by Daniel Bell
Remodeling your kitchen can be quite a big project to take on and it can get very expensive if you don’t plan what you want in advance. If you haven’t done this sort of thing before it can be very handy to download a project management spreadsheet template to help you get organized. You can also work with a list, ticking things off as you get to them.
One of the first things you need to do is to measure the floor space. Once you’ve sketched the plan, you can see where to put each of the units. Most kitchen units are a set width no matter where you buy them from. However, a custom cabinet maker can provide you with extra storage in those awkward areas.
To save money on your new kitchen, keep as much of the old units as you can. Cupboard doors can be repainted, and you can easily swap the door handles for new knobs. The worktop can be replaced as well. Perhaps you could use the old one in a utility or garage area?
Once you’ve stripped out what you don’t want anymore, it’s time to get some help. A residential painting service can ensure the finish for your walls and ceilings is professionally done. This is particularly important if you are reusing light fittings and cabinetry that you don’t want to be ruined by a rushed painting job.
The flooring is next. Vinyl flooring is one of the cheapest options. There are many great designs to look like other flooring materials such as tiles or slate to choose from. Buying the real thing can increase your kitchen budget by a lot. Are you installing new heating systems in your kitchen? It is worth considering underfloor heating to save on valuable wall space.
Splashbacks and wall tiling help protect your walls against steam and damp. It is quite easy to do small areas of tiling yourself. There are even YouTube videos to help you learn if you’ve not done it before. Don’t forget to seal the areas where the tile meets the worktop.
Once the kitchen cupboards and worktop are installed, it’s time to consider your appliances. You may want to have extra plumbing installed if you want a mains connected water dispenser, or if you are buying a dishwasher for the first time. Pick appliances that consume little water and energy to operate. They’re not always the cheapest, but they could cost a lot less to run.
It’s not always easy to budget for a big project like this. If you want a good finish, you should be prepared to spend a little more. After all, a kitchen is one of the biggest selling points for any house. A high-quality kitchen could add a great deal of value to your home.
We use our kitchens several times a day. If you are about to remodel, consider how your family are going to eat at home while the works are taking place. You might want to take a holiday, or stay with relatives until it is finished. It can be quite disruptive! Enjoy your beautiful new kitchen.
Image credit: reidreginald
