The kitchen is regularly listed as the number one remodeling project by a kitchen remodeling company. And for a good reason — many homeowners love to cook, spend a great deal of time in their kitchens, and often put off this important task for far too long. But before you grab your sledgehammer and start knocking down cabinetry, ask yourself these questions to ensure that you are completely ready to embark on this major home improvement project.

Why are you remodeling? 

If it’s because everything is falling apart or outdated, have a clear vision of what exactly you want. Don’t wing it! Draw up the plans with CAD software, so you know exactly where things will go before buying anything.

• The number of times you will stay home matters. If you’re not planning on living there for at least five years, maybe the kitchen isn’t the best place to spend your money.
• Draw up a plan and stick to the budget. If you don’t have enough finances saved up for this project, wait until you do. It’s better than overspending and having to cut corners later.
• Think carefully whether or not you’ll want the room to function as another living space, like a family room. Do you need an addition or an extension? Consider what would be more economical before tearing down walls.

Where do I start? 

It’s easy to see an overall picture of what you want, but it isn’t easy to decide where to begin. Just because your cabinets are old and drab doesn’t mean they have to go first. If your countertops or flooring is in poor condition, that should be taken care of before making any major changes.

• What about appliances? You don’t want to put your stove where your refrigerator goes and vice versa, so leave enough room for everything. On top of that, big bulky items like dishwashers, and trash compactors should be placed where they won’t get in the way of cabinetry or traffic flow.
• Lighting makes a difference! A brightly lit space looks larger than ever, so investing in good lighting fixtures can be a big plus.
• Where does the garbage go? If you are planning on making tremendous changes to your kitchen, make sure there is room for a new trash can with plenty of air circulation. This will keep odors at bay and eliminate stinky smells in your newly remodeled space.
• What kind of countertops should I get? You have so many options that it may seem overwhelming when trying to decide what’s best for your space. Whether you’re looking for durability, low maintenance, or budget-friendly prices, you’re sure to find something that compliments your style.

Finances

Before you start shopping for materials and supplies (which can run into the thousands), get a good estimate of how much you’re able and willing to spend on the project. The amount of money you spend is a factor to consider. Fancy appliances and fixtures must fit into your budget to avoid unexpected costs. 

Is my kitchen functional enough? 

An ugly backsplash can be covered up, but what about the layout of your kitchen? Think carefully about how you use your space. For example, if you have many family members or entertain frequently, make sure there’s sufficient countertop and cabinet space for storage.

Before you start tearing down walls, ask yourself what exactly you want to achieve with this renovation. It is very frustrating to start on the wrong foot and stop in the middle of renovations when they are only half-finished. Be completely ready before getting started! Being well prepared with a clear vision of your project will help increase the chances of success in your endeavor.