Five Things to Know Before Your Kitchen Remodel

Taking on a big project like a kitchen remodel can result in the beautiful, organized, and efficient kitchen of your dreams. Or, it could also result in your worst nightmare. To avoid the nightmare and live the dream, it’s best to plan for the worst and expect the best. Here are five things that other remodelers wish they had known before the first swing of that demo hammer.

1. Plan, Budget, Plan

The first thing in your planning should be a list of what you want to keep and what needs to go. Plan for your dream kitchen with every single thing you ever imagined. Go wild! Then, prioritize the ones that are “must-haves.”

You can start your brainstorming by browsing everything and the kitchen sink on Kingston Brass. Have you dreamed of a pot-filler faucet above your stove? Kingston has lever or cross-over pot filler faucets in a variety of finishes. Or maybe it’s a pull-down faucet in the second sink? Absolutely beautiful and affordable options are available at Kingston in bronze, black, nickel, bronze, and brass finishes. Whatever your dream, Kingston has a wide selection to fuel your imagination and fulfill your kitchen remodel vision. Take note of prices for appliances, fixtures, lighting, and other items with a set price. You’ll need those for budgeting in step three.

The next thing to do is to take measurements. Most appliances will likely be standard, but there are homes that require oversized or undersized appliances or that need the fridge door to open from the left. It’s better to be prepared so your choices don’t have to change in the middle of your remodel. Once you’ve sketched out your dream kitchen or created your Pinterest dream board and made copious notes about brands, sizes, and styles, now you have to crunch the numbers for your kitchen remodel.

Time for the budget. Set a budget that you’re comfortable with and allow for a little wiggle room. Remodeling your kitchen is a huge undertaking and can add value to your home and quality to your lifestyle. Don’t miss out on an upgrade or one of your priorities because of a restricted budget. Also, don’t forget about permits. If you hire a contractor, they will likely chargeback any permit costs, increasing your overall spend. If you do it yourself, you’ll still have to provide permits for certain kinds of remodels. Check with your city government to be sure.

2. Hire a Professional Designer

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you may decide to take on the demo and remodel on your own. But, for many, hiring a designer is the best path, especially for a major kitchen overhaul. That’s why it’s important to decide what you want and how much you’re willing to pay beforehand.

Before you decide on a kitchen designer, determine what kind of layout your kitchen currently has. Is it a galley kitchen, L-shaped, double L-shaped, or maybe a U-shaped layout? Do you want to keep the layout? Maybe you want to add an island? Changing the layout versus just updating or replacing cabinets and tile can make a huge difference in your budget.

If you hire a designer, they’ll be able to walk you through what shapes might be workable for your kitchen remodel. You want to be sure your new layout will be in sync with the rest of your home. If you do decide to hire a professional kitchen designer or a contractor for your remodel, be sure and do your homework. Ask friends and family who they use. Read online reviews to get an idea of their previous work. Some designers and contractors offer websites or galleries of their previous work and even references if you ask for them. It’s far better to spend time during this stage of the remodel rather than trying to find a new contractor halfway through.

3. Choose Your Appliances and Fixtures Before You Start the Demo

Since you already measured for appliances and you’ve set your budget at this point, now you’re ready to choose which appliances and fixtures you want. Even if you hire a designer, you might want to go ahead and choose all your priority items just so you can be sure your dream kitchen meets your vision. You’ll find some affordable, high-quality kitchen sinks, faucets, drains, and a whole lot more at Kingston Brass. The sinks are especially tempting with undermount sinks, drop-in kitchen sinks, farmhouse sinks, wall-mount sinks, and bar/prep sinks available in styles and finishes that will look great in your new space.

4. Do a Dry Run of the Tile, Paint, and Countertops Before the Full Install

This step is mainly for do-it-yourselfers, but even those with designers and contractors may want to let them know you want final approval. Any contractor will tell you that a paint chip can look very different from when the paint is actually applied and allowed to dry. The same for tile and countertops. A small sample of tile may not really tell the whole story. Seeing the pattern laid out can give you a much better idea of what the final kitchen backsplash will look like. Be sure you get a strong visual before moving forward. Make sure your colors coordinate with the fixtures you're choosing to install and have the desired final effect you want. Fixtures from Kingston Brass offer a wide selection of finishes with choices that are sure to look fabulous with whatever colors and textures you create.

5. Prepare to Be Without a Kitchen for a While

No matter how organized you or your contractor are, remodeling a kitchen takes time. If you’re planning to live in the house while remodeling, you’ll need to figure out where and what you’ll eat, snacks, and maybe even homework if the dining room table doubles as a desk. Experts say that the time a remodel takes depends fully on the scope of the project. If it’s a minor remodel, expect six to eight weeks. If it’s a major remodel that might include changing the layout or new wiring and additional plumbing, you can expect as long as 10 to 12 weeks to complete. A complete overhaul can take three to five months, so be prepared to be without your kitchen for a while.

Browse Kingston Brass

Now that you’ve planned, prepared, and budgeted, enjoy browsing the options at Kingston Brass. Not only will you find the most beautiful fixtures and kitchen sinks, they also offer collections that will allow you to repeat your favorite style and finish throughout your dream kitchen without exhaustive searching. All products at Kingston Brass are made to last, and every attention to detail is applied so that your new design can be enjoyed for generations.