Residential Kitchen Renovation – What You Need to Know
Residential kitchen renovation is a big undertaking. It can range from a cosmetic refresh to a total gut, which often involves tearing down walls and reconfiguring your layout.
Before any work begins, check your building’s alteration agreement to ensure you comply with NYC rules. Also assess what specialty kitchen items you’ll need during the remodel and how you will safely store them away.
Budget
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to budgeting for a kitchen renovation. The first step is determining what type of remodel you want and why. You’ll also want to consider your long-term goals and how your kitchen will help you reach them. Having a clear idea of your goals will help you stay on budget and avoid overspending.
If you’re doing a full-scale renovation, you will likely need to hire a general contractor. While this is an extra cost, they can save you money in the long run by ensuring your project runs smoothly and finishes on time. They can also get you better prices on materials and subcontractors.
Cabinets, labor and appliances make up the majority of a kitchen’s overall cost. Adding high-end features, such as marble countertops and a commercial-grade range, can residential kitchen renovation quickly add up. Avoid status-oriented upgrades and choose more practical options, such as a solid-color granite countertop and mid-range appliances, to keep your kitchen’s costs in line.
Other common upgrade expenses include a new backsplash, flooring and window installation. Replacing old windows with energy-efficient models can improve your home’s efficiency and save you money on utilities. Insulation is another key expense. Spray foam provides the best block against drafts, but it’s usually more expensive than fiberglass batt insulation. Be sure to talk to your contractor about your choices and what makes the most sense for your kitchen.
Layout
Your kitchen layout will depend on the size of your space and how you use it. There are six kitchen designs that are popular, but each can be adapted to fit your specific space and needs. Choosing the right layout is critical, as it will affect how much you spend on your renovation.
The first step is determining what Ariana Lovato, owner of Honeycomb Design in Shell Beach, California calls the scope of your project. This can range from a simple cosmetic refresh to a complete “gut remodel,” which could involve knocking down walls or changing the existing layout. A complete remodel will typically cost more.
Before beginning your kitchen renovation, consider how you plan to use the space and who will be using it. If you have young children or elderly family members, you may need to adapt your kitchen to accommodate their needs. Also, consider how many cooks you usually have in your household.
If you have a small space, consider keeping wall cabinets to one side and adding open shelving on the other. This will make the room feel bigger and maximize your storage. If you have a larger space, consider the U-shaped or horseshoe kitchen layout, which provides workspace on three sides. This allows for easy movement between the sink, stove, and fridge. It is also ideal for an open floor plan, allowing you to incorporate your kitchen into the rest of the living area.
Materials
When it comes to kitchen renovation materials, there are many options and combinations that you can consider. Start by looking for inspiration online, flipping through renovation or design magazines, or visiting your remodeling company’s website. Once you’ve narrowed down your style preferences, you can start thinking about the specific materials that will work for your project.
Cabinets are one of the big-ticket items in a remodel, and there are a number of materials to choose from. If you’re going for a rustic and traditional look, natural wood cabinets are a good choice. This material is durable and can be refinished or restained as needed. It also offers a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements many styles of decor.
For those who want a more modern look, there are a variety of metal cabinet finishes to choose from. Stainless steel is one of the least expensive options, while copper and natural stone fall in the middle price range. Alternatively, you can go for a more luxurious look with glass panels, which come in a range of sheens from smooth brushed tones to intricate mosaic patterns.
Flooring and counter-tops are other kitchen remodel components that require careful consideration of hotel remodeling companies materials. For floors, you’ll want to stick with materials that won’t absorb spilled water or food. Tile is a top option, but you can also opt for vinyl or engineered wood. For counter-tops, granite and quartz are popular choices because of their durability.
Design
When it comes to kitchen remodeling, a homeowner’s vision plays a big role in determining the final product. Remodeling projects can be complex and lengthy, so it’s essential that homeowners have a well-thought-out plan for the entire project before starting. To help them make wise choices, they should familiarize themselves with the latest trends and features in the industry.
For instance, a recent trend is open shelving, which can create a more casual look. But it’s important to balance this trend with enough storage space for everyday use items. A good rule of thumb is to add shelves where you can store items that are used often, such as coffee mugs and dishware. The rest of the shelf space can be dedicated to decorative elements.
Another important kitchen design concept is the Kitchen Triangle, which dictates that your primary work areas (the sink, refrigerator, and stove) should be arranged in a triangle. This arrangement facilitates efficient movement around the kitchen and maximizes counter space.
Before beginning a residential kitchen renovation, the homeowner should apply for all necessary permits. This is especially true if the renovation involves structural, plumbing, and electrical alterations. The general contractor (GC) will usually take care of these applications, but if the homeowner is doing the work themselves, they should apply early on to ensure that the permit process won’t be too long or complicated.
