For many people, January 1 signifies it’s time to create their annual home-project wish list. Two of the most desired projects are remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms.
Memories of the holidays are still fresh, and perhaps your home did not perform well with the additional traffic. Frequent collisions between people in the kitchen… the carpeting in the hall bath stayed wet the entire time family was visiting… the oven temperature was inaccurate and you scorched your signature dish… You get the idea.
Now is the perfect time to make a solid plan and ensure future holidays are a joy. To make the process less stressful, it is helpful to clarify a few things first:
- How much do you intend to invest in the project? Determining a realistic budget is one of the most difficult tasks in a remodeling project. Unless you have unlimited funds, skipping this step can result in headaches and disappointments for you, your designer, and the entire project team.
- What is your preferred timetable for completing the project? It is easy focus on the actual construction time and forget about the time required for planning. It can take an average of 3 to 6 months to finalize layout, products, and finishes.
- Do you have a go-to contractor or will there be a bidding process to complete once the design is final?
Each of these points has many details to consider. Your designer is a great resource to help you work through these steps and understand how selections, materials, and finishes affect price.
There are also publications, such as Remodeling News and Fine Homebuilding, that cover budget, materials, and construction issues, to help educate you.
You CAN have the kitchen and bathroom of your dreams! All it takes is a little planning.
Happy New Year and Happy Planning!
Cookin' Kitchens 