Six Questions That Can Help You Plan Your New Kitchen
For most homes, the kitchen is the center of the action. From function to style, your kitchen is usually where the rest of the house gets its character.
So, it’s no surprise then, that kitchens are often the first thing homeowners want to remodel. Don’t let the excitement drive you to make rash decisions, though. Before embarking on a new kitchen design and remodel, be sure to consider the following questions to make sure you get the most out of the updated space.
1. What Do I Want My Kitchen to Do?
It may seem like a question that doesn’t need to be asked, but it can make a huge difference. For example, if you do a lot of cooking, you will want your kitchen to function differently than if you want your kitchen be used more as a gathering place.
Understanding the shortcomings of your current kitchen can help, but when you decide to remodel, you really want to focus on what the new kitchen should do, rather than what the old kitchen didn’t do.
2. What Updates Have to Be Made?
Like any other project, there are always going to be items that are mandatory. As you begin to think about a kitchen redesign, you should begin to keep a list of those things that are absolute must-haves. With these in mind, you can start to visualize how your kitchen should look, as you will need to design it around the items that aren’t negotiable.
3. What Updates Do You Want, But Don’t Have To be Included?
Every project has a wish list and a kitchen remodel is no different. Obviously, there will be constraints to your kitchen remodel based on cost, scope, space, etc. With this in mind, you should know what updates you would love to incorporate if possible. These are the updates or items that can be added or taken away based on the variables of the project (budget, space, etc.).
4. How Should the Kitchen Be Laid Out?
The individual elements of the kitchen are important decisions, but nothing is more important than the overall layout. While you may have some ideas, this is where it is important to have some input from a professional kitchen remodel contractor who can give you some guidance. They can help you design a kitchen layout that won’t just be great from a stylistic point of view, but also from an efficiency point of view.
5. What Consistent Elements Do I Want Throughout the Design?
Having too many conflicting or clashing design elements can result in a kitchen that will look disjointed. While there is a lot of good that can come from incorporating these different design ideas, it is important to have something that brings it all together. This could be anything from the cabinets to the appliances to the color.
6. What Permits Do I Need?
Hiring a professional contractor can help you avoid a lot of headaches; none more important than getting the necessary permits for the work. Building codes vary greatly by area, so a local contractor will be able to tell you exactly what permits you need based on what you are looking to do.
These building codes can also play a big role in what your design will look like. There may be some ideas that you have that aren’t allowed by law. Knowing this before you start the project can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
A kitchen remodel project will not only improve the look of your home, but can also add a lot of value as well. If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen, contact us at Builders’ General at 1-800-570-7227 or visit our website for more information about our five NJ locations. We can help with all your building supply and design needs.