Investing in a kitchen renovation is a great way to improve the value and functionality of your home. However, there are things that you should know before you get started that may impact the decisions you make. Here’s what every homeowner looking to change their kitchen must know.
Why Are You Starting the Kitchen Renovation Process?
When planning a remodel, begin by thinking about your end goal. The upgrades to solely increase house value are different from those appropriate for a family looking to create a gourmet kitchen. Some of the most common reasons that homeowners start a kitchen renovation include:
- Updating the floor plan of the kitchen to meet the needs of the family
- Upgrading outdated surfaces, appliances, and fixtures
- Improving the value of the property before listing it for resale
Share your goals with your contractor, so everyone is on the same page.
Start With the Big Pieces in a Kitchen Renovation
Many people’s favorite parts of a kitchen renovation include choosing the paint color and décor. As a result, they are tempted to start with those. It’s better to start by planning the rest of the room around the big pieces of your kitchen. If you are ordering new appliances or installing an island, start with those pieces on your floor plan and save the fun decisions for later. The layout of your kitchen will also impact the design decisions you make.
Add Storage Wherever Possible
One of the biggest reasons for a kitchen renovation is adding more pantry space and storage. As you choose cabinets and plan how the area will flow, add extra storage space wherever possible. For example, adding drawers instead of shelves will significantly increase storage space and keep any clutter out of sight while cooking in the kitchen. Other storage solutions you might consider include a lazy Susan cabinet and a hanging pot rack.
Budget the Necessities Properly
Installing new fixtures and design features is an excellent use of your budget, but they are also sometimes why homeowners skimp on the essentials. When creating your kitchen renovation budget, start with the most expensive pieces that need to be reliable and sturdy, like the cabinets, appliances, countertops, vents, and plumbing fixtures. Choosing paint, wallpaper, lighting, and other accents should wait until you have already set aside money for more functional parts of the room.
Marked Improvement Home Inspection offers inspection services in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Contact us to request an appointment.