If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, you’ll want to work with an expert. A contractor can provide valuable advice, including a cost analysis and a list of possibilities.
Some pros divide kitchen redos into minor, major and luxury tiers. A minor remodel typically involves a cosmetic overhaul, while a major remodel requires demolition and floor plan rearrangement.
Design
A contractor will be able to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. They can help you prioritize your design ideas and determine what’s doable with your budget. Moreover, they can also advise you on the best cabinets and appliances to use for your space. They will even provide you with CAD sketches and samples for your consideration.
Bruen is an award-winning firm that offers kitchen remodeling services. The company works on both large and small remodels. Its portfolio features beautiful modern and transitional spaces. The featured kitchen combines elements such as wood-paneled flooring, overhead lighting, and off-white brick backsplashes. It was remodeled to look spacious and open.
The firm is a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). It is known for its design assistance and custom cabinetry. It is also a certified green remodeler. It has a wide range of kitchen remodeling products in its showroom and can offer clients discounts on items purchased through the company.
The company’s design process begins with a free consultation. After that, they will prepare a detailed proposal. Their design team will work with you to establish your goals and select the products that are right for your space. They will then order the materials and store them until you’re ready to install them. Their process is fast and convenient, saving you time and money. They also provide progress invoicing and a dedicated project manager to oversee the remodel.
Planning
The kitchen is the hub of most homes and remodeling it can increase its value, make it more functional and improve its aesthetics. However, it is also the most complicated room in your house to remodel and can be very stressful. Whether you want to manage the project yourself and save money or you want to leave all the work up to a general contractor, it is important to have an overarching and specific vision for your kitchen renovation.
The first step in the process is to clear out your kitchen and set aside anything that you don’t need. Demolition can be very dusty and unpleasant, especially if your contractor is tearing down walls. It is a good idea to create an indoor staging area for storing materials and supplies such as lumber, tools, paint, cabinets and flooring. If possible, this could be a garage or enclosed porch. If not, renting a storage pod may be necessary.
Next, you will need to explore design ideas from publications and online to get a realistic view of what the finished kitchen should look like. You will also need to consider resale value and decide which options are practical within your budget. Finally, you will need patience because it is not uncommon for unexpected problems to arise during a construction project.
Budget
For many homeowners, a dream kitchen is the ultimate home improvement project. But it’s important to remain realistic about the costs of a kitchen remodel. If the budget becomes too much, a homeowner may need to scale back their remodel plans.
The overall cost of a kitchen remodel depends on the size and scope of the project. Larger kitchens are more expensive to remodel than smaller ones. The square footage of a kitchen also affects the overall cost of a remodel, as more floor space requires more drywall, flooring, paint and other materials.
Cabinetry is one of the biggest expenses in a kitchen remodel. On average, 28 percent of a kitchen remodel’s budget goes towards cabinetry and hardware. This includes the cabinets themselves, as well as new hardware, countertops and other features. The style, color and finish of the cabinetry will determine the overall look of the kitchen.
Other costly kitchen remodel expenses include plumbing, electrical and labor. This is especially true if the remodel involves changing the layout of the kitchen, or moving plumbing and gas lines. The installation and labor costs for kitchen remodeling projects can be mitigated by hiring a contractor that offers flat-rate or hourly labor rates.
In addition to saving on contractor overhead and profit margins, this strategy allows a homeowner to hire and supervise subcontractors themselves. This can be a great way to save money on a kitchen remodel, particularly for projects that require the services of licensed plumbers and electricians.
Communication
During the kitchen remodeling process, homeowners should communicate with their contractors on a regular basis. This can be done in person or over the phone and should include discussing any questions or concerns that may arise during construction. It’s important to have open communication to prevent confusion and misunderstandings, especially when it comes to costing the project. Homeowners should never settle for a contractor who doesn’t provide clear and transparent project quotes.
When choosing a kitchen remodeling contractor, clients should look for one with a good track record. It’s also a smart idea to find out whether or not the contractor offers warranties on their work. These warranties can protect homeowners from any issues that may occur during or after the project is completed.
Another important consideration is the type of contract the contractor uses. Contractors can use either a fixed price or a cost plus contract. Cost plus contracts typically benefit the contractor more than the client, as they allow them to mark up their building expenses and include overhead costs like insurance, office rent, and mileage.
A professional kitchen remodeler will be able to advise homeowners on the best type of contract for their project. They will also be able to help clients understand the different costs involved, including those for materials, labor, and permits.