Kitchen Renovation: Five Key Things to Consider
Lets face it we all know that an updated kitchen adds value to a home. It can can also add functionality but the remodeling process can be daunting. With careful preparation and planning can help you avoid common kitchen-remodel pitfalls and get you back in your kitchen in a timely fashion.
Here are five (5) key things to consider early in the process to ensure a timely and successful remodel.
Before
1. Permits
If you are making any structural changes to your kitchen (ie: taking down or adding any interior or exterior walls).
2. Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule and sticking to it is key. Schedule the plumber, electrician, tilesetter, and other subcontractors well in advance. A proper remodel should be carefully planned and even then you’ll have to juggle schedules at the last minute.
3. Pre-Order Finishes
Make sure you have all appliances, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, tiles and any other major components on hand before you begin demo. Having everything on hand helps you to confirm exact measurements and installation specs.
4. Layout
If you want to open up your kitchen to other rooms, please don’t assume you can simply remove any wall you want. Some walls are load bearing, and some aren’t. Know which is which before you drag out the sledgehammer. On the other hand, please don’t assume you can’t remove a wall just because it’s structural. Many homeowners assume that the sink, stove, and refrigerator have to stay where they are. That’s not true. Yes, plumbing and venting can be expensive to move, but sometimes that’s the best thing to do.
5. Electrical
I can’t stress how important it is to hire a licensed electrician.
I know that some homeowners can do their own electrical work, but that doesn’t exempt them from code requirements. Some common electrical-code violations by do-it-yourselfers in the kitchen are:
Failing to protect countertop circuits with a GFCI
Not installing enough outlets along the counter and proper spacing.
Installing an improper circuit breaker.