Ten Tips to Maximize Your Custom Kitchen Remodel

How do you get the most out of your kitchen remodel? Plan, research, and plan some more!

Taking the time to think through the process, set priorities, and attend to the details will really

pay off as the remodel gets underway. Here are ten tips for achieving the ideal kitchen

makeover:

Tip 1: Get the picture. To envision how you want your kitchen to be, take a good look at how it

is right now. Take photos—lots of them. This will help you create the “Before” part of your

project. It will also help you examine individual design and function elements more objectively.

Tip 2: Ask and answer. Analyzing your kitchen helps you identify opportunities and avoid

mistakes. For example, instead of going straight to “We need to replace our counters and

cabinets,” ask questions first: “How many of us in the family like to cook? Do we use the kitchen

to entertain? How easy is it to access and store kitchen items?” You may discover that instead

of replacing the counters and cabinets with the existing layout,, you want to add an island to

your kitchen, or that you need a different kind of storage setup, not merely a better looking one.

Tip 3: Measure twice, regret never! Don’t gloss over the “technical stuff” In your eagerness to

get to the creative steps. Accurately recording measurements prevents glitches—like ending up

with a dishwasher space that’s one stubborn inch too narrow. It also gives your designer a

better sense of your kitchen’s potential. Look for online measurement guides or call a

professional.

Tip 4: Take sensible shortcuts. Doing things right doesn’t mean doing them the hard way.

Today, maximizing your kitchen makeover has never been easier. It’s just a matter of knowing

what resources are available. For example, today’s savvy homeowners are buying discount

kitchen cabinets online. When properly manufactured, ready to assemble kitchen cabinets let

you achieve designer style for less without sacrificing quality.

Tip 5: Be wise—prioritize. Is the budget a bit tight? Relax, you don’t have to do everything at

once. Just proceed in the right order. For example, if deciding between new flooring and new

cabinets, start with the cabinets. Cabinets draw the eye up, away from imperfections. Putting

the cabinets in first also means that you won’t end up wasting money on expensive flooring only

to cover it up or cut sections from it later.

Tip 6: Make over your kitchen for you, not the neighbors. Too often, we style our homes to

impress others. While it’s nice to hear a compliment, make sure that your kitchen is true to your

own personal style and needs. Don’t spend a fortune installing a restaurant quality stove if your

idea of happiness is more about hanging out with your kids as you make microwave popcorn or

heat up a pizza.

Tip 7: Pay attention to details. Make sure your good-looking kitchen is also a good-working

kitchen. Choose kitchen cabinets with care. For example, at first glance, one set of cabinets

may look as good as another. But you’ll sure see the difference if your cabinets sag. Good

quality cabinets may cost a little more now, but in the long run they’re a better bargain than

cheap ones.

Tip 8: Keep it budget-friendly. Invest the majority of your budget where it will have the

greatest impact. Then get creative on the items farther down on the list. Do you really need a

new kitchen table or can you compromise with a new tablecloth? Such a trade-off can free up

more of the budget for recessed lighting or another high-priority item.

Tip 9: Refine, don’t merely repeat. Use your makeover as an opportunity to go beyond the

cosmetic and fix any shortcomings. Most kitchens have one or more hard to reach storage

areas that need improving. Consider installing such upgrades as a cabinet mounted recycling

center or a corner lazy susan.

Tip 10: Keep it professional. Don’t put your family home, safety, or finances at risk. A

licensed, insured professional can help you through every step of the process, from kitchen

design and layout to final walk through.

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