Where do you start with a Kitchen Remodel?
So you have been flirting with the idea of remodeling your kitchen or bathroom for a while, but it just seems like such a large undertaking. What is the best way to start the process?
Home remodels can feel like a huge project—and that's because they are! Don't let those up-front questions and concerns overwhelm you or steel your motivation. Let's take a look at the reasons behind the hesitation and get you some real answers. Here are the questions that you may be having that I'll address:
Is a remodel worth the effort—what's my R.O.I?
Where am I supposed to start?
What if I miss something in the planning process?
How can I be realistic about the vision in my head versus the real outcome of the project?
Let's start with cost.
Kitchen remodels generally rank as one of the highest home-improvement R.O.I.'s or return on investment. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen—30 to 60 minutes on dinner every night alone. Having a user-friendly and beautiful work environment will add to the quality of your life and will greatly increase the appeal of your home when it hits the market.
Let's look at the bottom line. An average kitchen remodel should fall between 3%-8% of a home's value, and from that you should expect to see 50%-60% return on the money you invest in the remodel. Let's say your home is worth $550k. You remodel can run you between $16,000 and $44,000 and you should expect to see $8,800 - $24,400 increase respectively in the sale price of your home. Not bad! ACTION ITEM: take a moment to assess the current market value of your home. If you're not sure, ask your real estate agent for comps in your area. Using the numbers above as a general guide, determine the low and high-end of your budget (3%-8% of your home's value). You now have your price range for a kitchen remodel and you can start to look into home-improvement loans if personal financing is not an option.
Now let's start thinking about the renovation itself. You've decided that a renovation is worth it—this is where it gets fun. Time to start exploring your style. Perhaps you already know what style you love and your Pinterest account is chalk full of ideas. Excellent, you're ready for me and it's time to bring those ideas to life. Ready, Set, Go!
Not sure what your style is? No problem. Action Item: Spend a little time cozied up on the couch with your favorite beverage and Google "different decorating styles" and "Kitchen Design Ideas". Have fun pursuing the images and start to take note of styles, features and items that keep catching your eye. I love to see inspirational photos you like—we will go through each one so I can be sure to include these items in your design. If choosing photos you like online or on an app sounds like more of a chore than fun, that's totally fine (and why I'm here)!
As a kitchen designer with over 15 years of experience, put my knowledge to work for and get the most out of your remodel. After all, you're not a kitchen designer—pass that responsibility onto me—it's what I love to do. I'll take a look at your home's architecture and your and decorating style and make suggestions at every point in the design process. A professional opinion is absolutely worth it and this where I shine!
What if I miss something in the planning process? Don't worry, you will, but that's why you hire me. We will meet in your existing kitchen space, and talk about what you're looking for (and what you're not looking for). I will be asking you a lot of (easy) questions, and taking a lot of notes to get an idea of the new plan and layout. For example we'll talk about cabinetry, paint and stain options, lighting fixtures, electrical outlets and plumbing, new appliances, countertops and the tile for your backsplash just to name a few. As your professional guide, I'll be there to walk you through the things you haven't considered.
After our first initial (free) consultation, I come back and take down all measurements and specs. Within 10 days I will have plans ready for your review. You'll see the new visual of what your kitchen will look like from several angles, then we will go through the details. Together we will look at the details of the plan and elevations with an emphasis on functionality and style. We will talk through any changes and edits you would like to any and all aspects of the design. My services include two rounds of edits so we can hone in on the exact final design. This will include specifics for:
Cabinetry (coding as needed from specific suppliers)
Countertops - type, color and square footage
Appliances - manufacturer, size and specification
Sink and faucet
Door and Drawer hardware
... and many other details which range with each specific project
Your contractor will love this and will also be on the same page with your remodel vision. You'll be able to hand this set of information to your contractor and they will know exactly what needs to be done to achieve your dream kitchen! The set of drawings will be really helpful in getting bids for your countertops, cabinetry, flooring, appliances, everything you need to get in line to make this happen!
At this point you've placed minimal financial investment in your remodel, but you should literally have an accurate picture of what your remodel will look like and have a good understanding of re-model's cost.
Make the next step—it's easy and risk free! Let's get started! Your no-fear kitchen and bathroom designer is to the rescue! The first step is to get in touch with me and set up a complimentary meeting. I look forward to working with you to remodel your home to achieve your dream space!
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