorm-sized refrigerator and microwave in the garage. It’s a good idea to plan ahead for this, as it can save both money and frustration.
When hiring a contractor, be sure to ask for a detailed estimate of costs including materials, labor, permits, and potential overages. You’ll want to know what their timeline is for completion of the work, as well as their payment schedule. It’s also a good idea to discuss how they’ll keep you informed on the progress of the project, and who will be your point of contact and communication with them.
Many contractors don’t do the actual work themselves; instead, they bring in subcontractors to do the hands-on construction. You’ll want to ask prospective contractors if they have their own subcontractors, and you may want to request a list of those subs so you can get an idea of the quality of their work. You should also ask your prospective contractor how they manage subcontractors, as this will impact your overall project timeline.
Start the Project
When it comes to kitchen remodels, a lot of work is required. There are many different elements that must be considered and weighed, from evaluating your needs versus wants to finding the best way to fit those elements into the space you have available. It’s also important to consider what kind of lifestyle you have, and how a new kitchen will fit that lifestyle.
For example, if you entertain often or have young children, you may want to choose a flooring or countertop material that is easy to clean and durable enough for your family’s needs. Another thing to keep in mind is how a renovation will affect the resale value of your home. This can influence how much you can afford to spend on the project.
Once you have a clear understanding of your goals and a budget in place, the next step is to start planning the details of the project. This includes choosing materials and colors. You can do this by visiting showrooms or searching online. It’s important to take your time with this process and to make sure you are happy with the end result.
Demolition day is a noisy and messy part of any kitchen renovation, but it’s also the most exciting! This is when the real remodeling begins.
Before the sledgehammers come out, it’s a good idea to set up a temporary kitchen outside of your home. This is especially important if you have young children, as it will allow you to avoid the chaos of having to cook while your home is being renovated. You should also prepare a spot for storing products, such as wood cabinets or flooring, in your garage or another dry area.
The last step is to finalize the permits. This is typically done by the contractor, but you can do this on your own if you prefer. Once everything is completed, you can enjoy your new kitchen! Remember to hire a house cleaner to clean up the mess after construction is complete. They can get rid of dust, paint chips and other debris.
