Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Renovations

Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Renovations

The kitchen is the heart and soul of every home, and it is the most popular space for remodeling or renovations. It is a large and complex project, both in terms of scale and costs. This is why it is important to prepare and consider a few things before you hire a trusted building contractor in Kansas City or St. Joseph, Missouri.

...you shouldn’t let others talk you into things you do not want or need. Stick to your budget and plan, but leave some room for improvements and unexpected obstacles."

- Blackstone Construction

Here we discuss budget, planning, and understanding what you want, in our ultimate guide to kitchen renovations so you are well-prepared for what’s to come.

Create a Realistic and Conservative Budget

We all want the best fixtures, appliances, and flooring options for our kitchen, but you have to be realistic about your expenses. More often than not, large construction and renovation projects will take up more time and money than you initially planned.

There are always risks of unexpected issues, expenses, and material cost fluctuations that can hike up the price of your remodeling efforts. This is why it is better to create a conservative budget for your kitchen renovations, that is under the maximum you can afford.

This will leave funds in your wallet to comfortably cover any unexpected expenses if something goes wrong. We recommend leaving around 15 percent of your total budget for unplanned expenses, to give you ample financial cushioning.

Beware of Hidden Costs

Most homeowners may often forget to consider the cost of things like labor, permits, taxes, or shipping when planning their kitchen renovations. You must account for these expenses when you create your budget and consider taking on a few tasks yourself to save money.

Research, Research, Research

Conducting extensive research is perhaps the best thing you can do to get the most value out of your kitchen renovations, or any remodeling project for that matter. Apart from online research, visit stores, showrooms, and even open houses in your neighborhood to get a feel of kitchen layouts, materials, features, styles, and costs.

Evaluate Your Requirements

Consider the things you need for your kitchen before you buy anything. Do not be tempted by things you want but do not need. Invest in quality basic items and materials that you’ll get the most use out of. Only when you have money left over, you can start looking at fancy materials, appliances, and decorative items.

Plan the Kitchen and Its Layout

There are a million things to consider when planning kitchen renovations, the layout being the most important one, because you cannot change it later like an appliance. Plan for functionality and practicality above all.

Consider the priorities of your household and identify what works for you. Opt for the popular work triangle of stove, refrigerator, and sink, to optimize cooking workflow. Consider crucial elements like ample storage, counter space, and walkways according to your needs.

Focus on lighting, flooring, cabinetry, and color palette to style your kitchen aesthetically. If there’s enough space, perhaps you can add an island. But make sure to incorporate a cooking element into the island, like a sink or stove to prevent it from becoming a dumping ground.

The Bottom Line

While planning and preparing in advance is crucial to any remodeling or construction project, you must always keep an open mind. Discuss your plans with your designer and building contractor, and consider their expert advice on matters.

At the same time, you shouldn’t let others talk you into things you do not want or need. Stick to your budget and plan, but leave some room for improvements and unexpected obstacles.

Get the best licensed and insured building contractors in Kansas City or St. Joseph, Missouri for your kitchen renovation. Click here to get a free quote for your new build, residential or commercial construction, remodeling, or renovation project from Blackstone Construction.