If you're planning a kitchen remodel, congratulations! This is an exciting time. Kitchen remodels can completely transform your home, and it's a great way to add value to your property.

But before you start tearing down walls and picking out countertops, there are a few things you need to do to prepare for your kitchen remodel. And once the work is done, there are a few things you should do to keep your new kitchen looking its best.

Before: 

Here are six things to do before starting Portland kitchen remodels:

1. Create a Budget

Remodeling your kitchen can be expensive, so it's important to have a clear idea of how much money you have to spend. Work with your contractor and your bank to determine a realistic kitchen remodeling budget that works for you.

2. Decide on a Design

Whether it's modern or traditional, sleek or rustic, the design of your new kitchen is one of the most important decisions you'll make during this renovation project. Spend time browsing kitchen remodel ideas online and in a remodeling magazine, keeping your personal style and preferences in mind as you search for inspiration. You'll want to figure out if you want stainless steel appliances, laminate countertops, a tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, etc.

3. Choose the Right Contractor

One of the most important decisions you'll make during your kitchen remodel is choosing the right contractor. Do your research and select a contractor with experience in kitchen remodeling. Be sure to get references and look at reviews before making your decision. If you're on the hunt for local Portland kitchen remodeling contractors, start your search with your local family-owned company, RUPP Family Builders. Get a free online estimate for your kitchen remodel today by visiting their website and using their easy kitchen estimator tool.

4. Get Your Home Insured

Be sure to notify your homeowners insurance company about your upcoming renovation project. Some policies may not cover damage that occurs during a home renovation, so it's important to be aware of what your policy does and does not cover.

5. Prepare for the Dust and Disruption

A kitchen remodel can be messy and disruptive, so it's important to prepare your home (and yourself!) for the work ahead. Cover your floors and furniture with drop cloths, and expect to be without a fully functional kitchen for several weeks or even months.

6. Clear Out Your Pantry

One of the best things you can do to prepare for your kitchen remodel is to clear out your pantry. This will give you more space to store food and supplies during the renovation, and it will also help keep your kitchen clean during construction.

After:

Here is what you should do to keep your kitchen looking fresh and new after you've completed your remodel.

1.  Thank Your Local Contractors

Say thank you to your contractors for their hard work and dedication. This is a big project, and the quality of your new kitchen will depend in part on the skill and talent of those who worked on it.

2. Equip Your New Kitchen

This is also a great time to invest in some new kitchen gadgets or small appliances that you've been wanting. Spruce up your space with counter gadgets that match your new kitchen's color and aesthetic. These items can be really fun to shop for, and they'll really tie your whole room together.

3. Add Some Personal Touches

Add decorations, paintings, or other accents that make the space feel like your own. This is your chance to really put your stamp on the room and make it unique. We can't stress enough how much personalizing a kitchen matters. It's the beating heart of the home, so it needs to feel authentically you.

4. Organize

Put everything back after your remodel is complete. This might mean reorganizing your pantry, moving furniture and appliances back into place, or simply unpacking the last few boxes of kitchen utensils and cookware. This is an important step to complete right away because if you don't, you're more likely to become lazy and put it off for a while, creating chaos in your beautiful new space.

5. Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Make sure to clean and maintain your new kitchen properly to keep it looking its best for years to come. Regularly sweep and mop the floors, wipe down countertops and backsplashes, and don't forget to empty the garbage can often.

6. Enjoy Your New Kitchen!

This is one of the most exciting home renovations you can undertake, and now that it's done, you'll have a beautiful kitchen to show for all your hard work. So, kick back and relax, or throw a huge get-together with friends and loved ones!

Conclusion

If you're planning a kitchen remodel, there are many things you need to do before and after the work is complete. These include creating a realistic budget, choosing the right design, hiring qualified kitchen remodeling contractors, getting your home insured, preparing for the dust and disruption of construction, clearing out your pantry, organizing your space, and keeping your kitchen clean. Following these steps will help ensure that your remodel goes smoothly and that you're left with a beautiful, functional kitchen that you can enjoy for years to come.

Contact the project managers at RUPP Family Builders today to start your project, or go online and get a free estimate using their online kitchen renovation estimator tool. They'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish, and do an amazing job giving you your dream kitchen. Don't forget that they do more than just kitchen remodels. They can remodel your bathroom, basement, or even your whole house if you want!