Crucial Questions To Address During A Kitchen Remodel
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was a stunningly remodeled kitchen! When you see a beautiful kitchen, it’s so easy to focus on the finished project without putting too much thought into what went into the planning. Che Bella Interiors Founder and CEO Tracy Hains recently compiled a list of questions to address before the demo begins and the first wall comes down. Tracy and her Twin Cities interior design and remodeling team work with homeowners to navigate each set of questions before and during a project. Shining a spotlight on the remodel process, these questions highlight important elements to consider when preparing for a kitchen renovation. Take a peek!
Set a Clear Objective
Start by wrapping your head around the direction you want to take the project. Scope and scale come into play right from the start.
- What do you want to achieve?
- Are you looking to modernize, improve functionality, increase storage, or enhance the kitchen’s aesthetics?
- How will the remodel improve your daily cooking and living experience?
- Think about how you use your kitchen. Is it primarily for cooking, entertaining, or family gatherings?
Budgeting – Dollars and Cents
A kitchen remodel can be one of the most significant projects in a home, as it impacts both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of a highly used space. Take some time to contemplate the financial aspect of the project.
- What is your budget?
- Plan for both the expected costs and a buffer for unforeseen expenses (10-20% contingency).
- What will the biggest expenses be?
- Cabinets, countertops, and appliances often consume the largest portion of the budget.
- Will you finance it, or are you paying upfront?
- Consider options like home equity loans, savings, or financing.
Plan for Temporary Disruptions – Timing
It’s inevitable that a remodel, no matter the size, will cause some disruption in your home, and, as such, your life! Plan ahead to minimize the impact that it will have.
- How will you manage without a kitchen during the remodel?
- Consider setting up a temporary kitchen in another part of the house or preparing meals in advance to minimize disruption.
Layout and Workflow
Play with the space that will be dedicated to your kitchen. Consider the comings and goings of your everyday living as well as when you have guests in your midst.
- How will the kitchen layout work?
- Think about the “kitchen triangle” — the ideal distance and relationship between the stove, refrigerator, and sink.
- Is there enough counter space and storage?
- Ensure you have sufficient space for food prep and consider where you will store frequently used items.
- Will you expand or keep the existing footprint?
- Expanding could involve removing walls, but consider if it’s necessary or if the current layout can be optimized.
Choose a Timeless Design
Contemplate design choices that will stand the test of time.
- How can you avoid trends that may look outdated quickly?
- Classic cabinetry, neutral countertops, and simple backsplash designs tend to age well and have broad appeal.
- Will this design still look good in 10-15 years?
- While it’s fine to incorporate some trendy elements, consider keeping the big-ticket items, like cabinets and countertops, more timeless.
Choose Appliances Early
Options for appliances are vast and range from those that meet a homeowner’s basic needs to appliances with every bell and whistle.
- What appliances do you need or want to upgrade?
- Consider size, energy efficiency, and functionality (e.g., a larger fridge, double oven, or smart appliances).
- How will appliance choices affect the layout?
- Appliance sizes and types can dictate the layout of your cabinetry and countertops.
Cabinetry and Storage
Cabinetry and related storage options take up a significant portion of kitchen real estate and budget. Give these items your attention before starting the process.
- What type of cabinetry do you need?
- Custom, semi-custom, or stock cabinets each have different price points and levels of customization.
- Do you need additional or specialized storage solutions?
- Think about pull-out shelves, spice racks, utensil organizers, and pantry space.
- Open shelving or closed cabinets?
- Open shelving can make the space feel more open, but it may require more upkeep to stay organized.
Countertop Materials
Let the fun begin! Countertops certainly offer function in the kitchen, but wow can they add some style as well.
- What material suits your needs?
- Consider durability, maintenance, and cost. Popular options include quartz, granite, marble, laminate, and butcher block.
- How much counter space do you need?
- Ensure you have enough for food prep, serving, and other activities.
Lighting Plan
Let there be light! From recessed lighting to formal chandeliers, lighting options will light up your world (pun fully intended!).
- Is there adequate lighting in the space?
- Use a combination of task lighting (under-cabinet lights for prep areas), ambient lighting (ceiling fixtures or recessed lights), and accent lighting (pendant lights over islands).
- Do you need natural light?
- Consider adding windows or enlarging existing ones to bring in more natural light.
Flooring
Literally grounding the space, flooring options available today can set the tone for the kitchen.
- What type of flooring is durable and fits the style?
- Common choices include tile, hardwood, luxury vinyl, or laminate. Choose a material that’s easy to clean, durable, and resistant to moisture.
- Do you want heated floors?
- If you live in a cold climate, radiant heating under the floor can add comfort.
Backsplash and Wall Finishes
These elements are more than aesthetic. Backsplash materials and wall finishes play into how easy it is to maintain the kitchen.
- What material will you use for the backsplash?
- Popular materials include tile, stone, glass or running quartz countertop up as the backsplash.
- How will it complement the rest of the kitchen?
- Consider how the backsplash ties in with the countertops, cabinetry, and overall style.
Plumbing and Electrical Considerations
The mechanicals in a kitchen project are a critical piece of the puzzle. Understanding the current status of your plumbing and electrical goes a long way toward ensuring a smooth project.
- Do you need to relocate plumbing or electrical? Moving plumbing can add significant cost to the project. Electrical will need to be brought up to current State codes where applicable.
- Moving a sink, dishwasher, or stove might require significant changes to the plumbing or electrical system, which can add to the cost.
- Are your current systems up to code?
- Make sure that any updates comply with local building codes and safety standards.
Ventilation and Airflow
Focusing on ventilation and airflow in the beginning of a project can change impact the quality of life in the space.
- Do you have adequate ventilation?
- Ensure your range hood or vent fan is powerful enough to remove smoke, steam, and odors.
- Will you need to install or upgrade ventilation systems?
- Good ventilation can also prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold.
Energy Efficiency
No longer an afterthought, designing for energy efficiency is a given. Consider these questions to improve the energy efficiency in your home.
- How can you make your kitchen more energy-efficient?
- Opt for energy-efficient appliances (look for Energy Star ratings), low-flow faucets, and LED lighting.
- What insulation options are available for windows and doors?
- Energy-efficient windows and doors can help reduce heating and cooling costs.
Permits and Regulations
The devil is in the detail when it comes to permits and regulations. Che Bella knows the ins and outs of permitting and can handle making the calls on your behalf.
- Do you need permits for your kitchen remodel?
- Electrical, plumbing, framing and structural changes often require permits. Check local regulations.
- Will your remodel pass inspection?
- Ensure that any work done by contractors follows local building codes.
Hire Professionals or DIY?
Have a heart to heart with yourself and others involved in the process to determine just how involved you want to be in the project and what you need from a professional.
- Will you hire a contractor, or tackle some parts of the project yourself?
- DIY can save money but may take longer and require more skill. Professionals ensure quality and efficiency.
- How will you vet contractors?
- Look for licensed, experienced professionals, and always check reviews and references.
The Kitchen Remodel List May Be Long But You’re Not Alone!
Planning a kitchen remodel with these considerations in hand will help ensure your project runs smoothly and delivers the results you want. While we acknowledge that this list extensive (insert deep breath here!), the good news is that Che Bella Interiors is with you every step of the way from the initial consultation through the finishing stages of a remodel! This is what we do – let’s do it together!
Our home remodeling projects extend beyond kitchen remodeling to include bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, home additions and more. We also offer comprehensive design services including space planning, materials section, and custom furniture and furnishings, all to make your home beautifully yours! Contact our Twin Cities remodeling team to us to learn more about our design and remodeling services and how we can help you create the kitchen and the home of your dreams.
