A major kitchen remodel can add value to your home, but it can also be a big undertaking. It requires a lot of labor and materials.
Changing the size and layout of your kitchen can also be expensive, as it typically involves moving plumbing, electrical wiring and sometimes load-bearing walls. For professional help, contact Kitchen Remodeling Princeton.
Identifying what you want from your kitchen can help narrow down the scope of the remodel. For example, if you cook often or entertain guests, a larger kitchen island and high-quality cabinets may be the perfect solution. Other key considerations include maximizing storage and space for appliances, selecting the best layout and planning lighting.
Having a clear understanding of your budget is essential for any remodel project. It’s important to consider both the cost of materials and labor, as well as a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Kitchens By Premier works with homeowners to establish a budget before beginning construction, and will help you understand the costs of design features and selections so that there are no surprises down the road.
The type of material you select can also have a significant impact on the cost of your remodel. Countertops, backsplashes and flooring are some of the most common components to determine, with each having a wide range of options. It’s important to consider the overall durability and maintenance of each option, taking into account who lives in your home, as well as any pets that may be a factor. For example, a quartz countertop is less likely to stain than marble, making it a more practical choice for active households.
It’s also important to evaluate your plumbing needs and make necessary upgrades. Incorporating new fixtures into the design is a great way to enhance aesthetics and functionality, while choosing energy-efficient options aligns the remodel with modern sustainability practices. You’ll need to choose a sink and faucet that align with your design aesthetic and fit within the existing space, as well as plan for adequate lighting throughout the kitchen.
Tear Out and Demolition
Before a kitchen remodeling project begins, demolition should take place to make room for the new design. This includes everything from tearing down walls to removing old appliances, cabinets, flooring and more. This is a complex and hazardous task that is best left to professionals, who have the right tools and equipment for the job. They also know how to handle and dispose of all the debris safely and effectively.
To begin the process, professional remodelers turn off utilities like water and electricity to protect against shocks and fire hazards. They also lay down tarps and plastic sheeting to protect floors and walls from dust and debris. They carefully dismantle cabinets, removing hardware and drawers for reuse or donation as part of the kitchen renovation.
Demolition can be a messy and dangerous job, but it’s an essential step in the kitchen remodel sequence. In addition to ensuring safety, this phase offers an opportunity for a thorough inspection of the existing plumbing and electrical systems to determine if upgrades are needed.
Walls are typically removed next, using a hammer or pry bar to carefully create an opening and remove plaster or drywall in manageable sections to avoid damaging structural elements. Experts also remove flooring, if necessary, preserving any salvageable components for repurposing in the new kitchen. Any items that require disposal are properly sorted and disposed of according to local regulations. For example, homeowners should contact a recycling service for asbestos, lead paint or other dangerous materials that could pose environmental hazards if not handled correctly.
Plumbing
Installing kitchen plumbing and electrical work is a complex task that requires specialized expertise. If you are thinking about tackling this step of the remodel yourself, it is best to consult a licensed local plumber before starting to avoid costly mistakes that can set your project back significantly.
This phase of a kitchen remodel often involves rerouting pipes to different locations to accommodate new fixtures, such as moving a sink to a center island or installing a new dishwasher. It is also a good opportunity to upgrade old pipes with modern options like copper or PVC. Leaking pipes that are made of outdated materials can lead to major water damage and mold issues, so it is important to identify and repair any leaks before they cause significant damage.
When you are ready to move on to the next phase of your kitchen remodel, it is time to insulate and drywall. This is the “fun” part of a kitchen remodel, when you can start to see your vision come to life and visualize how the finished product will look. After the drywall has been hung, taped, and finished, it is a good idea to prime and paint before you install your cabinets.
Before you get started on the rough-in work of your kitchen remodel, it is a good idea to contact your city or county for any necessary permits. Depending on the type of kitchen remodel you are doing, you may need electrical, plumbing, and building permits. If you are hiring a general contractor to oversee the entire renovation, they will usually handle getting these permits for you. If you are doing the remodel yourself, you will need to obtain each permit yourself.
Electrical
Once plumbing and walls are finished, contractors can move on to the next phase of kitchen remodeling-the electrical work. This involves installing new appliances, lighting fixtures, and outlets. For this reason, it’s important to get an electrician involved early on in the project. This will allow them to get a better sense of how much electrical work is needed, which will help establish your budget.
Depending on the size of your kitchen and your energy use, you may need to add new circuits or upgrade your existing ones. Older homes often have wiring that can’t keep up with modern electricity demand, which can cause frequent circuit breaker tripping, damage to appliances, and even fire hazards. In this case, your electrician will likely need to rewire your kitchen to bring it up to code, which usually involves adding GFCI and AFCI outlets.
These are outlets designed to protect you against electrical shock and prevent fires from faulty wire connections. Ideally, these outlets will be placed near kitchen countertops, where you might plug in small appliances like toaster and coffee makers. They are also a good idea for locations where you plan to set up recessed lighting or pendant lighting.
If you’re a homeowner, consider talking to your electrician about innovative lighting solutions and smart home upgrades that can improve the functionality of your kitchen. These types of upgrades can be a great selling point when it comes time to sell your house, especially if they can help you save money on energy bills. You might even be able to claim some of the cost as tax deductions. For this reason, it’s best to speak with your accountant before making any major home improvements.
Finishing Touches
Once the demolition process is complete, contractors can start bringing your kitchen remodel to life. Depending on the scope of your remodel, this may include plumbing or electrical work, new flooring, and cabinets and countertops. Throughout the construction process, your contractor should keep you informed and work with you to ensure that all changes align with your vision for the project.
During this stage, it’s important to determine your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves,” ensuring that you are making decisions that will add value to your home and are realistic with your budget. Your designer can help you make these determinations by analyzing how you use your kitchen and providing options that meet both your lifestyle and budget.
Cabinets and appliances are two of the most costly items in a kitchen remodel, so it’s critical to choose wisely. Invest in durable materials that suit your lifestyle and fit your climate so that they can withstand years of use and regular upkeep.
When choosing appliances, consider your cooking style and how much space you need for food prep. For example, if you’re a frequent entertainer, you might want to consider having an oven and refrigerator that accommodate large crowds.
Another aspect to consider is lighting. Installing under-cabinet lighting is one of the easiest ways to modernize your kitchen. These lights are easily hidden and add a pop of color to the room. They can also highlight decorative elements like wall art and architectural features. This is a great opportunity to incorporate smart-home technology that allows you to control your lighting through an app on your phone or tablet.