The kitchen is the heart of the home and where friends and family come together to make treasured memories. Once you’ve decided that the kitchen needs a remodel, you’ll probably wonder if there are things you should be thinking about before you begin.

A kitchen remodel is not only an opportunity to make your kitchen look better but also the ideal time to rethink functionality to make your kitchen work more effectively for you and your guests. Here are a few things to keep in mind before finalizing your plans.

 

Tips Before You Remodel

Choosing how you want your new kitchen to look, function, and feel can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned remodeling homeowner. Take some time to research to get a sense of what style you want your kitchen to have, how you want it laid out, and what materials you gravitate toward. Then, focus on the following considerations to help your remodel to go as smoothly as possible.

 

1. Aesthetics

When choosing tile, countertops, or paint colors, remember that if your kitchen is on the smaller side, lighter colors are best for creating the illusion of more space.

For countertops, there are more options now than ever before. The following types have varying levels of maintenance, durability, and aesthetic appeal, so you are sure to find something that will suit your needs.

 

2. Appliances

Think about what will serve your needs best when it comes to outfitting your remodeled kitchen with new appliances. Whether that’s multiple ovens, a refrigerator with an overlay designed to look like your cabinets or a restaurant-style oversized range, there are countless options available to take your appliance package to the next level.

 

3. Budget

Renovating a kitchen is more complex — and expensive — than most rooms. This is partly because kitchen remodels typically include electrical work, infrastructure concerns, window or door replacement, and new lighting, to name just a few. Thankfully, kitchen remodels can help you get a healthy return on your investment when it’s time to sell your home.

With any home renovation project, budget is one of the most important considerations because it will set the parameters for what you can do with your remodel. Having a realistic budget in mind will help you plan pragmatically and save you from future disappointment throughout the renovation process.

 

4. Island Function

A kitchen island is often a big draw for homebuyers. The question you should ask yourself before embarking on a kitchen remodel is how you want to use your island. Islands can be designed for food prep with a large usable surface and can even include a cooktop. It’s helpful to ask yourself how you prefer to use the counter space? If you don’t plan on having a table and chairs in your space, using your island may be more usable with stools and plenty of eating space. Other things to consider are prep sinks or beverage bar sinks as well as shelves or cabinets.

 

5. Storage

One of the most common complaints from homeowners is inadequate kitchen storage, which is especially aggravating if you’re an avid cook or baker. Remodeling your kitchen is the way to fix that and allows you to include all the space you need.

Depending on your kitchen’s layout, a few novel storage options include the following.

 

Shore Can Design-Build Your Dream Kitchen

One of the smartest things you can do for your kitchen remodel is to rely on the experienced team at Shore Builders. We are a design-build firm, so we handle everything in-house from your initial planning to construction, ensuring you are satisfied every step of the way. We can help you envision the kitchen of your dreams and then make it a reality. We are passionate about creating the spaces you’ll love to enjoy with the people who matter most to you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.