The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you cook, eat, and gather with family and friends. A well-designed kitchen can also increase the value of your home.
Before Kitchen Remodel in Denver begins, you need to understand the full scope of the project and its costs. Then set a budget that includes your needs and wants.
The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms to remodel and for good reason – it boosts resale value. It also serves as the heart of the home, so homeowners want it to be functional and look great. But it’s important to keep in mind that a kitchen remodel can be costly, especially if you don’t plan ahead or aren’t clear about what you want.
Some elements of a kitchen remodel are unavoidable, such as permitting fees, structural changes and electrical or plumbing upgrades. Other expenses may include new appliances, cabinet costs and labor. Experts suggest that you set aside 10%-20% of your budget for unexpected expenses. These can include unpleasant demolition discoveries (like water damage or outdated wiring) and unexpected extras (like hiring movers to move your stove).
To keep your kitchen remodeling costs down, prioritize your needs and wants. Work with a professional to create a list of the must-haves, and then compare that with your wish list to see what can be done without exceeding your budget. Avoid focusing on status-oriented features like granite countertops or Sub-Zero appliances, and instead opt for more affordable materials that will still look beautiful and last for years to come.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to use credit for your kitchen remodel. Many credit card companies offer 0% interest for a limited time, which can save you money on upfront costs and allow you to build up your credit score with consistent payments. Of course, be sure you can pay off the card within the 0% interest period to avoid hefty interest charges and to ensure that you don’t run out of cash during the project.
Design
Before you start tearing down walls and putting up new fixtures, work with your designer to develop a design plan. This is the best time to think through what features you want in your kitchen, including built-in appliances like steam ovens or wine fridges. It’s also a good time to consider energy-efficient options, which are not only better for the environment but can save you money in the long run.
A kitchen remodel involves a lot of choices, from cabinet color and flooring to countertop and backsplash. It’s important to weigh each option carefully, making sure it aligns with your goals and lifestyle. For example, if you’re planning on cooking more meals at home, it might be worthwhile to invest in a gas range with an extra-large oven. This will give you more room to cook and entertain.
During this stage, you’ll also determine how you want to use your kitchen on a daily basis. For example, are you looking to improve storage capacity or create a more efficient workflow? Understanding your goals can help you make smarter decisions that produce a more satisfying result.
Once you’ve mapped out your dream kitchen and fine-tuned the design, it’s time to turn your attention to permitting and approvals. This is a critical step that can prevent costly mistakes during construction. Whether you’re working with a general contractor or doing the work yourself, securing the proper permits can help you avoid expensive fines and keep your project on schedule.
Permits
While some changes are minor, others require a permit to ensure that the renovation complies with local building codes. The exact requirements can vary depending on the scope of work and your town’s regulations, but it is important to understand these requirements before hiring a contractor.
To get a permit, your hired professional will need to prepare and submit an application to the DOB with detailed blueprints of your kitchen remodeling project. The process may take a few weeks to complete. After approval, the DOB will send you guidelines and inspection schedules. It is important to follow these guidelines during construction to avoid fines and delays.
It is a good idea to consult with experts before starting your kitchen remodel to find out what types of changes or additions require a permit. Some projects do not need a permit, including sanding or repainting existing cabinets and installing new appliances in the same location. However, any electrical or plumbing work requires a permit. Also, it is a good idea to get a permit for any work that involves adding or removing walls.
If you do not have a permit for your kitchen remodeling, you will likely face legal complications. You may be required to tear down the unpermitted work and pay fines or repair any damage caused by the renovation. In addition, homeowners without permits cannot claim additional square footage on their home insurance policies. Furthermore, potential buyers will be wary of a home with unpermitted renovations and may doubt the quality of work. To avoid these complications, it is a good idea to consult with a design-build firm or licensed professionals before beginning your kitchen renovation.
Contractor
Kitchen remodeling requires a lot of work, and it’s best left to the professionals. A general contractor will manage the project and coordinate with subcontractors, ensuring that the job is completed in a timely manner. The contractor will also handle securing any required permits or inspections. This is especially important in NYC, where building codes are strict and violations can result in expensive fines.
The contractor will also provide recommendations for appliances and materials, as well as help you decide on a timeline. The kitchen renovation process will vary depending on the size and scope of the remodel, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you want from your new kitchen. For example, you might need to increase storage capacity or improve workflow efficiency. This will allow you to create a realistic budget and determine whether a remodel is the right option for your home.
One of the most difficult parts of kitchen renovation is removing existing elements and cleaning up debris. This can take weeks or even months, and it’s best to hire a general contractor. This will ensure that the process goes smoothly and minimizes disruption to your daily life.
When choosing a contractor, it’s important to consider their experience and reputation. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals, and look for reviews online. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, schedule face-to-face meetings with each candidate to get a feel for their communication style and professionalism. It’s also a good idea to compare quotes from several contractors and make sure they are comparable. This will ensure that you get the best value for your money. A high-quality kitchen remodel is a worthwhile investment, but it’s important to stay within your budget.
Installation
Depending on the extent of your remodel, this phase can take a few days to several weeks. This is when new plumbing and electrical systems are installed. It also is the time to replace old, outdated, or damaged flooring and walls with fresh materials. It’s important to have licensed, insured professionals take care of this work because if anything goes wrong during installation, it could be dangerous and expensive.
While this is a noisy and messy process, it’s an essential step. Removing old cabinets, appliances, counters, and drywall is necessary to ensure that the space can be properly cleaned and prepared for new products to be installed. During this stage, the contractor will determine where the plumbing, electrical, and ventilation pipes will be placed, as well as upgrade old galvanized pipes to modern PEX piping. This is also the time to consider adding or moving outlets and light switches to accommodate new products, as well as change out old, outdated electrical wiring to current code standards.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, it’s helpful to get inspired by visiting Pinterest boards and home improvement websites. This will help you visualize your ideal kitchen layout and design, which you can show to the professionals working on the project.
Once the new plumbing and electrical systems are installed, the drywall can be installed. At this point, it’s important to remember that the walls must be insulated and weatherproofed. Then, countertops can be measured and fabricated, and cabinet hardware can be installed. Once the countertops are installed, a final inspection can be scheduled. During this phase, it’s possible to continue using your kitchen while the work is taking place, but you will likely have to eat out at restaurants or ask friends and family for meals until the remodel is complete.