Plan Your Project
Establishing the depth of your renovation needs will help you narrow choices as you move through the remaining project planning steps.
Design Options
Your kitchen design choices affect the look of your home. Good design is scalable. If the level of investment is a concern, there are a number of ways to personalize while scaling back features and cost.
For example, choosing a less costly cabinet door style can still embody the look you’re striving for with thoughtful placement of details such as columns, glass doors, moldings, hardware, etc. Creative use of color and accent pieces to dress up the space will also make an impact on your vision.
If you are struggling with the design and/or planning of your kitchen project, consider hiring a design professional. They do these projects every day and can help with the hard choices.
Project Scope
Establishing specific parameters is crucial in the project plan, as you will need to decide between removing and replacing existing kitchen cabinetry or conducting a complete remodel that could alter the kitchen's layout.
Renovation projects typically fall into two categories: remove and replace or complete remodeling. A remove and replace project involves no major changes to the existing kitchen layout, focusing on swapping out old items for new ones, which may include flooring, countertops, cabinets, appliances, sinks, faucets, and lighting. In contrast, a remodel requires significant reconfiguration for better functionality, additional storage, new dining space, and updated electrical and plumbing systems, making it essential when your goals cannot be fulfilled within the existing space.
Budgeting
Kitchen remodeling can be a significant investment, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, and when executed properly, it yields long-lasting benefits. Costs typically include labor, mechanical updates, and new fixtures, so it’s wise to plan your budget accordingly. Many homeowners have a budget in mind, but allocating funds can be challenging due to the myriad of options that are available.
According to a national survey by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, homeowners working with a designer typically allocate their budget as follows: 48% for cabinetry, 18% for countertops, 15% for appliances, 6% for faucets and plumbing, 5% for electrical and lighting, 5% for flooring, and 3% for wall treatments and trim.
Product Selection
Once your design options, project scope, and budget are set, selecting products becomes easier. Knowing where to invest and where to save for the best return can be challenging, which is why consulting a design professional can be invaluable. With decades of experience in kitchen design, JD Kitchens Design Build Group is here to guide you through this unique process.
Cabinetry is one of the most impactful choices in both style and budget for your kitchen. Whether you choose our cabinets or another brand, it’s essential to consider available options and features, product warranties, and the manufacturer’s reputation. Ultimately, your selections should reflect both quality and your unique style, making your kitchen a lasting investment.
Professional Services
The final consideration in your planning is who will help you with your project. The service people you employ are actually the most critical in terms of project investment because kitchens are typically built from scratch on site from a set of blueprints and literally hundreds of parts and pieces from a wide variety of suppliers.
With so many suppliers and service people involved such as your designer, cabinet manufacturer, shipper, appliance distributor, countertop fabricator, contractor/installer, carpenter, plumber, electrician, etc., any number of errors can be made during the course of your kitchen project. Such errors can add stress, frustrating delays, or considerable dissatisfaction with the overall project.