The kitchen is often described as the heart of the home. When this room is lacking in one or more ways, family and friends may not want to gather. When a homeowner notices people are avoiding the kitchen, they may decide it is time to undertake a kitchen remodeling project.
Before doing so, they need to understand what remodeling in the kitchen entails. This process doesn’t happen overnight, as there are many steps involved. What should the homeowner expect as this process moves forward?
The Planning Stage
The planning stage of a kitchen remodeling project should take more time than the actual work. The homeowner should begin by making a list of everything they want in the kitchen. They can then add or eliminate items as the budget allows.
For some, this will be more storage. Another person, however, might want more seating, so friends and family have accommodations. Consider the flow of the kitchen when making this plan.
In addition, establish a timeline for the project. Most homeowners find this project takes weeks to months to complete. However, multiple factors influence the overall timeline, including material and contractor availability.
Lay the Groundwork
Determine who will do the work. Most people turn to a general contractor for help with this project. However, a homeowner may wish to do the entire project on their own or complete some of the tasks while leaving others to the general contractor. If the homeowner will be doing the work, the project may take longer.
Building permits must be obtained, and the homeowner needs to figure out how meals will be prepared while the kitchen is being renovated. In addition, a contractor must be selected. Finally, a person must consider how the project will affect their daily life. For example, a person who normally works at home may need to find another place to carry out their work duties during the remodeling project.
Demolition of the Existing Kitchen
The contractor must remove the existing kitchen before beginning work on the new one. All utilities have to be turned off before this part of the project begins and they may be off for a few hours or a few days. Many homeowners choose to take part in the demolition because they find it fun. However, they must ensure the contractor will allow them to do so before choosing who to hire.
Installing the New Kitchen
Many steps go into installing a new kitchen. The contractor will begin by framing the new space. Any plumbing and electrical work will be done at this time, and the homeowner might have a hard time envisioning the finished project. When this work is done, the contractor then moves to installing new walls and ceilings or finishing existing ones. They paint the walls at this time.
Once these are in place, the flooring is installed. The contractor then installs the cabinets and countertops. They finish the project by installing plumbing fixtures, appliances, a backsplash, and more.
The Inspection
The project isn’t complete until it has been inspected by the proper authorities. Many homeowners hold off on the final payment until this inspection is complete. This ensures the contractor fixes any problems found during this inspection.
Once the project is complete, the homeowner gets the pleasure of decorating the room and showing it off to family and friends. Entertaining becomes fun once again, as the kitchen is designed for gatherings. Plan the reveal as the work is being completed. This is one room a homeowner will want to show off every chance they get.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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