Functionally, aesthetically, and futuristically, kitchen remodeling gives homeowners various purposes.
From visual appeal, increased property value, energy efficiency, functionality, and cost consciousness, kitchen remodeling has a way of elevating your life quality in ways that you may not have imagined.
While a fair number of homeowners focus on the investment part of the project, they often forget to familiarize themselves with the process, overlooking its role in the project’s success.
This article debunks that process so you prepare adequately and effectively for long-lasting and quality results.
Needs Assessment
Custom Kitchen Design just for your house
The project process begins with the owner taking time to visualize what shape and size their dream kitchen should adopt. As you do that, you might want to make some sketches so that the contractor can have an idea of what you dream of. Also in this step, take time to decide what features and fixtures you want to introduce in the new kitchen. Similarly, make a list of those items so that you have an easy time when explaining to the contractor. Then sit down and determine the budget size, where you plan to splurge, and where you wish to save.
Planning and Design
With an idea of your dream kitchen and what new features and fixtures you want, sit down and make a clearer design of the same. Consider leveraging the computer digital tools to design a plan for your future kitchen. Alternatively, you can involve a contractor to come up with the plan design. The plan design and needs assessment should come down to budget size and the set priority list. The plan, footprints, and cost estimates come in handy in permit approval.
Professional/DIY
At this process phase, you sit down to weigh the pros and cons of the two remodel routes; professional V DIY. Each bears its benefits and limitations so be sure to explore critical factors like durability, cost and environmental considerations, lead times, and quality of results.
Demolition
Whether the DIY or professional route of kitchen remodeling, the old kitchen must be torn down. Demolition is one of the areas where you have an opportunity to save significant money. This is because regardless of the remodel scope, you can always do the demolition yourself. All you need is to disconnect the appliances, utility connections, and the fixtures you plan to reuse in the future kitchen. With the proper waste management measures provided by a dumpster rental, you can comfortably handle the demolition part and save some money.
Structural Works
To accommodate the new floor plan, if any, the contractor will now make the changes to the framing and then go ahead and change utility lines accordingly. If the floor plan is not altered, the remodel becomes easier and less expensive since the structural work phase will reconnect the disengaged utility lines. The only few changes might come in the replacement of insulation, tightening, and sealing materials like thread tapes and insulation foam.
Installation
Then comes the moment you have been dreaming of: the actual installation of new features and fixtures. During the phase, the contractor will install the new cabinet shells, countertops, lighting, backsplash, flooring, and appliances. Here, the deep experience and excellent construction skills of a professional come in handy, making it the most critical step of a kitchen remodel process. Besides the endeavor to achieve quality results, the installations must adhere to the existing building codes. Here, unless you have the proper training and experience, a DIY installation may not prove very effective.
Finishing
With the kitchen now taking a new shape, the contractor will finish the installation by painting the latest features, including countertops and trims, and carving any necessary moldings and baseboards. It is also an excellent chance to install hardware such as countertop handles, knobs, and pulls.
Final Inspections
With the remodel process now complete, the contractor will inspect the kitchen to ensure everything is code-compliant before the authorities conduct the inspections. In case of mishaps or omissions, the contractor will have them addressed before the inspection team arrives.
Cleaning and Punch List
The project process is far from over without cleanup. In this understanding, the contractor will ensure all debris is collected and disposed of, surfaces are dusted, and the floor is vacuumed in readiness for use.
Though the sequence of the remodel process may change based on personal preferences, scope of work, different contractors, and kitchen design, the above is the general remodel process of an average futuristic kitchen.