| When you decide to remodel your kitchen, you are taking on a tremendous task that could easily have disastrous results. Before you pickup that hammer and start demolishing the old cabinets and counter tops, you really need to sit down and figure out exactly what you want from your new kitchen. The kitchen is too important of a room for you to just "throw together". Thought and careful planning must be utilized prior to starting the remodel. This article will discuss a few things you should take into consideration before beginning any type of kitchen remodel. Do you have a digital camera? If you don't have one already, then you need to go buy one! You are going to need it. Before you start designing the new layout of your kitchen, you need to visit home remodel stores such as Home Depot, Ikea, or any similar type of store. The bigger the store, the better. These types of stores have showrooms on display. These showrooms allow you to see the many ways a person can design and build a kitchen. When you see something you like, take a snapshot with your camera! I would suggest you visit at least three of these types of stores and get a thorough look at their showroom floor. With your printed photographs, you can then develop a general idea of how you want your new kitchen to look. Are you going to hire a contractor or do the work yourself? If you choose to hire a contractor, get at least four different estimates from local companies. When I say "local contractors", I mean it: get bids from builders who are within a 10 to 15 minute drive from your home. And while you are considering bids, remember that the cheapest bid is not always the best. Analyze each estimate and thoroughly breakdown their pricing. Sometimes a more expensive estimate is actually cheaper because it includes items the other contractors forgot to mention. The more thorough the bid the contractor gives you; the less likely there will be surprise bills during the remodel process. If you are not going to hire a contractor and you are going to supervise the project yourself, I recommend you hire a contractor as a consultant and pay them an hourly rate to sit down with you and discuss the potential problems that may arise. Use their knowledge to help you build your project. Don't be afraid to ask questions. As long as you are paying the contractor for their time, they will be open and honest with you about the entire construction process and the potential problems that can occur. Their consultant fees are easily worth the price. How many people in your household use the kitchen? Are you the only cook? Or does your spouse also like to cook? Do you entertain often and throw big parties with lots of guests? Or do you prefer quiet, intimate meals with your loved one? These types of questions must be answered when you are designing your new kitchen. After all, the kitchen should reflect what you prefer most. Another consultant I recommend you hire is an interior designer. You can either hire them to completely design your kitchen or you can choose to pay them as a consultant. Much like the building contractor, an interior designer is an expert in their field and can offer you invaluable advice on basic design and color schemes that will make your new kitchen perfect for your taste. The above suggestions can make a dramatic difference on the outcome of your new kitchen. And if you choose to do the work yourself, I strongly recommend you hire a builder along with an interior designer as consultants because they can really make your entire remodel much easier. Good luck with your remodel! |
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