Getting your new dream kitchen can be a fun and exciting journey. However, many people are not often prepared for the emotional side of it. With the right preparation, you can help reduce the stress, and maximize your enjoyment of the project. There are common factors that determine whether clients have enjoyed the process, or at least found it rewarding at the end of the day. We would like to share these tips with you, so that if you are considering a kitchen remodel, you can set yourself up for success. Or at least avoid a nervous breakdown.
1) You can achieve your dream! However, mentally prepare yourself to first go through a nightmare. When this is explained, clients take this advice and they accept the bumps and turns in the road along the way and can laugh about it.
2) Have a clear vision of what you want. I’ve worked with clients who presented a certain vision of a certain style, say traditional, only to go to something contemporary – then back to traditional. Each revision takes time, the planning process drags on, and your intended completion date slips away very quickly. Bring pictures, measurements, everything you can to the first meeting with your designer.
3) Determine your finish selections early in the process. Find the right cabinet colour to go with your flooring, tile, and countertop selection
4) There are a million colour and finish combinations out there. As soon as you see that you are having trouble deciding upon a colour palette, have the designer you are working with help you select two. Then pick one and go with it. We have seen months go by on people’s projects because they couldn’t make a decision.
5) Allow enough time for the renovation. Your kitchen renovation will not be like you see it on HGTV where it is ripped apart one day and completed a couple of days later. You need to be aware that a kitchen remodel is an extensive undertaking. You can expect to wait two to three weeks for your countertop to be installed. And if you are having work done during peak times, you could be looking at an extra week. Build buffer time in for your trades. If your drywall trade tells you he needs two weeks, give him three. Be sure they are staggered well enough apart so that if a delay occurs, you are not caught in a time crunch.
6) While waiting for your countertop, you can temporarily install a sheet of plywood down and hook-up your old, or an inexpensive sink to tide you over
7) Hire professional contractors if time is tight, or the work is extensive. If walls, plumbing, and electrical need to moved, be sure to have them lined up.
These are just some of the tips available. If you have any more questions or need more advice, feel free to contact a store near you!
