So You Want to Remodel Your Home... by Scott Powers

The 30 minute TV shows make it look simple, pain free, and very affordable. But is it?

There are a number of factors to take into consideration when you are planning a remodel of a kitchen space. It is the heart of the home, and is going to be out of commission for quite some time. It is a stressful time and you want to minimize the inconveniences as much as possible, for all involved. This includes the team that is performing the work for you, the dog, the kids, and most of all... you. 

The best way to start, before you speak with anyone, is to look for ideas of what you like and dislike. Websites like Houzz and Pinterest are great ways to find inspiration for that new shiny kitchen. White cabinetry continues to be popular, as well as grey, but color is making a presence.

  

Pay attention to what you don't like as well, and make notes, or print pictures of both what you do and don't care for. You will start to see a trend, perhaps it's a color that you are drawn too, a particular style. The more decisive you can be at the beginning stages, the less stressful the design process will be for you.

What type of storage capacity do you need? When planning a new kitchen, this is your chance to really think about how you utilize the space. Do you have particular storage needs? Do you need to accommodate anyone with mobility issues? This is where you can make your kitchen space work around your lifestyle. 

Now, how much are you going to budget for your project? This is where it can get frustrating, you want the high end appliances, but do you realize what those cost? Do you really need all of the bells and whistles, or could you live with out some of them. This is all geared on how you want to spend your budget.

So, in theory, you have done your pre-planning and you are now ready to talk to the professionals. Working with a designer will help you pull all of the wants and needs together. We can show you how to work within a realistic budget, where to splurge, and where to cut back. Planning your space and having a game plan before talking with a contractor is very important. Contractors hate change orders, so do home owners. They cost money and potentially cause delays. The more planning on the front end of the project, the less chance you will have for delays.