How to Plan & Design a Kitchen Remodeling

Remodeling a kitchen.

A kitchen remodel is often an exciting prospect that is anticipated with nervous anticipation. Imagining the finished kitchen can tend to captivate the attention, while the process between the point of imagination and reality remain unclear. Most homeowners have a reasonably good idea of what they think they want. Often they will check out cabinets and floor tile and admire particular counter tops. But unless the kitchen is a direct swap out of finishes, there is a lot more to a kitchen remodel than the pieces.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Notebook and pen
• ¼-inch scale graph paper and mechanical pencil
• Tracing paper
• Straight edge
• ¼-inch scale construction ruler
• Construction drawing template
• Clippings of fixtures, cabinets and finishes
• Budget

Instructions

Planning And Designing A Kitchen Remodel

1. Measure the existing kitchen and plot the walls onto the graph paper at a scale of 1/4 inch per foot. Include all windows, doors, openings or other features. Make the solid walls approximately 1/16 of an inch thick to represent the thickness of the actual wall. Windows should be represented by an open wall with two parallel thin lines. For doors, indicate the swing or slide of the door using the template.

2. Measure portions of adjoining rooms, particularly if the remodel will involve the removal of walls. If the remodel includes adding on to the exterior of the house then lightly mark the intended extension area on the graph paper using a dashed line. Mark the measurements on the plan where possible.

3. Place the tracing paper over the graph wall plan and trace out the walls that will remain, as well as the new walls that will be built. Indicate new windows or doors in a similar way as before. A good kitchen design starts with an understanding of space and function. Sketch in the shapes of the cabinets and island or peninsula that are planned.

4. Take the plan to a kitchen design center along with the file of clippings and the budget. The kitchen design planner at the center will computerize the plan and be able to accurately plot the fit of cabinets within your price point. They will also be able to estimate local permits for the immediate area, construction costs and construction time for the remodel. It may not be possible for them to calculate the construction of an addition. They can usually provide a list of the materials to be used in the remodel as well as brochures or samples.

5. Meet with at least three recommended licensed contractors for their estimates on the construction, their projected completion time and start time. Before entering into a contract, ensure that all of the fixtures and features that have been chosen are detailed in writing. Keep in mind that it is much more expensive to change things after construction begins so try have all questions answered prior to beginning work.

6. Anticipate that the time and budget will each be 10-20% more than the estimates. Almost all construction remodeling jobs encounter unexpected problems that were not accounted for in the original budget. It is important to plan how you and your family will manage without a kitchen and with the constant intrusion of workers in your home. For families that stay in the home during the renovation, it is often essential to create a second, temporary kitchen in another area of the house. When possible, budget the cost of living in a rented apartment close to the home during the remodel for privacy and quiet.

Tips & Warnings

• Invite the best selling real estate agent in your neighborhood to visit your home and offer their advice on the scope of the remodel. It is important to remodel in a way that adds value to the home but does not exceed the neighborhood price point. The agent can also advise on the features and finishes with the best resale impact and value.

• It is easy to become very stressed during remodels. Maintain your valued relationships by creating time when the remodel is not to be discussed.

References

• Kitchens
• Hometime