There is something so satisfying about a brand new kitchen. Maybe it’s the sparkling new appliances or the (temporarily) uncluttered countertops, but whatever it is, it’s worth all of the hassle, money, time and work that it takes to get from that drab, outdated kitchen to a fresh, new kitchen.
To minimize the headaches and stress of remodeling one of the most-used rooms in your house, follow these tips to prepare for the big project.
Set a Realistic Budget
There is a vast range when it comes to the cost of remodeling a kitchen. But for the most part, every kitchen remodel will consist of the same basic components, which can be individually estimated to offer you a rough framework of how much it will cost to remodel your kitchen.
Once you have established how much you can afford to spend, you can begin shopping for materials and finishes. Get quotes from a variety of installers so that you can identify what works for your budget. Allow for plenty of time during this step in the process, as it can be the most time-consuming one of all.
For the most part, the priciest items are appliances and finishes, which makes this an ideal area to exercise restraint if you are trying to keep costs down. Do your research so that you have a clear idea of cost variations from material to material, as well as among appliance brands. Shop sales whenever you can and try to bundle purchases together to gain a little more bargaining power.
Purge Before You Pack
Packing up your entire kitchen before the remodel begins will be no small feat. Make it a little bit easier on yourself by purging as much unnecessary stuff as you can ahead of time.
Get rid of anything that you rarely use. If you forgot you still had the item, then it’s time to toss it. Do you have a stash of seasonal items that you never find in time to use for the appropriate holiday? Get rid of those too. Be on the lookout for worn out or broken items too. Make a list of anything that needs to be replaced and treat yourself to these upgrades once your kitchen remodel is complete.
Designate a Backup Kitchen
If at all possible, stay somewhere else while your kitchen is out of order. Many people time this home improvement project with a family vacation so that you aren’t as inconvenienced by not being able to use your kitchen. If your kitchen remodel is part of a larger, major remodeling project that also involves other areas of your home, especially bathrooms, you may be better off getting a short-term rental to stay in until the work is complete.
If you have to stay home during the kitchen remodeling work, designate a backup kitchen in another room. Stock it with some minimal necessities to get you by until the renovation is complete. All you need is some counter space, like a table, and a microwave, a coffee maker, a sink, a cooler, a toaster, disposable plates, cups and cutlery and a few basic kitchen tools. The goal is to be able to prepare a few basic meals so that you don’t have to eat out 24/7.
Prepare Your Patience
By creating a realistic budget, purging any unnecessary items and designating a secondary kitchen, you can minimize the stress of the project. But no matter how much planning you do and how prepared you feel, there will inevitably be a few hiccups along the way, so it’s in your best interest to prepare your patience too. Good luck!
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