How to Remodel a Kitchen - The Basics
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is the center of most gatherings and a crucial space of everyday life. It often reflects a bit of your personality while providing a functional space to make long-lasting memories. This is why it is important to have a kitchen that not only fits your design preferences but also accommodates your lifestyle. Whether you are updating your existing kitchen or renovating a new space, Osborne is ready to help you make your ideal kitchen a reality! But first things first, you need to begin the renovation process by following some crucial steps.
1. How big will the project be?
A remodel of any size is a big project but each one is very different. The first step is to determine what you would like your kitchen to look like and how big the transformation will be. Some remodels may consist of a simple paint job and updated decorative accents. Others may include moving cabinets, appliances and even walls. It is important to decide what the main priorities are for your kitchen project. Some items on your to do list may be more out of reach than others so determining what is necessity versus want is crucial.
Questions to consider:
- Do I want to change the current layout of my kitchen?
- Do I like the current styling/theme of the kitchen?
- Are there any additions or takeaways that would increase the functionality of the space?
- What are my top priorities and what items are simply on my wish list?
- What is my budget for this project? Remember this may change over the course of the renovation and as you discover the cost of certain items.
2. Begin mapping out your layout
Start mapping out the layout of your desired kitchen design. Even if this is just simple sketches and Pinterest vision boards, begin creating a clear image of what you would like the end result to be. This is also the time to figure out what aspects of the project can be DIY and if any will require professional help.
If you plan to do a lot of the work yourself, begin researching DIY resources related to each specific task to determine the materials and knowledge required. Custom cabinetry, electrical work and plumbing are often completed by professionals. If this is part of your renovation, begin researching professionals and contacting them for quotes and more information. Houzz has a database that makes the initial search for professionals simple and easy.
3. Be confident in your stylistic preferences
You may already a clear idea of your style or you are still figuring it out. Either way, now is the time to do some research and determine what your preferences are! Do you want the kitchen to match the rest of the home or do you have a specific theme for this room? Maybe you are just enhancing the current design and want to stay true to the styling. As you get further into the renovation process, thinking about the aesthetics becomes just as important as the function.
Check out our blog post discussing some popular Interior Design Styles to get some ideas! If you are in need of more inspiration, start browsing our inventory and see what stands out to you. Sometimes one specific item may be a must-have and could influence other elements of the design. We also have several collections to look through if you already have a style in mind.
This is a great time to build an idea book or collective of kitchen designs that you are interested in. You will soon discover which interior style you prefer, colors you would like to work with and even smaller details you would like to include.
4. Develop construction plan and schedule
The next step is to develop your final construction plans (even if you are just working on a DIY renovation). If you are having professional work done, request appointments and begin finalizing a calendar. This is often when you will begin making you final fixture and finish selections (such as countertops, appliances, lights, backsplash, flooring, etc.) This may be the longest step in the process and if the project is large enough, it may require permits and a temporary move. Plan accordingly and remember to be patient for the end result. This is the most difficult time throughout the renovation but it is often the most rewarding.
5. Check off your punch list
As the project is coming to a close, make sure to create through a punch list. Is everything that you originally planned for complete or was a viable solution made? Ensure the decorative touches are correct and that the style is clear. If something is wrong, now is the time to amend it. This may require additional work from professionals or you may be able to complete it on your own. Once the items on your punch list are checked off, your dream kitchen is complete!
Obviously, there are many other aspects to a kitchen renovation. This is simply a basic guide to get you prepared for your project. Every project will be different and may have fewer or more steps. Along with a wide range of decorative components, Osborne offers several other resources to help you with your next build. Check out our how to guides and our YouTube channel for helpful information.