Whether you’re ready for a simple upgrade or a complete overhaul, creating a functional and beautiful kitchen is not an easy task. With the average kitchen remodel costing around $150 per square foot, it’s also not an inexpensive project. The ideal kitchen is well equipped, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Before talking to a home remodeling contractor, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions.
Why Do You Want to Remodel Your Kitchen?
The answers to these questions will help you prioritize what is most important for your kitchen project.
- Why are you remodeling? For example, do you want to improve the functionality of the space or add new features? Do you want to upgrade worn-out surfaces and appliances? Or are you just ready for a change?
- Is this your forever home, or is your goal to add resale value? The finished product may vary depending on your answer to this question.
- Do you cook elaborate meals and need a kitchen designed for a chef?
- Will the current layout address your essential needs? Would a simple refresh work, or will you require a complete gut and remodel?
- Will you need new appliances? Will plumbing or electrical repairs or replacements be required?
- What’s your maximum budget?
Follow These Tips To Save Time and Money
1. Plan Your Renovations Around Existing Plumbing
Moving your kitchen’s plumbing and drain lines can be costly. Rather than moving them, it’s always less expensive to plan your renovations around them if possible.
2. Keep Your Current Kitchen Layout
Your budget will dictate how much you can change your existing layout. Moving walls, plumbing, and electrical will quickly eat up your budget. If your current layout is functional, consider working around it.
3. Consider Refinishing Your Cabinets
Replacing your kitchen cabinets will take a significant portion of your budget. If your existing cabinets are in good condition, consider painting rather than replacing them. White is a classic choice, but darker kitchens are also popular. Consider using a lighter color on the upper cabinets and a darker one on the bottom. Your kitchen will feel bigger without committing to an entire room full of color.
4. Opt for Open Shelving
Open shelves lend an airer feel and are a more affordable option than investing in traditional uppers. Replacing some of your boxy upper cabinets with open shelving helps modernize and visually open a kitchen, making it feel less cramped.
5. Stick with Your Home’s Architectural Style
A sleek contemporary kitchen renovation will likely look out of place in a farmhouse-style home. Working with your home’s existing architectural style rather than against it will save money and look better in the long run.
6. Upgrade Your Storage
It’s rare for homeowners to say they have too much storage in their kitchen. Adjustable drawer organizers, roll-out pantry trays, spice drawer inserts, and other smart cabinetry options mean no more digging and searching for needed items. Building storage into an island is a great way to save counter space.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Break With Trends
While trying the latest design trends can be tempting, don’t overinvest or go too specific. Neutral color palettes and versatile materials like classic subway tiles and quartz countertops won’t go out of style. If you don’t like the look of painted cabinets, contemporary natural wood cabinets look fresh and modern. Light walls, backsplash, and countertops will keep the space light and bright.
8. Future Proof Your Plumbing
Have your plumber install a water shut-off valve beneath your kitchen sink. If your dishwasher starts to leak or something else happens, it will be much easier to handle with a shut-off valve. Older homes are more likely to have piping made from copper or lead. These pipes can crack and leak, causing wasted water and mold in your home. A kitchen remodel is an excellent time to replace old piping and ensure your new kitchen is free of mold, leaks, and other plumbing problems.
9. Choose the Right Sink
Most people find it best to have a double bowl sink for better functionality. One side can be used for washing and rinsing and the other for draining or available for use when the other bowl is occupied. Some sinks are easier to clean than others, so consider the pros and cons of different styles before making a selection.
10. Plan for Enough Water Connections
If your refrigerator has a water filter and ice maker, ensure it is placed in an area where the water from the sink can be run to the fridge. Other areas to plan for water points are dishwashers, filtered water taps, coffee bars, the sink in a butler’s pantry, and any other area where running water is needed.
Why You Need a Plumber for Your Remodeling Project
While plumbing isn’t usually the first thing homeowners think about, your new kitchen needs to function correctly and safely. Working with an experienced plumber early in the planning and design process will save time and money. Here are just two important ways a plumber can help with your kitchen project:
Inspecting the Existing Plumbing
Before a kitchen remodel begins, a professional plumber should inspect your existing plumbing. They can check for leaky or damaged pipes and determine if any lines need to be repaired or replaced. They’ll also determine if pipe rerouting needs to occur to accommodate your new kitchen design. This critical step should not be overlooked during the initial design process.
Designing the Kitchen Plumbing Layout
Building your dream kitchen or making minor updates to your existing kitchen will go smoother with the services of a plumber who specializes in remodeling projects. They can provide accurate estimates of what it takes to install new fixtures and appliances, including sinks, garbage disposals, and dishwashers. They’ll review your proposed layout and design with you and offer advice on how to work within your budget.
Work With a Trusted St. Louis Plumbing Company
Selecting a reliable plumbing contractor can be challenging. R.A. Guinner Plumbing Company provides complete bathroom and kitchen remodeling services and specializes in guiding clients through every step of the process. We can handle the entire project when you’re ready to renovate your kitchen, from design to demolition to refinishing.
Our company is family-owned and operated, and we pride ourselves on “top-of-the-line” service. All of our plumbers are licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. No project is too big or too small for us to handle, and we always hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure your needs are met, and you are completely satisfied with the results. Contact us online or call us today at 314-752-9850 to discuss your needs.