When you finally decide it is time for a kitchen remodel, preparation is half the battle. You need to determine what you are renovating and replacing, who will do the work, and what you will use for a kitchen during the renovation period. Here are some tips to make your kitchen remodel as easy as possible.
Who Will Do the Work?
Remodeling a kitchen is not for the faint of heart. If you have never taken on a job like this before, it is best to consult someone who knows the ins and outs of a renovation project.
Knowing the square footage of the room, how you will remove and replace appliances, and how to replace cabinets and flooring are all essential aspects of the job.
If you decide to do it yourself, and you run into an issue in the middle of the project, you should have a few people you can call to help you through any pop-up issues.
What Exactly are You Remodeling?
Are you planning on doing an entire kitchen renovation from floor to
ceiling, or are you just looking to replace the countertops, appliances,
and flooring? Knowing what you are remodeling is important. Also, make sure
you are prepared to do further work as needed. If you start to take the
countertop off and realize that you need to remove the cabinets the counter
is attached to, as well, you need to be prepared for the extra work.
Ideally, you will know exactly what needs to be done before embarking on a kitchen remodel. However, surprises do happen. Sometimes you start tearing out a floor and realize there is damage to the floorboards. This will alter your plans and timeline.
Renting a Dumpster
Regardless of how much you are planning to renovate, you will most likely need to rent a dumpster if you are remodeling a kitchen. Old flooring, countertops, and cabinets can all be put in a dumpster, and you will want to have a rental contract in place before starting the work.
Determining how large a dumpster you need ahead of time will make the job go smoother. If you are overhauling the entire kitchen, you may want to rent a 20-yard dumpster.
If you are just replacing the floors and appliances, a 10-yard may be sufficient. However, if a problem arises and you need to do more extensive work to the floor, make sure that the dumpster you rent can accommodate the added waste.
Knowing what you are doing and how you will dispose of the discarded pieces is an essential element to the job.
Pick out Appliances Ahead of Time
The more work you can get done before you start the renovation, the better. If you are replacing all of your appliances, pick them out and order them before you start tearing apart the kitchen. This way, when you are ready to install them, the appliances can be delivered.
Be sure to take proper measurements of the size of appliances you picked out so that you can ensure they will fit in place when you are ready for installation.
How Long Will the Remodel Take?
Having a timeline for how long a remodel will take is crucial. It will help to keep the project on track, but it also will help you to make alternate plans for cooking and eating during the remodel.
· Will you be getting take out for each meal? This can be a considerable expense.
· Can you put a microwave, toaster oven, and mini-fridge in another room so you can cook at home?
· Are you able to use a grill for cooking some meals?
· Will you be using paper plates and disposable utensils for a while to avoid washing dishes in the bathroom?
These are all questions you will want answers to before starting your kitchen remodel.
Remodeling a kitchen is a lot of work, but can be extremely rewarding once the job is done. Having a new, functioning kitchen at the end of the project is a fantastic feeling and accomplishment. Not only can it make your life easier, if you are adding more functionality to the workspace, but a kitchen remodel can also increase the value of your home.