I recently went through a kitchen renovation. With my binder in hand with all my plans and notes, I started the process of saying goodbye to the original kitchen that served me so well and hello to one that I could really make my own. 

In one of my previous posts I mentioned that renovating a kitchen is one really good way to improve your home’s property value. But there’s definitely things to keep in mind. Here are a few things I learned going through the process…

1) You can get great results even if you don’t change the existing layout. 

My kitchen was dark and dated. It was so 1980’s. Country style cabinets in honey oak, linoleum flooring, florescent lighting, aging tile counters and wall paper…well you get the picture. I had several contractors walk through the property and they all suggested big changes in the structure. 

Good ideas, but I had to ask myself, Do I really need such big changes? And all I could see were dollar signs floating by with each change suggested.

 Instead, I asked myself:  If I had to redo my kitchen, what would I have done differently from the previous owner’s remodel? Then, I matched these to my budget and moved from there. 

I made many updates (new cabinet doors, new counter tops, new wide plank water resistant floors, fresh paint) and added many small details (stainless steel wide sink, wide oil bronze handles for manly hands, etc.) and I love the results that I was able to achieve in the same footprint! Of course, there’s more details that can be done at a later time, such as lighting, crown moulding, and adding the skylight I’ve dreamed about for years. 

2) Make it beautiful, functional, and comfortable

There are so many options and what’s important to you will guide your decision. For example, door handles and knobs. My previous handles/knobs were pretty, but expensive and useless. No one used them because they were too small for their fingers. 

As a result, everyone used their hands to open drawers and cabinets by the edges and left wear and prints on them. My new handles had to not only be unique (I don’t like doing what everyone is doing), but they also had to feel comfortable enough for our hands to want to use them. I’m glad to report that everyone uses them now and that they really are so seamless!

3) You need a great team. 

How does one get a great team? Do your research. Ask around for names of contractors who have worked on kitchens that you like. In my case, I like shopping locally, so I went to the oldest kitchen remodeling place in my neighborhood, recommended by a friend who is a contractor. Why? I figured that if they have been around for as many years as they have, they must be doing something right, and they must have the right team. While this was mostly true, I was comforted by the selection I made and I was on site to make sure results were coming in as promised. 

4) Look at what’s trending, but don’t go overboard

It’s interesting how we tend to fall in love with the latest trends. Naturally, I wanted a kitchen to match all the lovely new kitchens I see on a regular basis. But it’s important to distinguish between what is trendy from what will be a good decision a few years from now in the event I ever need to refinance my house or sell (think appraisal). Resale value was always at the back of my mind. Questions I asked myself: Would a buyer like this choice? Is this change going to make my kitchen stand out positively in a buyer’s mind because it is not like all other kitchens? I’ve seen too many remodels by people for themselves and their tastes to know that it will make a difference when they sell. 

Ask the opinion of a trusted real estate professional or ask for help on blogs on sites like Houzz.com. I got so many helpful comments when I asked online for suggestions on colors and finishes. 

5) Decide what you’d like to have and what you must have. 

Early on, I stated I wanted a white porcelain farm sink. Then I became an expert on the pros and cons of ceramic vs porcelain, size of sinks, weight of sinks, soap dispensers and other options. When it was all said and done, I ended up with a quality stainless steel sink. Why? Because I was so set on a particular quartz counter that I really liked and it made a difference in the way the counter would be cut, not to mention the weight and cost. Additionally, I was able to see and touch the sink that I purchased while I wasn’t able to do that with the farm sink I had been wanting. 

6) Document Everything

I created a binder where I kept a brief journal of each day’s progress and conversations with those hired. I had tabs separating the different aspects of the job (counter, sink, flooring, etc). This came in handy when one contractor didn’t have his paperwork with him, I just pulled out my copy to show him what we had agreed upon. It also became a place to save receipts for tax records. 

7) Expect the Unexpected

Even when you have it all planned out, there will be things that won’t go accordingly. Why? Because you can’t see inside walls or floors until they are exposed. So plan ahead by making sure your budget allows for unforeseen items.  And speaking about cost overruns, I was surprised by the cost to just update a kitchen. Do a detailed cost analysis before you start anything.

8) Remodeling Takes Time 

Oh, and the fun part is having to live with your lack of a kitchen while the rest of your home is crowded with kitchen supplies. Woohoo! Somehow I forgot about that. It didn’t bother me, but it may impact your family when they can’t find the supplies they need or can’t wash dishes in the sink. So plan for this added stress and lots of barbecue dinners.

Today, I’m so happy with the results and glad we got through the renovation. I definitely learned a lot and why there’s people just dedicated to being kitchen consultants!

By Camelia V. Vera, DRE 01871575