We’re not gonna lie… Every kitchen renovation comes with headaches. Guaranteed.

BUT, even if that’s the case for most construction work, having a new kitchen makes your house more livable, more enjoyable and definitely increases its value.

If you fully understand what goes into a kitchen renovation, you can avoid getting overwhelmed. And it will certainly be worth all your time, money, and efforts. Guaranteed.

Construction nightmares are quite common, but only for homeowners who don’t prepare ahead of the project.

Even without a kitchen designer, it’s possible to have your dream cooking place while steering clear from disasters. That’s why we’ve put together a list of things you should think about before you demolish your stove and start your project.

1. Distinguish Between Needs and Wants

You can’t have everything in your kitchen, especially with a limited budget. So before brooding on fancy walls and countertops, ask yourself first what persistent problems you encounter when using your current kitchen.

Is the space too small to store all your cooking ingredients, food and dishes? First, establish and make a list of what your needs are before you add those other elements you want for your new space. Your kitchen remodel may end up disappointing or shocking you with the costs involved, simply because you didn’t spend the time to determine what you wanted versus what you can afford.

2. Hire a Contractor

This one should be obvious, unless you are one yourself. In which case… why are you reading this?

A kitchen remodel involves the delicate process of plumbing, installation, and rough demolition. It isn’t something you should do on your own, given the time and professional skills required. You need to hire a professional to do a major kitchen renovation to avoid mistakes and blowing up your budget.

Ask for recommendations from friends or relatives. But before making a final decision and signing the contract, take note of the following:

• Good Reputation – Contractors are only as good as their last project. Don’t hesitate to ask your top candidates for references and some sample projects they’ve worked on.
• Quality and Safety – If you can, try to visit a renovation still in progress. Check and see the contractor’s commitment to ensuring quality and safety on site.
• Flexible Timeline – Sometimes, the best contractors are usually the busiest ones. Instead of settling for less because you want to get started ASAP, try to build your schedule around the availability of qualified contractors and not vice versa. Contact us today to find out about our current schedule.

Keeping the Crew Happy

NOTE: This tip is for other general contractors. At High Class Builders, we only hire the best professionals who are on top of their craft.

Renovation is heavy physical work and the construction crew can get thoughtless and forget that they were hired to do a good job. The least you can do is maintain the crew’s happy disposition throughout the remodeling process.

Here are some useful tips:

• Offer refreshments. It doesn’t have to be fancy; at least offer a thermos of coffee or a cooler with water to help them ward off exhaustion.
• Stay out of the way. You can ask questions but don’t overwhelm the crew, for you’ll be a hindrance to their efficient work.
• Show respect. Say greetings like “good morning,” “good night,” complement whenever appropriate, and don’t ask personal questions that aren’t part of the job.

Building Permits

Once you hired a contractor, remember to apply for permits. High Class Builders will do it for you, so you don’t have to deal with it. The city you belong to may administer the electrical, plumbing, and building permits. If your kitchen remodel involves work water supply and drainage, you also need to secure a permit from your water company.

If a general contractor is doing the renovation, they will be the one to obtain all the necessary permits. But if you opt to DIY, check with your local city or county permitting agency in advance.

3. Learn to Compromise

During the planning stage, set your mind to be flexible and cut costs wherever possible. Know how to get a quote for your kitchen renovation project to get a rough estimate.

It’s easy to get dreamy-eyed to add marble flooring and custom cabinets to your kitchen design. But before you install flooring, countertops, and cabinets, you should check stock hardwood and mass-produced floor tiles that may also look great. Is that marble flooring really necessary when there are other good-looking, less expensive options you can install?

Be creative when remodeling and think about where you can save that doesn’t compromise quality.

4. Consider the Resale Value

Don’t forget to think about the financial payback of your kitchen remodel. If you plan to live in your house for many years, having your dream cabinets for your new kitchen may be worth the high cost since it’ll serve the family for decades. 

But if you’re staging your home and only using it as a temporary kitchen before you resell, perhaps a surface-level kitchen remodeling is more practical. A kitchen is a personal space. Your idea of a great kitchen design may not be something the next owner envisions.

5. Prepare for Demolition

With the preparations done, the next step is a messy one. Before the kitchen renovation, remove appliances and other materials that can still be of use and clear the space.

Weeks before the demolition of your kitchen, make contingency plans for meals. Some of your appliances and plumbing may not be operational during the project. You should be able to get by during the weeks your kitchen is out of commission.

Start Your Renovation Project With Ease

A kitchen remodeling or any major home renovation is the type of job you don’t want to undertake on your own. It’s a costly, complicated, and time-consuming project for a homeowner. Save yourself from the headaches of getting permits and the pressure of finishing within the timeline by hiring qualified professionals.