Kitchens are often described as the heart of the home. Because the kitchen is one of the most valued and used rooms in a home, remodeling it is a good idea, even if you're not planning on selling your home. Though kitchen remodels can be pricey, the return on investment is quite high. We're sharing five tips to help you save time and money on your kitchen remodel.
1. Plan Every Detail
Begin your kitchen remodel by thinking about how you actually use your kitchen. If you're a gourmet cook, it makes sense to purchase specialty appliances or a large island. If you eat out more than you cook, it's smarter to use your money on a design that works for the way you use a kitchen. If you like to gather others in your home and entertain, it may be a good idea to make room for a large dining table and added seating.
Other details to consider are how appliances and cabinets open, traffic patterns through the room, counter heights, and doorway sizes. Choosing your materials and fixtures before the project begins can also assist your contractor in making an accurate bid on the job. Planning your remodel down every little detail may seem daunting, but it will save you money because you will have very few unexpected expenses pop up.
Other details to consider are how appliances and cabinets open, traffic patterns through the room, counter heights, and doorway sizes. Choosing your materials and fixtures before the project begins can also assist your contractor in making an accurate bid on the job. Planning your remodel down every little detail may seem daunting, but it will save you money because you will have very few unexpected expenses pop up.
2. Hire a Contractor You Trust
It pays to do your due diligence in finding a reputable, licensed contractor, as a kitchen remodel is a big investment. Find a contractor you trust and stay in communication with the construction team. Having something as simple as a message board on the job site where you can communicate back and forth with the construction team and contractor can make a big difference in how smoothly the remodel goes.
3. Focus on Quality
It's always smart to focus on durable, long-lasting materials over low-quality deals. It's tempting to go for the cheapest option, but that is rarely the best one. Products that are low maintenance, functional, and have long warranty periods may cost more, but they will last longer in the end.
4. Consider Your Lighting
Something as small as a lightbulb can make a kitchen feel like a totally different room. The right lighting can even make a kitchen seem larger. Along with ambient lighting from ceiling fixtures, under-cabinet lighting helps keep work areas bright and eliminates shadows, which keeps you safer while cooking. Islands are amplified by pendant lights, and adding dimmer switches gives you control over the mood of the room at all times.
5. Location, Location, Location
While it may seem like a great idea to knock down walls, and change the location of water fixtures, appliances, and electrical outlets, this can add significantly to the cost of your project. Keeping the location of plumping pipes, outlets, and appliances will avoid surprise problems and save you money on the overall remodel cost.
