Kitchen Remodeling
Clackamas Oregon
Need A Kitchen Makeover?
Homeowners invest a good deal more money on their kitchen remodeling projects than on just about every other home improvement project. One of the reasons is that kitchen remodeling has the tendency to have the highest return when compared to other areas in the house. However, it is important to take the correct steps and make wise choices if you are to maximize your return on investment.
How much time should you take to plan?
If you want to do it right, it might actually take longer to plan your kitchen remodel than the construction itself takes. In fact, the National Kitchen and Bath Association advises spending at least six months planning so you are absolutely sure about every little thing by the time the remodeling starts. This way, you won’t have the problem of discovering new things along the way that you want to add that could affect the construction process.
Proper preparation will also ensure that you are inconvenienced for a limited length of time during construction. It will also help you stay on budget and even save a good amount of money. Keep in mind that disrupting the construction process will likely increase construction costs and have a negative impact your return on investment.
Avoid structural changes if possible
One sure fire way to increase your remodeling costs is to change the location of your plumbing pipes, electrical outlets or knocking down walls. These often lead to unexpected problems, so if at all possible, try to leave the appliances, water fixtures and walls where they currently are. You will not only save money on demolition and reconstruction costs, but you will also cut the amount of debris you will have to deal with during your project.
Make the best decisions for the long term
A word of warning, you really should place emphasis on the overall efficiency and design of your kitchen as opposed to getting too hung up on kitchen tools and appliances. The luxury brand refrigerator may seem like a need, but if it negatively impacts the budget and makes you cut corners that ultimately reduce your kitchens functionality then you will probably regret it. Experts recommend investing your money in features that are more long term and increase value, such as cabinets or new flooring.
Break out the measuring tape
You will likely add a small number of new features into your kitchen, but it is just as important to find out whether they will actually fit. You might want an huge refrigerator, but if it won’t fit through your front door then you will have to decide on a different model. To put it simply, don’t purchase any oversized items before you check to be sure they can get in the door. This will mean measuring your doors, counters, walkways as well as the ceiling height. You should always make sure that you have all of the materials and fixtures on hand before beginning any construction.
Clackamas Kitchen Remodeling
Make quality your top priority
While you clearly don’t want to blow you money on all sorts of unnecessary luxury kitchen items, you also don’t want to buy cheap items now that don’t last. What may seem like a bargain now might cost you more in time. The trick is to find that sweet spot between high quality and affordability. You also might want to focus on products with low maintenance requirements and long warranty periods. Countertops are a prime example of this. High quality countertops may may appear pricey at the outset, but many years from now when they still look beautiful you will likely consider it money well spent.
Be prepared
As with any venture such as this you have to be prepared for the unexpected. While taking a good amount of time to plan should minimize any unpleasant surprises, there’s no way to guarantee that everything will go according to plans. For example, it’s always a good idea to add a little leeway for the completion of your project. If you have to have it done in January, then it would be wise to plan to complete the project by November just in case.
Where do professionals come in?
Having professional help in Clackamas, Oregon during the preparation phases is a sure fire way to virtually guarantee the success of your kitchen remodeling project. Pros have a way of simplifying what would otherwise seem extremely complex. We can make you aware all the potential problems that you should avoid to save yourself a lot of money, and hassle as well. It is also vital to keep open lines of communication with your remodeling contractor. This ensures that you are always see eye-to-eye, and it will definitely makes easier for you stay on budget.
Are you planning a kitchen remodel for your Clackamas home? Steve’s Home Improvement is your perfect home remodeling partner. We are a team of professional home and kitchen remodeling contractors that will walk with you every step of the way and build the dream kitchen you want. Call us today at (503) 342-8234 today to arrange an appointment.
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