Kitchen Remodel Checklist

Kitchen Remodel: Where Do I Start?

When contemplating a kitchen remodel, sometimes that hardest step is knowing where to start. In our experience, the best way to start is with a checklist. It’s a great way to remember what you want (and don’t want) from your new kitchen and helps avoid costly surprises. It really comes in handy when you begin the process with our designers. So, if you are considering a kitchen remodel, here are some suggestions as to where to begin.

Know What You DON’T Want

You are most likely considering a kitchen remodel because your current kitchen doesn’t work the way you want it to, so identifying the flaws should be your first step. This can range from as large as an inefficient footprint that needs to be totally redesigned, to small things like you hate to hear slamming cabinet doors. Start by asking yourself these questions:

• Am I happy with the current layout of my kitchen?
• Do I have enough storage?
• Do I have enough counter space?
• Do I have adequate lighting? (natural and work light)
• Do I have enough seating?
• Is my kitchen dated and in need of a modern facelift?
• What features do I wish I had but don’t?
• Does my kitchen work with my family’s lifestyle?

This is your chance to nit-pick. Keep a log somewhere in the kitchen and list out every detail (no matter how small) that frustrates or annoys you as it comes up.

List Your Wants, Priorities, and Expectations

Narrowing down what you want out of your kitchen remodel will prevent you from bouncing around ideas aimlessly and becoming overwhelmed. Again, keep a log and list features as you think of them.

• What is my goal? (More space, a chef’s kitchen, more room for entertaining, making it the “heart” of the home, refresh a dated style, etc.)
• What are my must-haves? (Multiple sinks or ovens, a work-from-home space, a Smart kitchen, etc.)
• What are my “wishes”? (“It would be nice to have X, but it’s not necessary.”)
• What is the “Big Picture”? (Efficiency, resale, impress the neighbors, a new style, etc.)
• What are my expectations? (I want what I want no matter what, I want as much as I can afford, I want the cheapest possible, etc.)
• What is my budget?

Again, keep a log and list what you expect from a new kitchen.

Now, these questions are by no means comprehensive – you will probably think of many more along your planning journey – but they are a start and a good way to stay focused.

Once you have a general idea of what you want from your kitchen remodel, give us a call. Our designers will walk you through options, details, and costs and help you meet your goals and expectations.