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Kitchens are typically the heart of a home, and it's essential to have a visually stunning and functional space. But if you have never gone through the renovation process, there is a lot to consider, and you can expect many stressful situations. The top five tips to know before starting your kitchen remodel found in this article is a cautious quick assessment for you to see if you're ready.

What Are Your Goals?

When starting any project, it is important to know what you want and why you want it. Whether the size of your family has doubled since you first bought the house, your new neighbors have inspired you with their fabulous new kitchen designs, or your kitchen is falling apart - whatever your reason for renovating, answer these questions:

1. Do I want an open floor plan or separate spaces?
2. Do I want to move appliances, cabinets, or countertops?
3. How is the flow of your present kitchen?
4. What are the must-haves in my kitchen design?

These are essential things you need to consider before even entering your local kitchen remodeler's showroom. Once you have a clear view of what you want out of your remodel, you can start making decisions.

What is Your Budget?

Your budget is the most crucial factor in searching for design ideas, materials, and kitchen contractors. You can have a beautiful space, but it will be of little use without an area to cook. Knowing your budget is crucial if you're planning on hiring a contractor – and we strongly advise that you do. 

Renovation costs widely vary based on factors such as the size of the kitchen, the number of appliances needing replacement, and whether or not you're looking for high-end fixtures. You can expect to spend $8,000 - $16,000 on average if you don't want to take any shortcuts with your remodel. However, you can quickly pay upwards of $80,000 for a high-end project. You can also go with a general contractor or hire an independent kitchen designer.

It's best to have an idea of your budget before you start looking at remodeling companies.

If you don't have a budget in place, start saving. Spending money without a plan is one of the worst things to do when beginning a renovation process.

Where Can You Cut Corners, and What is a Must-Have?

As you formalize a budget, you may find yourself quickly discouraged and defeated by the costs. It is helpful to revisit your goals for your new kitchen and decide if there are places you can cut corners on the renovation, making room in the budget for the non-negotiable items.

Many aspects of a kitchen renovation provide plenty of leeways, including the ones listed below:

• Materials: The materials and finishes you choose for cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and lighting can significantly affect the budget. Consider sacrificing one area to splurge on another to keep the budget intact.
• Layout: If you want to alter your kitchen layout, you'll most likely need a larger budget because you must relocate the electrical, water, and HVAC connections required to operate the appliances. Keeping the existing layout is less expensive than changing it.
• Cabinets: Another area that can save a lot of money is refacing your current cabinets instead of replacing them. Refacing cabinetry may be an excellent option for kitchens that need to refresh their appearance without spending hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on entirely new cabinets.
• Backsplash: A tasteful backsplash, when appropriately installed, adds excitement to a modest budget. A custom backsplash is an economical way to add dramatic flair to your new kitchen with countless tile and material options.

One of the best places to cut corners is with kitchen appliances. If you consider what major appliances to buy, think about the ones used the least - dishwasher, microwave oven, etc. You can also cut costs by remodeling your kitchen on a smaller scale. For example, if you have a small kitchen, consider changing out countertops and flooring instead of redoing your cabinets and appliances all at once.

Have You Counted the Costs?

Kitchen renovations are time-consuming, quickly interrupting the flow of routine family life for up to three months. And since the kitchen is typically the heart of the home, this renovation can affect everyone.

Before you get too far into your kitchen remodel project, take some time to determine how much it's going to cost and if you can survive the timeline, demo, and installation. You may need a second mortgage, or maybe it's as simple as making a few changes to your cabinets and appliances.

Considering the costs of a remodel before signing on is crucial because, at some point, there will be problems and delays that are very distressing. A helpful way to think about the cost of a remodel is that if you had to sell your home, how much would it be worth with or without a new kitchen? Consider how long you want to live in your house and what lifestyle you're planning on living. Financing, planning, and budgeting for a kitchen remodel are necessary before proceeding with any work.

Get Help! Find a Remodeling Pro.

Kitchen remodeling can be stressful, so it's essential to have a professional by your side. Unless you are an expert, you will probably need to hire a remodeler to help update your kitchen. Research local contractors, check their references, and interview at least three pros before hiring one.

RUPP Family Builders are your kitchen renovation experts in the greater Portland area. Our goal is to make your home improvement project as easy and enjoyable as possible. We want each client to feel like they are our only client, so we offer the same level of service for everyone, no matter how big or small the job! We understand the difficulties that come along with remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or home and want to provide you with a stress-free experience so you can enjoy your new space!

Remodeling and redesigning your kitchen takes work. If you want to create an updated kitchen, you'll need to consider what you want, plan, and budget. Contact us today! We can help you navigate the entire process.