Kitchen remodels are one of the best investments you can make in your home. Not only do you have a beautifully designed, functional kitchen, but also remodels are a major selling point if you decide to make a move. To make the process easier, here is a step-by-step guide to planning your kitchen remodel.

Step 1: Set Your Budget

Setting a budget should be your first priority. Why? It helps you avoid disappointment. The good news is that the best Kansas City kitchen remodeling companies will be able to assist in helping you get everything you want to suit your budget. Some examples of how you can save include:

• A $20,000 budget: You can make some very respectable, appealing updates including cabinet re-facing, sink replacement, installation of a tile backsplash and color changes with new paint.
• A $60,000 budget: This is the next step up and gets you a complete reno with semi-custom cabinets, hardwood floors, granite counters, and new appliances.
• A $100,000 budget: This is the supreme remodel allowing you to make major changes including structural changes such as knocking out walls and moving the plumbing, custom cabinets, stone countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, islands, and more.

By choosing the budget you can afford you can set more realistic expectations.

Step 2: Decide What Your Dream Kitchen Looks Like

With your budget set, you can start listing your wants and ideas. You probably have some things in mind such as the type of kitchen counters you want, new appliances, or an island. However, the details of a new kitchen can become overwhelming.

Sometimes magazines work better then online searches because you can create a little file with all your favorite kitchens. Tear the pages out and list the details you like best for each page on a post-it, whether it’s the entire concept or a specific feature. You can then start to put some more solid ideas together and even create idea boards to pin your ideas on.

3. List Your Must-Haves

Use your dream kitchen ideas to list the must-haves you simply can’t do without. These are the areas the majority of your budget will cover. You might need new appliances because yours are too old. You might want a cabinet upgrade because yours are falling apart. You might be dead set on stone countertops. However, you might also have some specific needs such as wanting an eco-friendly remodel that can also impact your budget.

Step 4: Get Quotes

Next, start researching contractors that specialize in kitchen remodels in your area. Look for contractors with reviews, samples of their work on their website, and companies willing to provide references. Make a shortlist of about three and have them come in to do an onsite quote for your job. Be sure to give them your budget range so they can tell you what they can do based on the money available. Don’t always base your decision on price. Often, less experienced contractors will low ball offers, but end up costing you more money in the end.

Take everything into consideration, including your gut feeling before making your final decision.

These planning steps help get you to the next step, starting your kitchen remodel. If you are looking for a contractor in your area, give the Empire Construction team a call today.