Kitchen and bathroom remodeling jobs are among the most popular projects for homeowners. We know that even after the decision of remodeling your home, you may not know where to start.
A good first step is to develop the design and the best materials to suit your lifestyle. You should consider hiring a designer, that will listen to your ideas and work with you to find the best solutions considering your family needs and lifestyle. In the end of the day, the designer can save you money and time.
You might not have an idea, but decisions need to be made regarding cabinets, sinks, countertops and backsplash, flooring, lightning, appliances, layout, colors & finishes, storage, and much more. When choosing these you must emphasize the functionality of each piece. A good kitchen and bathroom remodel is not only about luxury, but mainly utilitarian.
Before start getting in love with some design you wish to recreate, ask yourself some questions regarding layout, budget, materials, constraints, etc. It will help you to realize the worth of your inspiration and ideas. For instance, you can ask yourself questions such as: “what is my daily routine? what are my family needs? what is my budget? How much storage do I need? How many people will use this bathroom? Do I prefer bathtub or shower? Do I need 1 or 2 sinks in the kitchen?”.
Deciding what changes you’d like to make to your kitchen or bathroom will help you determine a realistic budget.
As you develop a budget, think about what items are most important to you. Investing in durable, high-quality stone countertops or energy-efficient appliances will save you money in the future. In this matter the designer can help you decide where you should invest your money and where you can save.
You should not take any decision before making sure you have a realistic estimate and that you can afford it, otherwise the kitchen and bathroom of your dream can easily become a nightmare.
After finalizing the design and making sure you have a realistic estimate, it is time to find the right materials for your kitchen or bathroom.
The kitchen usually has the following components:
- Cabinetry: You will usually have wall-mounted cabinetry and some on the floor. Also consider open shelving for storage or decorative purposes.
- Countertops: Look for a countertop material that withstands moisture, acids, and everyday wear and tear.
- Sink: Consider investing in a low-maintenance stone or stainless-steel sink to save time cleaning after meals and to be more durable.
- Backsplash: you can use the same material of the countertop in the backsplash, if it suits your overall design, and it is an easy-to-clean material.
- Flooring: the material should be easy to clean and resistant to spills. Your floors should also accommodate your new appliances’ weight.
- Appliances: Consider investing in updated, energy-efficient appliances to save money on your utility costs over time.
- Lighting: this feature can create a nice, warm, and inviting atmosphere. You may also want to get under-cabinet lighting for a unique design.
You’ll also need the following features for your bathroom renovation:
- Vanity: choose a sturdy, visually appealing stone vanity, since it will be a focal point in your bathroom. You can either get a freestanding or wall-mounted vanity.
- Toilet: consider whether you want a freestanding or wall-mounted toilet.
- Windows: your window should open to let in the fresh air and release the humidity from your shower.
- Shower or tub: Decide whether you want a shower, tub, or combination. You could even get a separate shower and tub if you have the space for it in your bathroom.
- Lighting: Your bathroom should have bright lighting to wake you up in the morning or create an inviting atmosphere for guests.
After design, materials selection, and budget approval, it is time to hire a contractor to do the job that you spent so much effort and energy to go through.
We recommend that you do your research. Read online reviews and ask your friends for referrals. Ask the companies lots of questions about their process, such as “How long will the project take? Do you provide a detailed calendar from day 1? Who will complete the work? How do you control dust?”.
Review the contract in details, and sign only when you are ready and sure you found the right contractor.
Watch out for contractor fraud.
If you base your decision on price alone, you might not get the quality you are seeking. If the contractor has immediate availability or the price seems too good to be true, these are red flags.
And last, but not least, although a standard remodel often does not mandate pulling a permit or scheduling an inspection, larger scale renovations (electrical or plumbing work, as examples) may require you to do so. Before getting started, verify with your county, or state the laws which govern the work you are planning, or your contractor can do that as well for you.
After all, simply enjoy your remodeled home with your family and be happy!