If your kitchen is no longer fashionable or functional, but you still love your house, a kitchen remodel can transform your culinary space from frumpy to fabulous!
It’s amazing what new cabinets, granite countertops, fresh paint, and a new tile floor will do for your home, and your psyche. And since you’ve been dreaming of a renovation for a while, you probably have a lot of kitchen remodeling ideas. The team of professionals at Minnehaha Remodeling is here to help you think through how to turn those ideas into reality, beginning with sharing these 10 things to consider when remodeling your kitchen:
Leveling Your Floors: A Necessary Step for Installing Tile in Older Homes
If you have an older home with a linoleum or vinyl floor and want to replace it with tile, it may require an extra step of leveling the floor. New vinyl flooring can be installed over old linoleum, but a level floor is imperative for installing tile, so there may be a bit more work involved.
Ensuring Level Walls for a Successful Cabinet Installation
If you want to install new cabinets, level walls are critical for doing the job right. It’s something most people don’t think about. If you don’t want to worry about it, or incur extra cost, you can remodel your kitchen cabinets instead. A good contractor will be able to tell you if your walls are level, so you know before remodeling begins.
Meeting Plumbing and Electrical Code Requirements: The Impact on Your Remodeling Project
If you want to move electrical wiring or plumbing, it will be necessary to remove your existing cabinets and bring walls down to the studs. Once you do that, your contractor is required to meet code requirements that have changed over time. This will increase the cost of your project, so if it’s not in your budget, it’s best to leave things where they are.
Creating a Well-Lit Kitchen: How to Address Lighting Needs in Your Remodel
If you’ve been dreaming of a new kitchen for a while, you most likely are aware of what can be seen and unseen while cooking. Make a list of your lighting challenges, so your kitchen remodeler can help you determine what and where lighting should be installed.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Dealing with Asbestos in Older Homes during Remodeling
In addition to the items highlighted above, it’s important to note that asbestos was commonly used when older homes were built. If your home was built in the 70’s or earlier, asbestos is most likely present, and is typically found under flooring and on HVAC vents. Asbestos must be removed properly, so there will be an added cost, if necessary for laying tile in your kitchen or upgrading ventilation systems. Minnehaha Remodeling recently encountered asbestos under a client’s kitchen floor, and immediately dispatched a hazmat team to remove it so the new tile floor without much interruption to the remodeling schedule.
Selecting a Reliable Contractor for Your Kitchen Remodel: What to Look For
There are a lot of kitchen remodeling contractors out there. Make sure they are licensed, bonded, and responsible for pulling all permits. If a contractor isn’t assuring you that they will pull the necessary permits, or is encouraging you to work around one, walk away.
It’s also important to make sure your contractor can accomplish your goals. Some have more skills, or access to them than others do. If you want custom doors and cabinets in your kitchen, ask if they have the ability or resources to build them.
Plan Ahead for Your Home Renovation: How Choosing Materials in Advance Can Help Stay on Budget
Shop in advance to determine what you like. There are many choices for sinks, cabinets, back splashes, flooring materials, windows, doors, appliances, and countertops. Knowing what you want will help your contractor put a more accurate estimate together, and you will be more likely to stick to your budget.
Preparing for Your Remodel: How Researching Materials and Designs Can Help You Stay on Budget
When it comes to a kitchen renovation, it’s good to be realistic and budget more than you think you will need because you never know what you’ll run into. We take on kitchen remodeling projects of all sizes, styles, and budgets, and residential kitchen remodeling with a personal touch is our specialty. We can help you find timeless materials that will shine within your kitchen remodel, adding new energy and vibrancy to your home.
Managing Your Expectations: Understanding the Timeline for a Kitchen Remodel
Plan on 4-8 weeks, depending on the time it takes for countertops, cabinets, and other ordered materials to arrive. Potential slowdowns caused by the unexpected are also possible. Be prepared to eat out, or wash dishes in the bathtub for a while. The good news is the result will be well worth it!
Bringing Your Culinary Dreams to Life: How a Kitchen Remodel Can Elevate Your Cooking Experience
A Minnehaha Remodeling client once described her new kitchen as a new toy! A new kitchen serves up new energy and inspiration and may quickly become the hearth of your home.
With kitchen remodeling, it’s okay to dream big, and get estimates for making those dreams come true. And if it’s not possible to do it all within your budget, you can scale down from there. If you’re asking yourself, “How much does a kitchen remodel cost,” our designers and kitchen remodeling contractors would welcome the opportunity to meet with you. Together, you can determine what’s possible within your budget, with a goal of building something that is functional and fabulous!
