How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel the Right Way by Using a Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
By Mark J. Donovan
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A kitchen remodeling checklist is tantamount to having a successful kitchen remodel. The most important element of a kitchen remodeling project, and for any major home remodeling project for that matter, is hiring the right contractor. Hiring the wrong contractor often leads to large cost overruns, schedule delays, and major frustrations. In some cases it can even lead to the project never being completed, and the contractor stealing from you by buying excess materials for your project and them skimming the materials for another job.
Make no mistake. These types of problems are very common when hiring the wrong contractor. |
Consequently, when embarking on a kitchen remodeling project make sure to have a kitchen remodeling checklist that includes a thorough process of hiring the right kitchen remodeling contractor.
| The kitchen remodeling checklist should include a sequence of tasks that should be performed in order to achieve a successful outcome. I say sequence because a specific order in working through a kitchen remodeling project is essential. If you don’t follow the proper steps you will inevitably spend more time and money, and go through more headaches and hassles completing your kitchen remodel.
At the top of your kitchen remodeling checklist should be defining the objectives of your kitchen remodel, e.g. what do you want to achieve with your new kitchen in regards to features and space, how much money do you want to spend on it, and when do you want it completed. |
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Answering these three basic questions will help you to establish a top level budget and timeline for completing the project.
Next in the kitchen remodeling checklist process is to develop a set of kitchen design plans and key elements that you want to incorporate into it.
| For most homeowners it makes sense to work with a professional kitchen designer as they can provide you with wonderful tips on the latest kitchen cabinetry and countertop features, and can actually generate the detailed kitchen design plans for you.
After coming up with a kitchen design plan you can then begin to search out for the right kitchen remodeling contractor for your project. Often the kitchen designer can help out in this process as well. Whatever you do in regards to hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor, make sure to check several of their references for each prospective contractor, view pictures of their complete projects, and if at all possible, go out and visit one of their most recently completed projects. Also, make sure that they are a licensed kitchen remodeling contractor in your state and that they are properly insured. |
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Finally, keep in mind that the more thorough a contractor’s bid is, the more likely it is accurate in cost and schedule. Look for quality bids to include detailed schedules and bill of materials.
Once your kitchen remodeling plans are in place and you know what the expected costs are for your project, visit your local building inspector to pull any necessary permits. Not pulling the necessary permits could cost you greatly in terms of steep fines and hassles.
| With permits in hand you can then begin to do the actual kitchen remodeling work. A well planned out kitchen remodeling project should only take a couple of weeks to complete.
During the actual remodeling phase, make sure to talk with your contractor regularly, e.g. once a day, to see if there are any issues that need to be addressed and that the project is on track for completing on time. By following this top level kitchen remodeling checklist your chances of a successful kitchen remodel should be much higher. |
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Enjoy your new kitchen!
For help on your kitchen remodeling project, see my Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet. The Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can provide to prospective kitchen remodeling contractors. It also includes a comprehensive kitchen remodeling cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel format, that allows the contractor to include his projected remodeling costs for every phase of the project.
Related Information
- Kitchen Remodeling and Return on Investment
- Six Tips on Saving Money on a Kitchen Remodel
- Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas
Additional Kitchen Remodeling Design Resources
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