How to Design a Residential Kitchen Renovation
Unless you are a skilled DIYer, hire a contractor to install plumbing and electrical. A small mistake in either could be deadly.
If you live in NYC, you may need permits from the city and condo or co-op board approval if you are altering your kitchen’s layout. Other important considerations include: appliances, flooring and lighting.
Budget
Before beginning a kitchen renovation, you should know how much your project is likely to cost. A general rule of thumb is that you should spend no more than 15 percent of your home’s value on a kitchen remodel, or you could lose money when you sell the house. It’s also important to set a budget that includes a contingency fund in case there are any unexpected expenses.
If you have a tight budget, you can save by reusing your existing cabinets, adding a fresh coat of paint or replacing the floors with a less expensive material. You can also reduce costs by choosing inexpensive countertop materials such as butcher block, laminate or concrete. Using particleboard instead of plywood where it won’t be visible and doing the demolition yourself can also help to keep your kitchen remodeling project within your budget.
Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may need to hire contractors for plumbing and electrical work. These services can be costly, but they are vital to ensuring that the project is done correctly. There are many horror stories of DIY homeowners rushing into demolition day without being mindful of wiring or pipes in the walls.
Lastly, you should consider hiring a designer for your project. They can assist you in creating a plan that will residential kitchen renovation fit your space and budget. They can also help you choose affordable materials and fixtures that will add a touch of luxury to your kitchen.
Design
The design phase — also known as the scope of work — is where homeowners and contractors decide what the kitchen renovation will entail. This can range from a minor cosmetic refresh to what Ariana Lovato, owner of Honeycomb Design in Shell Beach, California, calls a “total gut” that involves tearing down walls and reconfiguring the layout. The design will also determine what materials to use, including cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances and lighting.
If the project will include a move of plumbing pipes, which typically requires a permit, this is another area where owners should seek professional advice. The GC can evaluate the existing pipe conditions and advise on any repairs or upgrades, including adding new water lines if necessary.
When it comes to kitchen design, the homeowner should consider the lifestyle of their family. For example, do they want the kitchen to be separate from the living space or open to it? This can increase resale value by creating a dining room, which is a desirable feature for potential buyers.
For safety, the homeowner should make sure they turn off the power and water before beginning a remodel. They should also wear protective clothing and eyewear when working with any tools. And, if the job is large enough, they should make arrangements to live somewhere else during construction.
Permits
A well-designed kitchen is a great way to improve your quality of life while increasing the value of your home. It is important to understand the construction codes that apply, and if necessary, obtain permits for your renovation project.
The type of work that will require a permit varies by town, but it usually includes any structural alterations and major plumbing and electrical work. If you are not sure whether a permit is required for your remodel, consult with experts like NYKB to find out more about local requirements.
Basic cosmetic upgrades like painting walls and changing cabinet hardware do not usually require a permit. On the other hand, direct door or window replacements, or adding a new window in an existing wall, might necessitate a permit.
You may also need a permit for electrical work such as rewiring your kitchen or installing new lighting. A permit is required to ensure that all electrical work complies with regulations and safety standards.
Other projects that will typically require a permit include plumbing alterations and new plumbing installations, as well as HVAC alterations or installations. If your renovation will require a building permit, it’s best to discuss it with your GC during the design phase to determine how long it will take to file. For full-permit projects, you will need to submit architectural drawings, and the project will go through a review process with the city’s architect or co-op board before you receive a permit.
Contractors
If you decide to use a contractor, ask for referrals from previous clients. Interview several potential contractors. Compare quotes to determine which contractor is offering the best value for your kitchen remodel. Throw out any hotel remodeling companies bids that are drastically under- or over-priced compared to the others, as this may be a sign that the contractor is cutting corners or overcharging.
It’s also wise to discuss the project scope with the contractor at the beginning, so you and the contractor are both on the same page about what can and cannot be accomplished. This will prevent unexpected surprises down the road and keep your kitchen remodeling on schedule.
For example, some kitchen renovations require new plumbing or wiring. These are not tasks that a DIYer can just learn on the fly, and they could become dangerous without the proper training and equipment. A licensed contractor knows what permits to obtain, and they can schedule work with the plumber and electrician in a way that allows for these professional to finish their jobs on time.
A general contractor can also help you choose custom options to make your kitchen stand out from the rest and meet your unique needs. They can also help you avoid costly mistakes that often occur in kitchen renovations. For example, a contractor can make sure you’re not placing a “wet” space such as a kitchen or bathroom over an existing “dry” space such as a living room, which violates NYC rules.
