Whether you have a small kitchen that limits your cooking creativity or an outdated layout, the right remodeling partner can make the difference. They can coordinate materials and timelines between contractors and designers to ensure the best possible outcome.
Builderland recommends preparing for kitchen remodels by packing up specialty items and moving them to storage. This can save money and prevent unnecessary damage during a time when efficiency matters most.
The Design Phase
The first step in the kitchen remodeling process is an in-home consultation with a designer to evaluate your existing space and discuss the goals of your remodel. The AKN design team will take measurements and create detailed drawings and 3D renderings to help you envision your new kitchen layout, including cabinetry, flooring, appliances and lighting.
This is also the time to talk budget. You may have a general idea of how much you want to spend, but establishing a firm number helps you make smart decisions throughout the renovation and avoid unexpected costs down the road. We recommend allowing an extra 10%-20% for these kinds of expenses to account for the inevitable surprises that arise during construction.
Once the design has been finalized, you can move on to ordering materials. This may require several weeks, especially for premium features like imported tile or high-end finishes. Careful planning during this phase reduces delays caused by changes or backorders.
It’s important to note that this is the point in which you should apply for necessary permits, if applicable. While most general contractors handle this on behalf of their clients, it’s wise to allow a few weeks for approval, as delays here can push back the timeline for your entire project.
This is also a great time to consider packing up the kitchen, and it’s recommended that you do so before demolition begins. While this may be a hassle, it’s a necessity to prevent dust and debris from spreading into other parts of your home during the renovation. Keeping things contained also protects your belongings from being damaged or stolen during construction. Detailed ‘before’ photos are also invaluable to the construction process, as they can be referenced throughout the duration of the renovation. They ensure that the resulting kitchen matches your vision.
The Unbuilding Phase
The planning phase is the foundation of any kitchen renovation. It involves carefully reviewing your current kitchen and evaluating the needs for improvement. Your goals should be clear and focused, addressing key pain points such as storage capacity, workflow efficiency, and lighting. During this time, it is also helpful to establish a budget to help manage expectations.
After identifying your priorities, your designer will help guide you through the design process and provide you with a detailed plan that includes material specifications and quotes. This is a critical step that can prevent hiccups later on in the project. It is also important to review your construction timelines and allow for unforeseen delays, such as delivery times or material availability.
Once you have a detailed plan in place, it is time to start the remodel. This is where your vision comes to life and the fun begins! If you are working with a general contractor, they will be able to handle all the necessary permitting and structural changes. It is also a good time to upgrade any plumbing pipes if you are moving sinks, dishwashers or refrigerators. This is an excellent opportunity to switch from galvanized pipes to PEX, for example.
Before the sledgehammers come out, it is essential to have a temporary kitchen in place. Depending on the scope of the project, it may be as simple as a dorm-sized refrigerator and microwave. For more extensive projects, you may need to set up a temporary kitchen in the garage or a nearby room in your home. Regardless, it is crucial to protect items that you are keeping and prepare for weeks or even months without a functioning kitchen.
It is important to note that your kitchen will be a construction zone for the duration of this phase, so you can expect to deal with dust, noise, and disruptions in your daily routine. You can minimize these annoyances by planning ahead and making sure you are working with a reputable remodeling company like BC Stone. Taking the time to research contractors and check references before hiring can save you both time and money in the long run.
The Installation Phase
Depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, this phase may involve installing new flooring, painting and repairing walls. It’s also the time to make plumbing changes, rerouting existing water supply and drain lines or upgrading from galvanized steel pipes to PEX. Ideally, the design team will be looped in at this point so that they can coordinate appliance selection, cabinet hardware and other details with the construction timeline and budget.
With the design in place and the necessary permits on file, it’s time to find a contractor to bring your kitchen remodel plans to life. It’s important to shop around and thoroughly interview contractors before making a decision, and don’t hesitate to ask for referrals and reviews from past clients. Hiring a contractor who specializes in kitchen remodeling and has a track record of successful projects is key to minimizing potential challenges and keeping the project on schedule.
Demolition is a noisy and messy step, but one that’s essential for the kitchen renovation process to proceed smoothly. If the demolition involves removing load-bearing walls, it’s wise to consult with a structural engineer to ensure that the structure will remain safe and sound during the renovation. It’s also the best time to update electrical wiring and fixtures, especially if your home is older.
Once the demo is completed, a construction crew can begin the actual work. If the project is extensive, this will include installing new cabinets, countertops, appliances and new lighting, as well as reconfiguring the layout of the room. Depending on the scope of the kitchen remodel, you may choose to have custom cabinetry made, add or remove a wall, or install an island.
This is also the time to compare options like cabinet refacing and repainting, as well as backsplash options and deciding which new kitchen appliances fit your space best. Ideally, the design team will be involved at this point to ensure that construction stays efficient and that all of your aesthetic goals are met.
If you’re working with a general contractor, they can help you choose materials and even provide quotes from suppliers. Getting this input at the beginning of the process can save you time and money, and it will also help you determine which features are within your budget and which will require additional research or planning.
The Finishing Phase
A new kitchen can improve your quality of life and add to your home’s resale value. But a kitchen remodel is also a major project that requires careful planning and coordination with your contractor. A well-planned renovation minimizes disruption to your daily routine and keeps the project on schedule. The first step is a meeting with your designer and general contractor to discuss the desired results of your remodel. You will need to clarify what you want from your kitchen, whether a modern update or a full reconfiguration of the layout.
During this phase, the design team prepares the space for the construction work. They may need to reinforce walls or reroute utilities. If the kitchen remodel includes moving plumbing, this can involve substantial structural adjustments to walls and ceilings. At this point, the contractor may also need to rework wiring and lighting fixtures, and may upgrade old galvanized pipes with PEX.
Before the crew starts swinging hammers, AKN Interiors installs protective barriers and safeguards non-remodeled areas of your home with plastic sheets or zip walls. They can also reroute your utility access points to keep you up and running during the renovation. If you’ve chosen premium features like imported tile or appliances, this phase can extend fabrication and installation phases. It’s important to plan ahead and order your materials early, as delays can impact your construction timeline.
The demolition phase is a noisy and messy part of the project. Depending on the scope of your kitchen remodeling, this phase can take weeks or months. During this time, you’ll be eating at restaurants and joining sympathetic friends and family members for meals at their homes. AKN Interiors recommends setting up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, mini-fridge, and paper plates to make the transition as painless as possible.
During the reconstruction phase, your kitchen is rebuilt with new flooring, cabinets, and countertops, as well as paint, backsplashes, and fixtures. It’s normal to have a mix of projects happening simultaneously during this phase, but some must be done in a certain sequence. For example, drywall can’t be installed until the electrical and plumbing inspections are complete.