So you’ve finally had it with your small and outdated kitchen.  You have decided that it is time for a big renovation.  Of course, renovating a kitchen is no small task.  It will require planning, budgeting, and a talented team of contractors to make the whole process move smoothly.  Wondering what you should know before embarking on a major kitchen renovation?  Here are a few tips:

Know Your Kitchen Work Flow – You have been using your kitchen for some time now, so what works for you?  What doesn’t work for you?  You know better than anyone else.  If your current kitchen layout works well but is outdated, maybe you just need to freshen the space up.  If your current kitchen is difficult to work in and causes problems for you, know what doesn’t work so that your contractor can help you design a space that will solve your problems and meet your needs.

Plan and Measure Carefully – While your contractor will be doing a lot of the planning and measuring, it is important for you to fully understand your space.  Maybe the only way you will get that great kitchen island will be to open up your space further.  It is important to be aware of this from the start as you budget for your space.  Knocking down walls to expand your space will also expand your budget.

Budget More Than You Think You Will Need – If you are maxing out every cent you have with your current kitchen plan, you will almost certainly go over budget.  Most kitchens cost 15%-20% more than the expected cost.  When budgeting, it is important to leave yourself a cushion for unexpected costs.  It will save you a lot of stress later.

Be Flexible – When you are altering an existing home to accommodate your new plan, it is important to be flexible.  While your contractor should be able to figure out load bearing walls, as well as the placement of a lot of plumbing, electrical, and duct work, sometimes older homes aren’t built as logically as we predict.  This may require flexibility as your renovation progresses.  It is important to keep a cool head as you discuss resolutions to problems if they crop up.

Be Realistic – You may have seen your dream kitchen in a home and garden magazine, but that may have been twice the size of the space that you have to work with.  Be realistic with your space, your budget, and your timeline.  By staying realistic you are more likely to create a space that truly works in your home.  You are also more likely to make smart decisions with your budget to create a great kitchen that works for you, and to have a realistic timeline of how long it will take to create your ideal kitchen.

Hire A Great Contractor – Most importantly, hire a great contractor who can get the job done right from the start.  A bad contractor can leave you with an awful mess in your home and can even leave you with a partially complete renovation.  Hire a team that your neighbors trust like American Custom Construction, and ensure that you will get the final product that you have been dreaming of.

Kitchen renovations can be challenging, expensive, and stressful, but with a smart budget, realistic expectations, and a good contractor you can get through this process and receive a final product that you will be happy with.  If you are in South Jersey or the Tri-State area, contact American Custom Construction today.  We can help you with your kitchen renovation and much more!