It's Christmas. You have a house full of guests tonight. With some hesitation and a little prayer, you pop that roaster into your 10 year old oven with the broken timer and the erratic bottom element that you've fixed twice just in the last year. You navigate your way past the overflowing but tiny island you put together two years ago in the hopes of creating more work space and make your way to the side-by-side refrigerator only to find that there's simply no more room left to fit the salad. A little defeated, you look at the chaos in front of you and resolve to have a totally new kitchen by this time next year.
Fast forward to a quieter, calmer time when the guests are gone, the holiday leftovers have long since been consumed and the only event you're entertaining is watching the icicles form outside your kitchen window. So there you are, pen and paper on hand, ready to make that list of what you would like to do different in your space. But your mind has suddenly drawn a blank. Where do you begin? How about the island on wheels? That can definitely go. The refrigerator? You thought it was great until that first dinner party and you couldn't fit a large platter in it. The faucet? It's leaking again. The countertop has seen better days. Ditto with the cabinets.
Now what? That's a lot to dislike and you begin to wonder if you can have a "totally new" kitchen. There is also that pesky little thing called a budget, after all. Overwhelmed, you decide that you may just need a little bit of help.
A remodel project can be a daunting task. The "fun" you thought would happen as you see the changes develop gets lost in the day to day reality of construction mess and an the increasingly large hole in your pocket. Just thinking about how to get it going can make your head hurt. As a kitchen and bath designer and materials supplier, I see the pitfalls that often come with the whole process. But it doesn't have to be so hard ... if you just consider a few basic guidelines.
1. Understand your budget. Consider that any and all remodels can and will go over that figure you have established–usually by 10% to 25%. I always find it interesting that customers often resist this notion, expecting that the budget will not waver, regardless. Unfortunately, it has been proven time and again that this is one inevitable reality of a remodel project. Those "contingencies" often do not reveal themselves at the onset which can increase the cost of the job. When putting together your budget, create a reserve in anticipation of any potential surprises that may arise.
2. Check your local building codes and requirements. Keep in mind that the degree of work may require permits. If it's a matter of replacing a sink and faucet or changing out the countertops and updating your appliances, you typically will not need a permit. However, if you're changing the location of your plumbing and waste lines, modifying electrical and creating a larger footprint to your space, you will need to get a permit. It's tempting to duck under the radar but its a costly mistake should the local inspector find out about what you're doing. A stop-work order and possible fines are the last thing you want to derail the project.
3. Research your labor options. Will you do it yourself or hire out the work? There's financial incentive to the DIY method. And if you're reasonably handy, there are many resources available that empowers the average homeowner who is willing to learn. On a limited budget, it is an appealing direction to keep costs down. On the other hand, if you feel that you don't have the time and that your needs are best served by hiring out the work, you will want to determine a few things. Will you oversee the project or hand over the reigns to a licensed and bonded general contractor? Does the extent of this contractor's licensing and skills allow them to do most of the work from frame to finish (keep in mind that the cost of a bid can vary depending on what they are able to do themselves and what they have to sub out). In checking references, did you gain sufficient confidence to hire this company to do the work?
4. Consult with a design professional experienced in the areas of kitchens and baths. Paying for a few hours of consultation can go a long way towards engendering a more cohesive design and, in turn, a smooth project flow with minimal hiccups. A qualified consultant can help you with overall design, space planning, and material selections. Most designers are willing to work with clients from concept to completion but they can also help you just get started by providing the necessary tools needed to get you going if that is all you are able to afford. I often tell my clients that I can offer as much or as little of my services and products available to them as determined by their budget and their comfort zone.
5. Due diligence and accountability. If you do choose to work with a contractor, do your homework. You will sign a contract for the work to be performed. Be aware of your responsibilities. Do not assume that a contractor will know what you really want because you have become friends. Remember that they are there to work with you and will appreciate clear and concise directions ahead of time more than a frustrated response from you down the road because you had expected them to know what you had envisioned. A positive working relationship means a mutually open line of communication that defines realistic and reasonable expectations on both sides. In the end, don't sweat the small stuff. Your contractor is obligated to warranty their work for a customary period of 1 year. When the project is complete, expect to put together a punch list since you will likely find a few items that require a call-back from the contractor and/or their subs to remedy.
A final advise, the road ahead seems a little scary and you may have to ask yourself, "am I ready for this?" Whether you've been down this path before or starting your first project, a remodel can be a frustrating aggravation and it will test your budget. But the reward at the end of this seemingly long tunnel will be worth the aches and pains–a beautiful new space to enjoy. The key is to know first before you jump in.
