kitchen design, Denver, Colorado
28
Oct

Kitchen Remodel – What to Expect

What to Know about Kitchen Remodeling

If you live in an older home, the best upgrade you can do for yourself and for resale is a kitchen remodel!  I have worked on many kitchen remodels and the first question my clients ask, “What is the order and what can I expect during the remodel?”  Clients love to be educated on the process and that’s exactly what we will learn today.

Order of Material Selection

  • I like to select cabinets first.  They take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks to arrive on the job site. There will be plenty of time to select tile, counter tops and plumbing fixtures
  • The cabinets and the new appliances need to be ordered simultaneously.  The cabinet company will need the appliance specifications prior to ordering.  Mainly the refrigerator, microwave, oven and/or cooktop.  Refrigerators come in many different sizes and you may choose a built-in option that incorporates cabinet panels for the doors.  Microwaves, ovens and cooktops are all incorporated into the cabinetry.  These need to be chosen prior to ordering the cabinets to insure everything fits perfectly.
  • Once the cabinets and appliances have been ordered, we can now focus on the fun part!!  I like to start with a great backsplash tile that compliments the cabinetry.  Others like to start with the countertop.  Either direction is fine!  I prefer bringing the cabinet and tile samples to the granite/quartz showroom and select the best countertop that compliments all the finish selections.
  • The final selections will be the plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware.  I prefer waiting on the cabinet hardware until we know the finish of the plumbing fixtures, this way we can match or choose a contrasting finish.  There are great plumbing showrooms that have many options for sinks & faucets that come in many finishes.  I prefer waiting until the countertop is selected before we choose the sink so we can best match the sink to the countertop.  If you are wanting a composite or porcelain sink, they are available in many different colors.  I really like the composite sinks because they are virtually indestructible.  They don’t scratch or stain and there’s usually an option that matches the countertop for a seamless look. 
  • One more important piece of information.  Try to have all products on site prior to the start of the project.  With exception of the cabinets, countertop and appliances.  These will be delivered at the time of the installation.  If all products are on site, this will insure no lag time between trades! 

Order of Contractors

  • Securing a date with the contractor’s schedule is the most important aspect of the remodel.  Contractors are extremely busy and it’s best to have them lined up as soon as possible!  Once the cabinets and appliances are ordered, we now have a start date!  I typically work backwards form the cabinet arrival date.  Discuss with your GC (General Contractor) or Interior Designer the arrival date of the cabinets and let them determine the time frame of the demo and remodeling in order to be ready for the cabinet install the day they arrive.  
  • Demolition can be load and messy.  Try to have your contractor seal off the area with plastic to protect other areas of the home from dust and debris.
  • Electrician & Plumber will need to rough in for the new appliances, gas line and new lighting additions
  • HVAC is needed for a change with the cooktop venting.
  • Drywall Repair.
  • Cabinet Install
  • Countertop install will take place about 2 weeks after the base cabinets are installed and the installer is able to template for the counters.  The turnaround time is about 2 weeks from time of template to installation.
  • Plumbing fixture installation
  • Appliance Installation
  • Decorative Lighting installation
  • Tile Backsplash installation

Be prepared for any unforeseen issues.  You never know what you are going to find behind a wall, especially with older homes!  I try to tell my client to reserve $2000 in the budget for these issues. 

If you are working with a reputable construction company and all selections are on site, your beautiful remodel should go smoothly!  Construction is never easy, but in the end, there is nothing better than walking into your new, fantastic Kitchen and sharing it with friends and family.  It is the heart of the home!