For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Few remodeling projects will come with more benefits than a kitchen remodel – from increasing the overall value of your home to creating a space for quality family time. However, kitchen remodels are some of the most complex (and stressful) projects of all home improvement projects. By knowing what to expect in advance, you can plan for a successful kitchen remodel with Kegonsa Plumbing. Follow our guide to the steps of a kitchen remodel, below.
Step 1: Decide Who’s in Charge
Managing the project yourself may save you money, but it’s also likely to lengthen the process from start to finish. That means having no dedicated space to prep meals in your home, and a few weeks of family take-out bills will eat into those project-management savings quickly. Hiring a general contractor will save you time and stress that accompanies managing several subcontractors and ensuring they show up on time. The general contractor’s job is to supervise other workers, make sure the subcontractors (electrical, carpentry, plumbing) arrive in the right order, make sure the work is done at a high-quality level, keep the project on-budget, and to pull all the necessary permits. At Kegonsa Plumbing, we offer both general contracting and plumbing services.
However, if you want to save money and manage the project yourself, you can simply hire us for the plumbing elements. When choosing your general contractor or subcontractors, require them to provide proof of their license and permits for the job.
Step 2: Organize Your Priorities
What was the most frustrating part of your old kitchen? Lack of counter space or the need for a garbage disposal? Perhaps your kitchen had a narrow galley design and you prefer an open concept. Your new kitchen should be designed with all of this in mind.
Take careful consideration when planning the design of the kitchen, especially if you are building from scratch. Consider what areas of the kitchen will be most used, and what might be the best utilization of the space. Then, make a list of everything you want in your kitchen – think big! Take your list and split them into must-haves and wants. This way, you have prioritized the most important elements and can build your budget accordingly.
Step 3: Set Your Budget
The average kitchen remodel can cost anywhere between $20,000 – $50,000 for the Madison, WI, area. Consider the priorities you mapped out in planning, then begin to allocate your budget. If you decided to allocate $20,000 towards your remodel, for example, in what areas of the kitchen would you spend that money?
Here’s a suggestion on how your budget could look:
- Countertops: 5%
- Flooring: 5%
- Lighting: 5%
- Drywall and Paint: 5%
- Plumbing: 10%
- Appliances and Ventilation: 15%
- Cabinets: 25%
- Design Fees: 5%
- General Contractor: 20%
- Other: remainder
If your heart is set on the latest in marble countertop trends or if you’re able to source some gently-used cabinets instead of new custom ones, you can tweak your budget according to what you have.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
As your kitchen is basically gutted following demolition, this is a great time to fix any ongoing plumbing or electrical issues. This includes replacing old, leaky, or galvanized pipes, updating the shut-off valves, snaking any clogged drains, or replacing rusted sections of pipes. Any old, shorted electrical circuits should be replaced as well. You could also run a new gas line if you’re switching from gas to electric.
When planning your design, we recommend that you match the wood trim and metal finishing throughout the rest of the house with your kitchen design. This will make your new kitchen feel like a natural extension of the home instead of a new insertion – ultimately increasing your resale value if/when you decide to move.
Ready to begin the planning process on your dream kitchen? We can assist in as many elements as you want! This includes 3D design software to help you visualize your design, referrals to great showrooms in town, and even contracting well-qualified designers; Kegonsa Plumbing is ready to service your needs. Give us a call, or send us a message today!