A kitchen remodel can dramatically transform the look, feel, and functionality of your home. In fact, 93% of homeowners report a better quality of life after a remodel, according to a Today’s Homeowner study. If you’re considering a kitchen update, follow these tips from our team of experts to ensure a stress-free kitchen remodel.
1. Set a Realistic Budget
Determine how much you’re willing and able to spend before starting your project. A clear budget helps you prioritize where to splurge and where to save. How much will your kitchen remodel cost? It depends! We urge you to work closely with your design-build team to create a budget that aligns with your vision and ensures no hidden surprises along the way. One of the best ways to ensure you can have a stress-free kitchen remodel while still meeting your budget constraints and getting the kitchen you’re dreaming of is to prioritize what is most important to you in the remodeling project and things that would just be nice to have but not necessary.
Even with a smaller budget, you can make impactful changes like updating cabinet hardware, replacing countertops, or installing a stylish backsplash. Nip Tuck has launched a fabulous single-room makeover service to accommodate smaller budgets and timelines while still giving you our fabulous Nip Tuck experience.
2. Research and Hire the Right Design-Build Firm
Your choice of design-build firm can seriously impact the success of your project. Look for licensed, experienced professionals with positive reviews and references. Ask detailed questions about their process for addressing challenges, staying on schedule, and managing budgets.
Homeowners who choose to work with a design-build remodeling firm spend 3.9% less on projects that are completed 13% more quickly. When you choose a design-build firm, you are choosing to work with and trust one team to manage your entire project. Design-build is more efficient, and it will save you money. Learn more about why a design-build firm might be right for you.
3. Create a Comprehensive Plan
Start by listing your must-haves, wants, and nice-to-haves. Work with your designer to finalize design sketches and layouts. A well-thought-out plan minimizes misunderstandings and sets expectations for everyone involved.
At Nip Tuck, we have an 8-step process that helps us ensure that before we ever pick up a tool, we clearly understand the wants and needs of each client. Nothing happens until we complete that first step: The consultation, an information gathering and ‘get to know you’ step. We’ll share our process and discuss specifics of what you want and need from your space. This is the fun step because it’s when you get to share your dreams and ideas with us. This step happens in your own home, and you’ll want to set aside about an hour and a half during Monday through Friday business hours.
4. Choose Materials Early
Delays often stem from waiting on materials, especially with today’s supply chain challenges driven by strikes, unexpected events, and weather. To avoid any delays, work closely with your designer to select and order your cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and appliances early. We can help you ensure that any custom items are ordered well in advance.
5. Consider Workflow and Functionality
Think about how you use your kitchen daily. Think about the practical features that will make being in your kitchen easier, like efficient storage, adequate countertop space, and lighting that enhances the room’s usability. The “kitchen triangle” (connecting the sink, stove, and refrigerator) remains a design staple for optimizing workflow.
Our designers love to come into your home and simply see how you’re moving through it. It’s gives them a clear picture of where the flow is not working and what they can do to help you make the space more functional. There are some common challenges most homeowners face with their kitchens, like having enough room to really cook the way they want to. We can suggest kitchen must-haves that will make you love cooking.
6. Prepare for Disruption
Not everyone can move out of their home during a remodel, but remodeling can be disruptive to your routine, especially in such a critical area of your home. We suggest setting up a temporary kitchen in another part of your house during the renovations. You can stock it with essentials like a microwave, coffee maker, and disposable utensils. This might be a great time to sign up for a meal plan or explore local restaurants.
7. Stick to the Plan for a Stress-Free Kitchen Remodel
Once the remodel begins, avoid making major changes to your design or materials. Last-minute decisions can lead to delays and increased costs. Trust your initial plan and keep changes to a minimum. Sometimes you won’t have a choice but to make a change mid-way through, if, for example, a manufacturer goes out of business or has a huge delay, but our design team will always be there to help you in those situations to find a suitable replacement.
8. Stay Communicative
Regular communication with your project manager ensures the project stays on track and that you have a stress-free kitchen remodel. We place a tremendously high value on communication and transparency at Nip Tuck Remodeling. Our construction schedule is live, and you can review it any time you want using our client login on your PC or via an app on your smart phone.
You know exactly who is going to be at your home each day and what will be accomplished each week – and so does every member of our team. Our project manager is in constant communication with workers on the site and our clients via phone, text, and in-person visits. You never have to worry about repeating yourself or rehashing what you’ve already discussed with one team member, because we make sure our entire team stays updated to better serve you.
9. Don’t Forget the Details
Small details like paint colors, hardware finishes, and lighting fixtures can have a big impact. Work closely with your designer to select these elements carefully to tie your overall design together.
10. Focus on Long-Term Value
While staying within budget is important, think about the long-term benefits of quality materials and thoughtful design. Durable countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and timeless finishes will add value to your home and stand the test of time.
By planning thoughtfully and working with the right professionals, you can have a stress-free kitchen remodel that is an exciting and rewarding experience. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to create a beautiful, functional space that enhances your home for years to come.
Are you ready to get your dream kitchen underway? Give us a call!
