We’ve been working in the construction industry as custom cabinet builders for more than 25 years, so we understand how stressful remodeling can be, especially when it’s in a space you use all the time, like your kitchen. Many homeowners recognize that a remodel is a big undertaking, but most don’t realize just how stressful a remodel can be until they’re right in the middle of it! To combat this, we’ve rounded up some of our most useful advice that we hope will help you feel more confident — and less stressed — during your kitchen remodel.
- Set your budget (and include some wiggle room).
Kitchen remodels come in all different price ranges. Maybe you’re just painting and redoing the floor, or maybe you’re completely tearing out old cabinetry, countertops, and appliances to make room for upgrades. Whatever you’re doing, make sure you have a realistic budget in place.
Before your remodel begins, make sure you know what you want! Make a list and separate your must-haves from your nice-to-haves, and then budget accordingly. It’s easy to get remodel happy. In fact, “Can we add…?” is said far too often mid-remodel. So know what you’re looking for in your remodel, and then set a budget that reflects that. When you do set your budget, however, do so with room for an unplanned addition or swap (because there’s always at least one!).
- Know your timeline (then add more time to it).
Things happen, and even if your contractor tells you things will be done by a certain date, that doesn’t mean it will be. Sometimes remodels get done later than expected. This is especially true when you have multiple things going on, like painting, floor installation, cabinet installation, appliance delivery, and more. It’s not because your contractor is trying to mislead you, as it’s often due to things out of their control, like ordered materials arriving late.
While it can be frustrating when a job takes longer than planned, know that a good contractor wants to do a good job for you and will try their hardest to have things done by their original date. If not, though, they should keep you updated every step along the way. It’s also important to keep in mind that even if things take an extra week, it’s worth it to know everything was done how you hoped it would be, and done right.
- Prepare for change.
Changes are a totally normal part of any kitchen remodel. If the changes aren’t because of your contractor or your supplier, they’ll be because of you — that’s just how these things tend to go.
As you see things begin to move around in your kitchen during the remodel, you may find yourself wishing you had asked for something different. This means that timelines, materials, and lists of must-haves and nice-to-haves may change. While this can be stressful, when you’re prepared for it (or even expecting it), it can make the sudden switches easier to handle.
- Make other plans.
If your home is like most, your kitchen is a busy spot! Cooking, baking, cleaning, homework, chores, games, and so much more take place in this one room. When you’re in the middle of a remodel, you lose the spot where your family usually spends so much time. Then what should you do? Our best advice is to make other plans.
When you know you’re going to be without a functional kitchen for weeks or months at a time, you have to think ahead. The biggest concern is always, “What will we do for food?!” Even if your kitchen is in shambles, you can still cook at home and eat regular meals — you just have to get creative.
- Get excited!
Many homeowners spend years dreaming about and saving for their kitchen remodel, and rightly so — it’s a big deal! Though a kitchen remodel can be stressful and overwhelming, and you may find yourself wondering what you got yourself into for a while, the end results will be something you love and can enjoy for years to come. As things progress, remember that the stress and mess are only temporary. Take in every part of the renovation process from beginning to end, and get excited about the transformation. The big reveal will be here before you know it!
Take Your Kitchen to the Next Level with Custom Cabinetry
If you’re going all in with a kitchen remodel, don’t forget your cabinets! They’re the biggest part of your kitchen, and their appearance and functionality will have a big impact on your space. From the exact color you want to the pantry tower you need, we can help you customize your kitchen even more.
Our team has been building and installing custom kitchen cabinets in Perry, NY for more than 25 years. We’ve served hundreds of happy homeowners, and we’d love to help you bring your kitchen vision to life. To learn more, or to schedule a free estimate, contact our team today!
