Four Things Every Homeowner Should Do Before Remodeling Their Kitchen

Posted on April 21, 2020April 21, 2020 by sociuswriter

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but that adage might not ring true if you’re unhappy with your space. Deciding to remodel a kitchen in its entirety is a big decision, and one that requires a lot of planning before “Demo Day” can take place. If you’re considering renovating, updating, or starting brand new on your kitchen, here are 4 things you should do before you start swinging sledge hammers and dreaming up decor.

1. 1. Measure your usable space. If your kitchen seems small and cluttered, do your best to visualize the room’s potential after removing outdated cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. Measure the room as a whole before you start planning any remodeling projects. This will help you get an idea for the optimal layout and functional square footage you have to work with.
  2. Remember the “Work Triangle.” Spoiler alert: Those dream kitchens you see plastered all over Pinterest might not be functional in real life. When designing your room, be sure to keep in mind the “Work Triangle.” In other words, your kitchen sink, refrigerator, and stovetop should all be arranged in a triangular area. (See the image below for an example of a good Work Triangle in action.)
1. Plan for aesthetics and functionality. Sure, open shelving is “in” – but not if you’re filling said shelves with sippy cups or cluttering them with kitchen odds and ends. Plan first for usable storage space for your pots, pans, dishes, pantries, etc. first. You can add in stylistic elements after you can be sure your functional needs will be met.
2. Budget, budget, budget! Like most major home renovations, a kitchen remodel or upgrade can spiral out of control FAST. Have a set budget in mind, and make sure you’re willing to pad your final numbers by a few hundred dollars for unexpected costs that might come up during the project. For the best budgeting, we recommend partnering with Kaz Brothers for an overall project estimate which will include construction costs, your selected finishes, and the peace of mind of having a talented team of professionals managing your remodel every step of the way!