What You May Not Know About Kitchen Remodels

Kitchen remodeling is exciting, but also overwhelming. There’s a lot that goes into the process of bringing your dream kitchen to life. While every good contractor and kitchen designer will do their best to make the process seamless, there are unknowns and unexpected situations that sometimes arise.

Your job is to educate yourself so that if something does pop up, you’re not shell-shocked. Let’s dive into what you may not know about kitchen remodels.

#1: The Boring Details Matter — A Lot

Yes, it’s fun to design a new kitchen layout, pick your cabinets and countertops, and see those elements take form. But there’s a lot that goes on underneath those cosmetic updates, and a lot that needs done before those aesthetics can make their way into your home.

For instance, kitchens need proper ventilation for safety reasons. You’ve also got to think about electrical outlet placement, plumping changes, and light switches. These may not sound exciting, but they’re crucial. And if they’re forgotten or handled incorrectly, they can be costly to fix.

#2: Keeping Your Current Kitchen Layout Saves Tons

If you have the budget to start from scratch with a new layout for your kitchen, go for it. But if you’re hoping to save in certain areas, or your budget is on the lower end, consider keeping your current kitchen layout.

Creating a new layout often means moving appliances, plumping, and electrical. That means more materials, labor, and money. If your current layout is efficient and doesn’t require changing, simply refresh it by adding new cabinets, countertops, hardware and appliances. Another option is to reface the existing cabinets to make them look new.

#3: Seemingly Small Details and Add-Ons Make a Big Difference

On the fence about having roll-outs in your pantry cabinet? Or are you unsure if you want a double sink or a single one? Maybe you can’t decide between a few options of drawer pulls and handles.

All of these are important considerations in the grand scheme of your kitchen remodel. The last thing you want is to look back later and regret passing on a handy storage solution or the hardware your heart desired but cost a little more. Go with your gut. And if you’re still indecisive, run your ideas past your kitchen designer. Sometimes it’s helpful to get an objective, third-party opinion.

#4: It’s Going to Get Messy

During the demolition and renovation process of a major kitchen remodel, you’ll have to get used to some clutter and dust. With drywall sanding, cutting trim or flooring, and workers coming in and out of your home, there’s going to be debris. A good contractor will do their best to tidy up at the end of each workday, but even once they’re gone and your kitchen is brand new, you’ll have some cleaning to do.

It’s a good idea to close the vents in the kitchen and nearby rooms because it’s possible that dust will flow from room to room. Cover furniture and important items with sheets. And if after a good scrubbing post-remodel it seems like the dust still won’t go away, rest assured, it will. You’ll get your home back to it’s clean, tidy state. The mess is only temporary.

#5: It Can Take Awhile

The length of time a kitchen remodel takes depends on what’s involved, of course. It’s hard to determine how long your remodel will take before seeing your space and talking through your vision. As an estimate, you can expect a full kitchen remodel to take anywhere from six weeks to a few months.

The more big changes you make — like creating a new layout, removing or adding walls, moving plumbing and electrical, removing a brick fireplace, or bumping out the kitchen to add more square footage — the longer the project will take. Kitchen remodels are intensive construction projects and, when done correctly, deserve the proper time and attention. Trust us, it will be worth it in the end.

As you embark on a kitchen remodel, remember to keep the above considerations in mind. Every project is unique, but certain guidelines almost always hold true. And if you have any questions along the way, reach out to us. We’re happy to answer them.

Kitchen Remodels & Refacing Solutions

Every home deserves a kitchen that’s beautiful, welcoming, and functional — designed for the way you live. Established by two long-time central Ohio homebuilders and craftsmen, The Creative Kitchen Co. offers customized kitchen remodeling and refacing solutions. Contact us for more information.