THE SCOTT PROJECT: Planning a Kitchen Reno!
Taking on a kitchen remodel is no small task. It requires a lot of preparation and planning before the first demo hammer swings. I have been wanting to renovate our kitchen since we moved in a few years ago. I actually think a renovation is a bit more challenging than a new build. You are starting with a floor plan that may not look exactly like all the inspiration images you love on Pinterest. I think you have to be a bit more creative in working within the parameters you have, but the end result can be just as beautiful and rewarding.
We started pulling everything out of our dated kitchen last weekend, so what better time to walk you through the process of planning for a kitchen remodel! Whether you are a “weekend warrior” and die-hard DIY’er or someone who prefers a more hands-off approach and looking to get advice from an interior designer- this initial process in planning will be helpful for you.
STEP ONE: Establish a Budget
A budget should always be the first discussion you have as you enter into a project. This can be really overwhelming if you have no idea what renovations cost. The easiest way to gather information is to ask a lot of questions.
Take a look at your finances and look at how much you feel you are comfortable spending.
Ask friends and family who have taken on recent projects to share pricing information they gathered.
Ask a local contractor to give you a rough estimate.
Do some online research and look up renovation costs in your area.
Look into hiring an interior designer for a consultation.
STEP TWO: Draw Up Your Plans
Having your ideas collected and drawn up can save you a TON of hassle later on. Drawings help you communicate to subcontractors and get accurate bids. A lot can be lost in translation if you are listing off your ideas without drawings to solidify exactly what you are wanting, which can lead to added costs and headaches.
Drawings can be something you’ve sketched up on your own (maybe adding Pinterest pictures to further communicate your goals), created by an interior designer or even cabinet drawings completed by your cabinet maker. The more you have on paper to over-communicate, the better!
STEP THREE: Order All Materials Prior to Starting Project
Once you have your drawings and materials selected, get to ordering and don’t start any demo until you have everything you need to finish the job. Backorders, shipping delays, damaged items that need to be replaced- this is where you will really kick yourself if you’ve already ripped everything out of your kitchen and you are sitting there waiting on things to come in. The best thing you can do to have minimal time without a functioning kitchen is to have everything on hand and ready for subcontractors as they need it.
Here is a list of materials you might consider selecting/ordering beforehand:
Lighting
Appliances
Backsplash Tile
Hardware
Countertops
Plumbing Fixtures
Flooring
Cabinets
STEP FOUR: Schedule All Subs Prior to Demo
Depending on your location, subcontractors may be booked out for months and hard to come by. The best thing you can do is have everyone scheduled out before the demo begins, so you don’t have to wait three months with no progress in between each phase. Allow some cushion in between to have some flexibility in case an issue comes up. Follow up with these subcontractors often to keep them updated.
If you decide to hire a general contractor, they can handle this scheduling for you.
STEP FIVE: Prepare for the Chaos
This is a step I should have taken my own advice on and now I’m paying the price. I don’t want you to make the same mistake. Do what you can beforehand to prepare for living in a non-functioning kitchen. Take a good look at your daily routine and what your family uses and needs for everyday living. Consider moving your fridge into a nearby room, set up a folding table with a microwave or toaster, and get yourself a lot of disposable plates and flatware. Keep a few bins under the table for snacks and everyday food items you want to have handy. This will allow you to keep out of the dusty mess and have a space that can work for you in the interim.
Don’t forget to block off any doorways with plastic sheets, put paper down on any floors you want to protect, and cover any furniture you don’t want exposed to dust.
Once you have your heart set on a renovation, I know it may be tempting to get to the good part and start knocking out walls, that’s the exciting part to actually see progress! I promise you though, you will regret skipping preparation when you have been eating toaster waffles for six months and are still waiting on your floor tile to come in! Preparation is key to a smooth and efficient renovation.
Continue following along as we wrap up our kitchen, hopefully before our next baby makes his debut!
