Kitchen Renovation Planning Checklist Part One: Before the Renovation Starts

If you are planning a kitchen renovation, this checklist will help you keep your renovation in order. The following list focuses on the work that needs to be done before the renovation takes place. The second part focuses on the demolition and construction phase of the kitchen remodel.

I. Planning prior to renovation:

  • Schedule a home appraisal: The purpose of a home appraisal is to help you set an upper limit for your renovation money. A general rule of thumb is that about 15% of the total value of your home can be spent on a kitchen renovation (but that doesn’t mean you have to spend that much). Call your real estate agent or a home appraiser for advice.
  • Schedule a home inspection: A home inspector, general contractor, or renovation consultant will help you determine if there is any additional work that needs to be done on your home to support your kitchen renovation. For example, you want to know if you have any structural problems that need attention before proceeding with the renovation, as they will need to be factored into the budget.
  • Schedule an energy audit: There are several new incentives right now to increase your energy efficiency, however, to qualify for those subsidies, your home must have an energy audit before beginning your renovation. Call an energy auditor to start the process.
  • Collect design ideas: Before meeting with your architect, designer or contractor, gather some photos and magazine images of the kitchens you love and can tell what you like about them. Being able to coach your professional trades staff will save you time and money and help your designer have a clear understanding of how you view your new space.
  • Consider the different functions of your new kitchen: Why are you renovating? Is it because the space is not ideal? Are the appliances old, is everything outdated? As you dream of your new space, keep a list of what you want to achieve.

II. Renovation planning:

  • Establish a budget: Make sure your budget is realistic in terms of the types of finishes you want or can afford (i.e. stone or laminate countertops, wood or laminate floors, hand painted or subway tile backsplash, etc.) and if your budget includes new appliances. These costs can eat up a significant amount of your budget, and that’s not counting labor, design, and local permitting costs. You can get an idea of ​​how much finishes and appliances will cost by visiting appliance stores and tile and flooring stores.
  • Hire ProfessionalsKitchen designers, architects, interior designers, interior decorators, and general contractors all need guidance on what you want your new space to accomplish and whether your budget can accommodate marble countertops and high-end appliances. The more preparation you do before meeting with them, the easier the renewal process will be. When you get the professionals to quote a project, make sure they all quote to the same specifications. If they are not, ask them to break down their quotes so that they are easier to compare with others.
  • timeline plan: Once you’ve hired your professionals, work with your designer or contractor to organize when construction will take place and how long you’ll need to be out of your kitchen. It will help you make the necessary arrangements during construction.
  • Obtain building permits: You can have your contractor obtain the permits, or if you have time, you can save some money by obtaining them yourself. Ask your contractor if obtaining building permits is included in your fee.
  • Install a temporary kitchen: If you don’t have to move for the renovation, set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the house. It could be in the garage or in the laundry room. In summer a barbecue can become your stove.

The second part of the kitchen planning checklist focuses on the steps that were taken during the renovation.

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