At some point, everyone thinks about remodeling their kitchens. The main thing that stops them from doing so is the overwhelming number of decisions and amount of time it involves. Don’t go at your outdated cabinets with an oscillating power tool without a plan. By taking the time to properly lay out and design a new kitchen, the execution should go smoothly and efficiently. What results is a brand new part of your home that adds significant value to the overall property.
Start With a Plan
When starting a renovation, actually sit down and write up a plan. Take your time, even it means you spend weeks on it; ideas don’t come all at once. You likely know the main issues off the top of your head, but giving yourself a little time to think about small details can make a big difference in how you use the kitchen.
Major issues like adding more working counter space, new appliances, energy-efficient windows, opening up the walls, or providing a comfortable eating area will be obvious. Additional features to consider renovating that are popular among buyers in the real estate market these days include:
- Do you have enough electrical outlets where you need them?
- Does any area in the room need more task lighting?
- Has heat and/or smoke ventilation been a problem?
- Do you lack convenient “landing” counter space?
- Is storage space suitable?
Choose A Layout
The layout of the kitchen can determine improvements in usability as well as have a major impact on your budget and resulting value of your home post-renovation.
If you need to address layout, take your time to envision the best possible outcome. Review the classic kitchen triangle. This term refers to the spatial relationship between the stove, sink, and refrigerator. A lot of research has gone into finding the best solutions to layouts, so take advice from those who have gone before you in order to set up your home in the best way for once it hits the market.
Understand Traffic Flow
You’ve likely encountered traffic issues if you use and share the kitchen with other people. Maybe the back door opens into your food prep area, or the dishwasher is too far away from the sink. Find the optimal distance between a counter and appliance to make for easy use, or relocate an awkward seating area.
Again, all these things have been considered by generations of remodelers, and great tips and guidance already exist. The National Kitchen and Bath Association offers a comprehensive catalog of ideas, measurements, designs, and more to help you stay organized and optimize this area to better appeal to potential buyers.
Saving Money
Cabinets are a cost-driver for materials. Consider alternatives that will provide the look and feel you desire without the expense. Cherry is a popular wood, but birch with a cherry stain is a much less expensive approach that will allow you to yield a greater return once you sell the property. Glass fronts can drive up costs when an open shelf can display favorite dishes for less.
Often, your existing cabinets are in great shape, but the doors and hardware are dated. Simply refacing the cabinets can save up to half the cost of new cabinets. What’s more, a little do-it-yourself work can save on labor costs. Most doors and hardware can easily be swapped out with just a screwdriver.
Most homeowners can handle some demolition. Removing tiles or drywall, pulling up floor coverings, and removing cabinets can save a few hundred dollars that can be used for a materials upgrade and go into building value in other parts of the home.
Leave the big stuff like moving walls or anything structural to the professionals. Renting a dumpster might feel like a big expense, but you will need something to haul the materials away. Coordinate with a contractor so that you only have to use one once.
Golden Acre Renovations provides Calgary kitchen renovations among other renovation services.
Working the Budget
Once you have all your ideas written down, call in contractors for bidding. It’s good practice to get at least three bids for comparison. Always ask for references and, if possible, visit finished job sites to determine if you like the quality of work.
Professionals will know the building codes for your area. They should be licensed and insured. This guarantees that if you do encounter problems down the road, you have a resource to pay for corrections.
As a rule of thumb, add 15% to 20% to the budget for cost overruns. From unexpected permitting fees, extra disposal costs, and seemingly random price increases, it’s best to prepare ahead of time for these unknown expenses.
With judicious planning, taking your time, and planning ahead, you can have a kitchen that adds exponential to your home at the lowest cost to you possible. Given the competitive nature of hte real estate market, every advantage helps.
