Getting Started with Your Remodeling Project

Getting Started
with Your
Remodeling Project

Create a Stylebook

If you’re even thinking about a kitchen remodel, odds are you have been already been looking on Houzz or design magazines. (Guess what, we are a Houzz Pro!) Both are great ways to jumpstart the process. While looking through magazines, tear out photos of kitchens that appeal to you and write what you like about the room in the margin. Then slip the page into a clear sheet protector and insert that into a three-ring binder to create a stylebook. Or Houzz makes it easy to create a lightbox. As your stylebook grows, a clear picture of your desired style of kitchen will begin to emerge. That’s helpful for you, but it’s also helpful for the remodeling professional. We will get an idea of your personal style.

Define Your Goal

Why are you remodeling your kitchen? Perhaps you want a kitchen that will help with resale in a few years. Maybe you desire a kitchen built for entertaining or one that allows several people to cook at once. This is the time to assess your needs and wants. Make notes about how you plan to use the remodeled space, then try to determine your goal.

Create a Budget

To get a general idea of how much you have to spend on a kitchen remodel, you will need to crunch some numbers. NARI offers a worksheet that makes the math easy. Are granite countertops a must-have? How about stainless steel appliances? Do a little research into the costs of your wish list items and compare them with your preliminary budget. Are you on target?

Set a Time Budget

When most people hear the word budget, they automatically think of money. However, when remodeling, it’s also important to budget time. Is there an event on the calendar that would be affected if your kitchen was under construction?

Have Realistic Expectations

Above all else make sure you have reasonable expectations when it comes to your kitchen remodel. Talk to people who have been through the process before. It’s going to have a certain amount of mess. It’s going to be a financial stress. It should be fun!