In El Paso County, Colorado, in just 8 short years, home prices have risen over 61% and are projected to rise another 7.2% in 2021. If you were wondering, this is a great time to remodel your kitchen to maximize both the value in your home and the shear enjoyment of having a brand new kitchen. Having said this, if not done right, it could turn into a nightmare.
As a specialist in design build remodeling with over 30 years in the trade, I have seen it all and I felt it would be helpful to give you some of my advice to help your kitchen remodel go as smooth as possible.
- Write up a comprehensive list of everything you would like to change in your current kitchen. Dream BIG!
- Make sure both you and your family look at kitchens online, interior design magazines and other sources. Take the time to get in alignment with one another as to what you want to see in your new kitchen. This minimizes the “I thought you meant” comments.
- Be sure to get a full remodeling plan design from an architect, interior designer or your contractor, to ensure your new layout is what you really want. Envision your new space with “dream boards” and talk through how you “see” everything.
- Have your remodeling contractor create a checklist for you, and make sure everything you want to have happen in your remodel, is on that list. This list is important to make sure you do not miss any of those fine details that sometimes can be overlooked.
- Establish a budget as to what you are willing to spend. Be sure to add 10%-15% to the total of that budget, as in my experience, everyone adds a thing or two that they did not think about up-front. Be sure to ask your remodeling contractor to help you walk through the numbers as you should be working together as a team.
- Be sure to know that a kitchen remodel can cause stress so be understanding of your family’s reactions to little the things…take a hike, go out for a meal and breathe.
Be sure to only hire a seasoned, experienced and licensed contractor who specializes in remodeling. Remodeling is a trade specialty! A kitchen remodel is complex and seldom should be considered a DIY project. I wish you the best of success in your new dream kitchen.
