Planning new
  or remodeling your kitchen

Planning a new or remodeled kitchen can be one of the most satisfying and rewarding home improvement projects you will undertake. It can also be overwhelming at times with all of the decisions that need to be made. We understand what an exciting yet confusing time this can be and we’re here to help.

Defining your kitchen needs:

As you begin the kitchen planning process, you need to ask yourself – and everyone in the family – a few important questions. These will help you define your ideal new kitchen.

Kitchen Needs Assessment:

• How many hours a week is the kitchen in use? Weekdays? weekends?
• How many people are preparing food at one time?
• How much storage space is needed?
• Do you have a table in the kitchen? If so, how many people are typically seated at one time? Is there a separate dinning room area?
• Do you entertain formally or informally in your kitchen? What other activities take place in the kitchen – family doing homework, paying bills etc. ?

Current Kitchen Assessment:

• What characteristics do you like about your kitchen and wish to keep?
• What do you not like and want to change about your kitchen?
• Is the kitchen layout efficient?
• Do you need storage space? More counter space?

Determine your budget worksheet

Making the initial decision to remodel your kitchen means you are making a wise investment in your home. Building industry sources state that remodeling your kitchen is the #1 way to add more value to your home.

The cost of your remodeling project depends on many variables, including: the materials you plan to use, the work that needs to be done, how much work will be done by outside sources, and the appliances and accessories you wish to add.

If you are looking for some strategies to keep your costs down, try these tips:

Avoid expensive structural work, such as moving/tearing down walls and adding windows. Make the best use of your existing space by selecting the right cabinet layout.

Consider replacing existing appliances or flooring later to save on costs now.

Do not alter your kitchen plans after construction begins. The time to make changes is during the planning stage. Making adjustments later is expensive.

Do some of the work yourself. Painting and replacing appliances and sinks yourself are often simple tasks. If you have remodeling experience, you can tackle other finishing jobs, such as installing tile or hanging wallpaper.

Cost of new Cabinetry

The cost of cabinetry can vary greatly depending on the door style and wood specie you select, the number of cabinets in your kitchen and the type of construction you prefer, and which storage and decorative accessories you decide to add.